If you’re looking for a bright, tangy treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this Lemon Cake Balls Recipe is a total game-changer. These little bites balance the zesty freshness of lemon cake with the creamy smoothness of cream cheese, all wrapped in a sweet vanilla chocolate shell sparkled with cheerful yellow sprinkles. They’re perfect for parties, a special snack, or any time you want to bring a little sunshine into your day with a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the tangy softness of cream cheese to the sweet, smooth vanilla coating, these ingredients come together beautifully to make sure every bite is irresistible.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds a rich, creamy texture that binds the cake mix into soft dough.
- Lemon Cake Mix (15.25 oz box): Provides that bright, citrusy flavor and cake base.
- Vanilla Melting Wafers (10 oz): Creates the smooth, sweet coating that hardens with a gentle snap.
- Yellow Nonpareil Sprinkles: Adds a festive, crunchy crunch that looks cheerful and fun.
How to Make Lemon Cake Balls Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Cake Mix
Start by spreading the dry lemon cake mix powder onto a baking sheet lined with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Pop it into a 350°F oven for just 5 minutes to bake the flour slightly. This important step eliminates any potential bacteria, making the raw cake mix safe to eat once combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
While the cake mix cools, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. This ensures the dough will be perfectly moist and easy to work with.
Step 3: Combine Cake Mix and Cream Cheese
Once the cake mix has cooled completely, mix it into the cream cheese. Beat everything together until the mixture forms a soft but firm dough that you can roll into balls without it sticking all over your hands.
Step 4: Form the Cake Balls
Line another baking sheet and use a medium cookie scoop to portion out dough. Roll each scoop gently between your palms to create smooth, round balls. Place each formed ball on your lined baking sheet for chilling.
Step 5: Chill the Cake Balls
Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 2 hours. This chilling step is key to helping them hold their shape when dipped and preventing the coating from cracking later on.
Step 6: Melt the Vanilla Coating
Melt the vanilla melting wafers in the microwave in short bursts, stirring after each to make sure the coating is beautifully smooth and creamy for dipping.
Step 7: Dip and Decorate
Dip each chilled cake ball into the melted coating using a fork. Gently tap off any excess so the coating is even and not too thick. Place them back on the baking sheet, drizzle with extra melted coating if desired, and quickly top with yellow nonpareil sprinkles for a sunny finish.
Step 8: Set and Chill
Allow the coated cake balls to fully set at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to speed things up. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve, making sure these delightful treats stay fresh and firm.
How to Serve Lemon Cake Balls Recipe
Garnishes
While the yellow nonpareil sprinkles add a colorful crunch, feel free to get creative with lemon zest, edible flowers, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the presentation and intensify the lemon flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Lemon cake balls shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a cup of bright herbal tea, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast that highlights their citrus zing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your lemon cake balls on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant display or serve them individually in tiny cupcake liners. You can even skewer them on colorful sticks for a playful, pop-inspired party treat that’s easy to grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake balls in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any moisture. They will keep their best texture and flavor refrigerated for up to one week, perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze them once the coating has fully set. Place them in a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to six weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them slowly in the fridge overnight to preserve their texture and flavor.
Reheating
These cake balls are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the coating unevenly. Instead, let them sit out briefly to soften slightly before indulging.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for this Lemon Cake Balls Recipe?
Absolutely! While lemon brings a fresh tartness, you can experiment with vanilla, chocolate, or even funfetti cake mixes to create your own unique cake balls.
Do I have to refrigerate the cake balls before dipping?
Yes, chilling the cake balls for at least 2 hours is crucial. It helps them firm up so they don’t fall apart when dipped into the melted coating.
What can I use if I don’t have vanilla melting wafers?
Vanilla melting wafers work great, but you can also use almond bark or white chocolate chips melted carefully to coat the cake balls with a smooth finish.
Can I make these cake balls ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! They store well in the fridge and freeze well, making them perfect for prepping in advance. Just be sure to keep them chilled until serving for the best texture.
How do I prevent the coating from cracking?
Keeping the cake balls chilled before coating and avoiding room temperature storage helps prevent the coating from expanding and cracking over time.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cake Balls Recipe is a bright burst of flavor wrapped in creamy sweetness and a crisp coating that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re new to cake balls or a seasoned pro, these zesty treats are guaranteed crowd-pleasers that bring smiles with every bite. So grab your ingredients and dive into this joyful adventure of baking and snacking you’ll want to repeat again and again.
Print
Lemon Cake Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling and baking times)
- Yield: 24 cake balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Lemon Cake Balls featuring a creamy cream cheese and lemon cake mix dough, coated in smooth vanilla melting wafers and decorated with bright yellow nonpareil sprinkles. Perfect bite-sized treats with a refreshing lemon flavor and a fun, festive look.
Ingredients
Cake Ball Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
- 15.25 oz box lemon cake mix
Coating & Decoration
- 10 oz vanilla melting wafers
- Yellow nonpareil sprinkles
Instructions
- Heat Cake Mix: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the lemon cake mix powder onto a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Bake for 5 minutes to heat-treat the raw flour, eliminating any bacteria. Allow the cake mix to cool completely before using.
- Prepare Cake Ball Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the cooled cake mix powder and continue beating until the mixture forms a soft, dough-like consistency.
- Form Cake Balls: Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scoop, portion the dough and gently roll each portion into balls with your hands. Place the formed cake balls on the lined baking sheet.
- Chill Cake Balls: Refrigerate the cake balls on the baking sheet for 2 hours. This chilling step helps the cake balls retain their shape and makes them easier to dip.
- Melt Coating: Melt the vanilla melting wafers in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until completely smooth and melted.
- Dip Cake Balls: Using a fork, dip each chilled cake ball into the melted wafers. Tap off any excess coating gently on the edge of the bowl, and place the dipped balls back onto the lined baking sheet.
- Decorate: Pour any leftover melted wafers into a piping bag or ziplock bag and snip off a small corner to drizzle over the dipped cake balls. Immediately sprinkle yellow nonpareil sprinkles on top while the coating is still wet.
- Set and Chill: Allow the coating on the cake balls to set completely at room temperature, or place them in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to speed up the setting process.
- Store: Keep the lemon cake balls refrigerated until serving to maintain their shape and freshness.
Notes
- Store cake balls in an airtight container lined with a paper towel in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Avoid leaving cake balls at room temperature as the dough can expand and crack the coating.
- Once coated, cake balls can be frozen in a zipped freezer bag for up to 6 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Variations include swapping the lemon cake mix for other cake flavors, adding freeze-dried berries to the dough, or replacing vanilla melting wafers with almond bark.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour of chilling and dough preparation time)
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (to heat treat the cake mix)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
