There’s something undeniably delightful about Red Velvet Truffles. When I first made these, I was captivated by their rich, velvety texture and striking color. They blend the classic flavor of red velvet cake with a sweet white chocolate coating that can elevate any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just want to treat yourself, these truffles bring both flair and taste to the table. Best of all, they’re surprisingly straightforward to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and steps.
What truly makes these treats special is their balance of flavors. The tangy cream cheese centers harmonize brilliantly with the sweet white chocolate exterior, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, they look fantastic with colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for parties or as gifts for loved ones. These truffles are a definite crowd-pleaser and can be enjoyed by both red velvet aficionados and newcomers.
Why you’ll love these truffles
- Quick to prepare with minimal clean-up.
- A delicious way to use boxed cake mix.
- Impressive presentation without complicated techniques.
- Make ahead and store for later enjoyment.
- Versatile for any celebration or casual snack.
“These truffles are rich, creamy, and a hit at every party!”
Step-by-step overview
Making Red Velvet Truffles begins with preparing a red velvet cake mix according to the package instructions, then mixing the cooled cake crumbs with softened cream cheese. Roll the mixture into small balls, freeze them to firm up, and dip them in melted white chocolate. Finish with sprinkles for a festive touch!
What you’ll need
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Red velvet cake mix: Any boxed cake mix will work, but the signature flavor of red velvet shines best.
- Cream cheese: If you prefer a lighter option, use mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- White chocolate chips: Substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Vegetable oil: Can be swapped with coconut oil for a hint of added coconut flavor.
How to make it
These truffles are easy to make, and with just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious treat ready to impress!
Prepare the cake: Follow the instructions on the box for the red velvet cake mix. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
Mix: In a large bowl, crumble the cooled cake and mix in the softened cream cheese until well combined.
Form balls: Scoop out small portions of the cake mixture and roll them into balls, placing each one on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Freeze: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes, allowing the cake balls to firm up.
Melt chocolate: While the cake balls are freezing, melt the white chocolate chips with the vegetable oil in a microwave or double boiler, stirring until smooth.
Dip: Remove the cake balls from the freezer and dip each one into the melted white chocolate, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Decorate: Return the coated cake balls to the parchment paper and before the chocolate sets, sprinkle them with your choice of sprinkles.
Chill: Allow the truffles to chill until the white chocolate hardens. Enjoy your Red Velvet Truffles!
Helpful cooking tips
- Use softened cream cheese: For easier mixing, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature.
- Chill the truffles thoroughly: This helps the chocolate coating set properly without losing shape.
- Incorporate flavor: Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for added depth.
- Consistent sizes: Use a small cookie scoop for uniformly sized truffles; they’ll cook evenly and look more professional.
- Melt chocolate gradually: Take care to melt the chocolate slowly to avoid burning, stirring often for an even melt.
Best ways to enjoy it
These stunning Red Velvet Truffles can be served in a variety of ways. Arrange them on a decorative plate for a charming dessert display, or place them in small treat bags for party favors. Pair them with a glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a fruity dessert wine for a delightful combination.
Storage & reheating tips
Store your truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a week. If you want to prolong their shelf life, you can freeze them for several months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
How to fix common issues
- Dry truffles: If your truffles are too dry, add a bit more softened cream cheese until the texture improves.
- Soggy coating: If the chocolate coating doesn’t set, ensure the truffles are properly chilled before dipping.
- Chipped chocolate: If your white chocolate becomes grainy, it may have overheated. Avoid overheating by using the microwave in short bursts or the double boiler method.
Recipe variations
Feel free to customize your Red Velvet Truffles! You can incorporate crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or different types of sprinkles. For a gourmet touch, consider swirling some raspberry purée into the cream cheese filling for a fruity enhancement. Another delightful option is to roll them in crushed cookies or coconut flakes for an extra crunch.
Common questions
Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade red velvet cake recipe, feel free to use it. Just ensure that it cools completely before mixing with the cream cheese.
How do I get perfect round truffles?
Rolling the mixture in your hands will help achieve a perfect round shape. You can also lightly wet your hands with a little water to help prevent sticking during this process.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, using dark chocolate can provide a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the cream cheese filling and will add a new flavor profile to your truffles.
How long do these truffles last?
When stored correctly in the refrigerator, Red Velvet Truffles can last up to a week. Freezing them extends their freshness for several months.
Can I make these truffles ahead of time for an event?
Definitely! They can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them a convenient option for prepping for events or special occasions.
Red Velvet Truffles
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the cake by following the instructions on the box for the red velvet cake mix. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a large bowl, crumble the cooled cake and mix in the softened cream cheese until well combined.
- Scoop out small portions of the cake mixture and roll them into balls, placing each one on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes, allowing the cake balls to firm up.
- While the cake balls are freezing, melt the white chocolate chips with the vegetable oil in a microwave or double boiler, stirring until smooth.
- Remove the cake balls from the freezer and dip each one into the melted white chocolate, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Return the coated cake balls to the parchment paper and before the chocolate sets, sprinkle them with your choice of sprinkles.
- Allow the truffles to chill until the white chocolate hardens. Enjoy your Red Velvet Truffles!