Festive Cake Ball Ornaments Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, festive treat that doubles as charming holiday decor, I’m excited to share this deliciously creative Festive Cake Ball Ornaments Recipe with you! These colorful, bite-sized cake balls shaped like ornaments are not only adorable but also melt-in-your-mouth delightful. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them every holiday season — plus, they’re a total hit whether you’re gifting them, decorating your table, or snacking throughout the party.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that iconic festive look with classic flavors. You’ll appreciate using red velvet cake for a vibrant base, then turning those cake crumbs into festive bites coated in candy melts with fun finishes. When shopping, pick good-quality candy melts, as they give the prettiest shine and smooth finish.

• Red velvet cake mix: This gives the cake balls their beautiful color and tasty foundation, plus it keeps things quick.
• Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: Softened for smooth mixing into your frosting – it helps bind the balls well.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the right consistency.
• Pure vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer to brighten all the sweetness.
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch to cut through the sugar and deepen the flavor.
• Frosted Cheerios: The secret to making those tiny ornament hooks – you’ll see why they’re perfect!
• Green, red, and white candy melts: These melt smoothly and snap to create a perfect candy shell coating.
• Sanding sugar: For a little sparkle and texture on your finished ornaments.
• Cooking spray: For greasing the cake pan and preventing sticking.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Festive Cake Ball Ornaments Recipe because it’s so versatile. You can easily customize colors, flavors, or decorative touches to fit your holiday vibe or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Flavor swaps: Try using a chocolate cake mix or spice cake for a different festive twist—I once made peppermint cake balls that were a huge hit!
• Dip colors: Feel free to replace candy melts with other colors (like metallic golds or silvers) to match your tree décor.
• Decoration extras: Add edible glitter, mini sprinkles, or crushed candy canes to the coating before it hardens for extra holiday flair.
• Dairy-free option: Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter substitutes to keep these festive balls inclusive for all friends.

How to Make Festive Cake Ball Ornaments Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Cake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 13” x 9” pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the box directions—this makes it super easy and foolproof. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The key here is not to overbake; you want a moist cake to ensure your cake balls won’t be dry. Let the cake cool completely before the next step, or you’ll risk melting your frosting later.

Step 2: Make Your Creamy Frosting Mix

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter using a handheld mixer at medium-high speed. I like to beat it for around 2-3 minutes until it turns light and fluffy — that extra fluffiness makes the cake balls so tender. Then add the confectioners’ sugar gradually, incorporating it smoothly. Lastly, stir in the pure vanilla extract and a pinch of kosher salt to balance the sweetness.

Step 3: Combine Cake Crumbs and Frosting

Once your cake is cool, crumble it finely into the frosting mixture. The crumbles should be pretty small so the balls can hold their shape well. Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together until it’s completely combined and holds together when pressed. Then, roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls—this recipe should make about 34. Arrange them on a baking sheet and pop them in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up. This chilling step is crucial: it helps the cake balls stay intact during dipping.

Step 4: Create Your Cereal Hooks

Here’s a little cupcake hack I discovered: those Frosted Cheerios make perfect tiny hooks for your ornaments. Place 34 cereal pieces flat on a baking sheet. Take one of the remaining pieces, hold it upright, and dip the bottom in some melted white candy melts—this acts like glue. Attach it to the center of a flat cereal piece and let it set. This way, you get adorable little hooks that can even be used for hanging light ornaments or as fun edible decorations!

Step 5: Dip and Decorate the Cake Balls

Divide your cake balls into thirds. Dip one-third into melted green candy melts, another third into melted red, and the last third into white candy melts, gently tapping off any excess coating. Don’t worry if the first coat looks a little thick—when the candy hardens, it’ll create a pretty smooth shell. While the coating is still wet, sprinkle some sanding sugar on a few for extra glittery effect. Return them to the baking sheet to completely set—this usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 6: Pipe Details and Add Hooks

Pour about three-quarters of your leftover white melted candy into a small resealable bag and snip a tiny corner to pipe on delicate designs. I love swirling little lines or polka dots to mimic ornament patterns, which make them look super professional and festive. Before the candy hardens, sprinkle a little more sanding sugar for extra sparkle. Dip the bottoms of your cereal hooks into the melted candy and attach them right on top of the cake balls—this way, your ornaments are complete and ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Festive Cake Ball Ornaments Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling sanding sugar on these balls for that frosty, glittery effect—it really elevates the ornament look. Sometimes, I add tiny edible pearl sprinkles or crushed candy cane pieces for a peppermint twist. Whatever garnish you choose, it adds charming sparkle and a little extra texture you and your guests will enjoy.

Side Dishes

These cake ball ornaments pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa or even a fresh pot of holiday tea. I often serve them alongside a cheese platter or spiced nuts at parties to balance the sweetness. They also make an excellent sweet ending after a cozy holiday meal.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve arranged these festive cake balls on a decorative platter shaped like a wreath, surrounded by fresh pine sprigs and cinnamon sticks. Sometimes, I even hang the cereal hooks on small branches of my Christmas tree for a playful edible decoration! Wrapping them individually in clear bags tied with ribbon also makes an adorable, thoughtful gift. Presentation really brings the festive magic alive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover festive cake ball ornaments in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness and firmness. They usually last well for up to 5 days this way. Keeping them chilled also helps prevent the candy coating from melting or becoming sticky.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these — I like to wrap each cake ball individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight to preserve their shape and flavor.

Reheating

No reheating needed here—these cake ball ornaments are perfect served chilled or at room temperature. Just take them out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving so they lose some chill but keep their delightful firmness and glossy candy shell.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Festive Cake Ball Ornaments Recipe brings the joy of the holidays into my kitchen—not just through taste, but with the fun of crafting these sweet little spheres. Whether you’re making them for family gatherings, gifting neighbors, or just spicing up your holiday dessert table, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself adding it to your festive traditions, just like I have!

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