Red Velvet Cake Balls: Valentine’s Day Cake Bites & Pops Recipe

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to show the people you love how much they mean to you. My husband and I usually keep things low-key, but we always try to make the day special for our kids. And I must admit, I love any excuse for a little extra pink in our house!

One of the sweetest ways to say “I love you” is with a homemade treat. These Red Velvet Cake Bites are perfect: easy to make, kid-friendly, and festive. You can prepare them while the kids are at school, or make them together and send them to class for classmates and teachers if homemade treats are allowed.

These cake bites don’t require advanced baking skills or decorating talent. They have a charming, rustic look and are especially adorable when finished with festive sprinkles.

How to Make Cake Bites with Other Flavors

While red velvet is perfect for Valentine’s Day because of its rich color, you can easily swap in any boxed cake mix you prefer. Chocolate, vanilla, lemon, or funfetti all work well — the recipe is flexible and lets you choose what your family loves or what’s available at the store.

What’s the difference between cake bites and cake pops?

The only real difference is the stick. To turn these cake bites into cake pops, press a lollipop stick into each chilled cake ball before dipping in candy coating. I find it simpler to dip without the stick and add a small pick afterward, but either method works and looks cute.

Can the Kids Help?

Yes — this is a great recipe to do with children. Adults should handle the oven and initial baking, but kids can help combine the cake and frosting, scoop and roll the balls, and decorate with candy melts and sprinkles. They may need some guidance for the first few, but they’ll catch on quickly.

What Supplies Do You Need to Make Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cake Bites?

To prepare these Valentine’s Day cake bites, you’ll need:

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Large spoon
• 1-inch cookie scoop
• Cake pan
• Parchment or wax paper
• Red candy melts (or other colors if using a different flavor)
• Valentine’s Day sprinkles
• Optional: small heart picks or lollipop sticks to make cake pops

Step by Step: How to Make Cake Balls

If you prefer to jump straight to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card. If you’d like visuals and tips, follow the steps below and use the accompanying photos as a guide.

1. Prepare and bake the boxed cake mix according to package directions. Allow the cake to cool completely.

2. Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Add both containers of cream cheese frosting and stir until the mixture is evenly combined and sticks together.

3. Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to portion the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Continue until all the mixture is used.

4. Chill the tray of cake balls in the refrigerator for at least two hours so they firm up.

5. When ready to decorate, melt the candy melts according to package instructions.

6. Place a chilled cake ball on a fork or dipping tool. Spoon the melted candy over the ball to coat it completely. Tap the fork lightly on the edge of the bowl to remove excess coating, then transfer the coated ball back to the lined tray. Immediately add sprinkles before the coating sets.

7. Once all cake balls are dipped and decorated, return them to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, until the coating is fully set.

Recipe Card