Love Bug Cake Balls Recipe

Introduction

Love Bug Cake Balls are a delightful and charming treat, perfect for celebrations or a sweet surprise. These bite-sized confections combine rich chocolate cake with a smooth coating and festive sprinkles, making them irresistible for all ages.

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 10 oz red or pink chocolate melts
• 1/4 cup heart-shaped sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, then bake until fully cooked. Allow the cake to cool completely before handling.
3. Step 3: Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl. Mix in frosting gradually until the mixture is moist but not soggy enough to hold shape.
4. Step 4: Roll the cake mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for about an hour to firm up.
5. Step 5: Melt the chocolate melts following the package directions. Dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.
6. Step 6: While the coating is still wet, sprinkle the heart-shaped sprinkles on top. Let the cake balls set until the chocolate hardens completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use different colored chocolate melts to match various occasions or themes.
• If the cake mixture is too dry, add a little more frosting to help it bind better.
• For extra flavor, mix in a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract into the frosting before combining with the cake crumbs.
• Try rolling the cake balls in crushed nuts or shredded coconut before dipping for added texture.

Storage

Store cake balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. When ready to enjoy, allow refrigerated cake balls to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Avoid freezing as it may affect the coating’s texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of the box mix?

Yes, homemade chocolate cake works perfectly. Just ensure it’s fully cooled before crumbling and mixing with frosting.

What can I substitute for chocolate melts?

You can use candy coating or high-quality chocolate chips melted gently, but chocolate melts are designed to harden smoothly and give a nicer finish.

Love Bug Cake Balls Recipe

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Delightfully sweet and festive, Love Bug Cake Balls combine moist chocolate cake crumbled into bite-sized treats, coated in rich red or pink chocolate and decorated with charming heart-shaped sprinkles. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any celebration of love, these cake balls are easy to make and sure to impress.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cake balls 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Coating and Decoration:

• 10 oz red or pink chocolate melts
• 1/4 cup heart-shaped sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking pan to ensure the cake does not stick.
2. Bake the Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, combining the cake mix with eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely.
3. Crumble the Cake and Add Frosting: Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large mixing bowl. Add frosting (quantity not specified in original recipe, commonly about 1/2 cup) and mix until the texture is moist yet firm enough to hold shape without being soggy.
4. Form Cake Balls: Roll the cake mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Chill in the refrigerator for about one hour to firm up.
5. Melt the Chocolate Coating: Melt the red or pink chocolate melts according to the package instructions, typically using a microwave in short intervals or a double boiler method until smooth.
6. Dip and Decorate: Dip each chilled cake ball fully into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are completely coated. While the coating is still wet, sprinkle heart-shaped sprinkles on top for decoration.
7. Set and Serve: Place the dipped and decorated cake balls back on the lined baking sheet and allow the chocolate coating to harden completely before serving. This can be done at room temperature or faster in the refrigerator.

Notes

• Use store-bought frosting or homemade to bind the cake crumbs; typically about 1/2 cup works well.
• Ensure cake is completely cooled to avoid melting frosting in the mixture.
• Chilling the balls before dipping helps maintain their shape and prevents melting of chocolate.
• Red or pink chocolate melts add festive color; white chocolate with food coloring can be a substitute.
• Store cake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator; best consumed within 3-4 days.

Keywords: cake balls, chocolate cake, Valentine’s Day dessert, chocolate melts, cake pops, heart sprinkles