These delightful treats combine rich cocoa, silky cream cheese frosting, and a luscious chocolate coating into perfectly bite-sized sweets.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a sweet, thoughtful treat: Red Velvet Cake Pops made with tender red velvet cake, creamy frosting, and a rich chocolate coating. These dark chocolate-dipped cake pops are indulgent and elegant, thanks to an easy chocolate satin glaze that creates a smooth, glossy finish.

I’ve made red velvet cake balls for years. The first time my brother tried one he proclaimed, “These are little balls of joy and happiness,” and I couldn’t agree more. They’re fun to serve as pops for parties, package up as gifts, or enjoy as plain cake balls. Top them with a drizzle of chocolate and your favorite holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.

Ready to get baking?

Ingredients to Gather

• 1 (15.25 oz) red velvet cake mix (any brand or use a homemade two-layer red velvet cake)
• 1–1⅓ cups cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 (10 oz) white vanilla flavored melting wafers
• 1 (10 oz) dark chocolate flavored melting wafers (for drizzling)
• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Holiday sprinkles and sticks (optional)

How to Make Red Velvet Cake Balls

1. Bake the cake according to package directions (or your favorite homemade recipe). Allow it to cool completely.

2. Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl until it becomes fine crumbs. This is easier and more satisfying if you break it up with your hands or a pastry blender.

TIP: If you use your hands, consider gloves to avoid stained fingers, or use a pastry blender to crumble.

3. Place 1 cup of the cream cheese frosting in a microwave-safe bowl and warm on medium for about 30 seconds until pourable. Add the warmed frosting to the cake crumbs and combine with a spoon or mixer. Let the mixture rest a few minutes so the crumbs can absorb the frosting, then add more frosting a tablespoon at a time only if needed. The final texture should be smooth and workable but not wet.

How to easily form cake balls

Line a baking sheet with parchment. Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to portion the mixture, then roll each portion into a smooth 1-inch ball with lightly wet hands. Place the formed balls on the parchment-lined sheet and freeze for at least one hour.

Chocolate Satin Glaze and White Dipping Chocolate

I like two coatings: white vanilla melting wafers and a homemade chocolate satin glaze that yields a glossy, fudge-like shell. For the satin glaze, combine 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, 6 tablespoons butter, and 2 tablespoons light corn syrup in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 2 minutes, stir, and heat another minute if needed. Stir until smooth, then add ½ teaspoon vanilla and mix. Melt white wafers according to package directions, but wait to melt them until you’re ready to dip because they set quickly.

Dipping cake balls

If making cake pops, dip the tip of each stick in melted white wafers, insert into the frozen cake ball, and let the wafer set to secure the stick. Dip each pop into the melted coating, twirl to coat evenly, scrape the bottom against the bowl edge, and place on parchment to set. For cake balls, use a toothpick or fork to dip each ball.

TIP: Use a toothpick or fork to dip if you’re making cake balls instead of pops.

Add sprinkles immediately if desired while the coating is still wet. Once set, drizzle contrasting melted chocolate over the pops for decoration. When fully hardened, wrap individually with ribbon for gifting. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days or freeze for longer storage.

The chocolate satin glaze is what elevates this recipe: it forms a thick, truffle-like shell around the moist cake center for a memorable bite. One taste and you’ll see why these are so irresistible.

Favorite Valentine Treat Recipes

• White Chocolate Raspberry Milk Shake
• Cookies and Cream Valentine’s Day Popcorn Mix
• Strawberry Brownie Marshmallow Valentine Kabobs
• Cherries on a Cloud Valentine’s Fruit Dip
• Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Easy Strawberry Cobbler (inspiration credit noted)

Share a little love this Valentine’s Day with these easy, homemade treats. They make lovely gifts and party treats and are simple to prepare ahead of time.

Printable Recipe Card

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