No-bake carrot cake balls are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the classic flavors of carrot cake with the convenience of bite-sized treats. These sweet and creamy cake balls are made with a simple combination of carrot cake mix, cream cheese, and chopped walnuts, which are then coated in a layer of colorful candy melts.
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If you're a fan of carrot cake, you'll love these delicious and easy-to-make no-bake carrot cake balls.
Perfect for a quick and satisfying dessert or a sweet treat to share with friends and family, these cake balls are made with a combination of carrot cake mix, cream cheese, walnuts, and candy melts.
The recipe requires no baking, making it a great option for those who don't have access to an oven or simply want to save time. With a moist and flavorful carrot cake center and a crunchy candy coating, these cake balls are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Plus, they can be easily customized with your favorite toppings and decorations, making them a fun and versatile dessert option.
So let's get started and make some delicious no-bake carrot cake balls!
Jump to:
- What Are Cake Balls?
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What You’ll Need To Make Carrot Cake Balls
- Step-By-Step Instructions
- Want To Make As Cake Pops Instead?
- Tips & Tricks For Making The Best Carrot Cake Balls
- Serving Suggestions And Substitutions
- How To Store Leftovers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Tools And Equipment For This Recipe
- 📖 Recipe
What Are Cake Balls?
Cake balls, also known as cake pops or truffles, are small round treats that are usually made of crumbled pre-cooked cake that's been mixed with icing or frosting and then rolled into balls.
They are usually dipped in melted chocolate or other coatings and can be decorated with various toppings such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, candy pieces, etc.
This quick and easy no-bake recipe is a delicious twist on the classic cake ball. It uses a combination of cream cheese and heat-treated cake mix to make the dough instead of needing pre-baked cake.
This recipe is for rainbow cake balls, but you can easily turn these cake balls into rainbow cake pops if you prefer. Keep reading below for instructions to convert your cake balls into cake pops.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you're looking for a quick and easy dessert that's bursting with flavor, try making these no-bake carrot cake balls.
Made with carrot cake mix, cream cheese, walnuts, and candy melts, these bite-sized treats are sure to become a favorite.
Here are a few reasons why I think you'll love this recipe:
- There is no baking required, so they're quick and easy to make.
- These delicious carrot cake balls are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- They can be customized with your favorite toppings and decorations.Topped with cute little carrots, they make a great treat for Easter!
- The combination of carrot cake mix and cream cheese creates a rich, moist, and flavorful center that's hard to resist!
What You’ll Need To Make Carrot Cake Balls
Carrot cake mix: This provides the main flavor and texture of the cake balls. Any brand of carrot cake mix will work for this recipe.
Cream cheese: This helps to bind the cake mix together and gives it a rich, creamy flavor. You can use regular or low-fat cream cheese depending on your preference.
Chopped walnuts: This adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake balls. You can substitute other types of nuts such as pecans or almonds if you prefer.
Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers: This is used to coat the cake balls and give them a smooth, creamy texture. You can substitute any other brand of vanilla melting wafers or white chocolate chips.
Wilton's orange candy melts: This is used to decorate the cake balls and give them a festive look. You can substitute any other color of candy melts or use colored sprinkles instead.
Wilton's green candy melts: This is also used to decorate the cake balls and give them a fun, colorful appearance. The green candy melts make up the leafy top of the carrot decoration. Again, you can substitute any other color of candy melts or use colored sprinkles instead.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Get ready to indulge in a sweet and scrumptious dessert with these easy-to-make no-bake carrot cake balls. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these cake balls are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the hassle of baking.
Follow these step-by-step instructions and treat yourself to a delicious snack in no time!
Step 1: You will need to heat treat the cake mix before you begin to kill any bacteria. To do this, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spread the cake mix onto the parchment paper, and bake for 5-10 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the carrot cake mix to the cream cheese. Use a spoon or an electric mixer to blend the ingredients together until the mixture has formed a smooth dough.
Step 4: Add the chopped walnuts and fold them through the dough until they’re evenly incorporated.
Step 5: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Move the balls to the refrigerator and allow to chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 6: Melt the Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers according to the package instructions. Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it's fully coated. Use a fork to remove the cake ball from the chocolate and tap off any excess chocolate.
Step 7: Place the chocolate-coated cake balls back onto the baking sheet and allow them to set at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
Step 8: Melt the Wilton's orange and green candy melts and transfer them to two small piping bags or zip-top plastic bags. Snip the corner off and use the melted candy to decorate the cake balls by piping carrot shapes on the balls.
Step 9: Place the decorated cake balls back onto the baking sheet and allow them to set at room temperature for another 5-10 minutes.
Step 10: Serve the cake balls immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Want To Make As Cake Pops Instead?
If you want to take your no-bake carrot cake balls to the next level, you can easily turn them into cake pops by adding lollipop sticks. Cake pops are perfect for parties or as a fun and whimsical treat for kids.
To turn your cake balls into cake pops, you'll need to add lollipop sticks. Before dipping your cake balls into the melted chocolate, insert a lollipop stick into the center of each ball, about halfway through. You can use any type of lollipop stick you like, but make sure it's sturdy enough to hold the weight of the cake ball.
Once you've inserted the lollipop sticks, proceed with the recipe as normal, dipping the cake balls into the melted chocolate and decorating them with the candy melts. After decorating, place the cake pops onto a baking sheet or stand, and allow them to set at room temperature until the chocolate is fully hardened.
Cake pops are a great way to add some fun and creativity to your dessert table. You can even personalize them by using different colors of candy melts or sprinkles to match the theme of your party or event. With a little bit of creativity and some basic baking skills, you can transform your no-bake carrot cake balls into adorable and delicious cake pops that everyone will love!
Tips & Tricks For Making The Best Carrot Cake Balls
Looking to make the best no-bake carrot cake balls possible? With a few tips and tricks, you can take your recipe to the next level and create an irresistible treat that everyone will love.
Here are some tips to help you make the best carrot cake balls:
Use quality ingredients: To make the best carrot cake balls, it's important to use quality ingredients, such as a high-quality cake mix, fresh cream cheese, and premium chocolate. These ingredients will make a big difference in the taste and texture of your cake balls.
Chill the mixture before rolling: To make it easier to shape the cake balls, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will also help the cake balls hold their shape when dipped in chocolate.
Don't overwork the mixture: When combining the cake mix, cream cheese, and walnuts, be careful not to overwork the mixture. Overmixing can cause the mixture to become too soft and difficult to shape into balls.
Use a toothpick to help dip the cake balls: To make it easier to dip the cake balls in chocolate, insert a toothpick into the center of each ball before dipping. This will give you a handle to hold onto while dipping and decorating.
Add a little oil to the chocolate: To make the chocolate coating smooth and shiny, add a small amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil to the melted chocolate before dipping. This will also help the chocolate set up faster and give it a nice snap when you bite into the cake balls.
By following these tips, you'll be able to make the best no-bake carrot cake balls ever. So go ahead and give it a try!
Serving Suggestions And Substitutions
No-bake carrot cake balls are a fun and delicious treat that are perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to help you enjoy them:
Party platter: Arrange the cake balls on a platter and serve them as a fun and festive party treat.
Gift basket: Package the cake balls in a gift basket or box and give them as a sweet and thoughtful gift.
Afternoon snack: Enjoy the cake balls with a cup of tea or coffee as a satisfying afternoon snack.
Dessert table: Add the cake balls to a dessert table for a fun and whimsical addition to your spread.
Now, if you're looking to make some substitutions to the recipe, here are some ideas:
Carrot cake mix: If you don't have carrot cake mix, you can use yellow cake mix and add shredded carrots, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the mix.
Cream cheese: If you don't have cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone or ricotta cheese.
Walnuts: If you don't have walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds.
Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers: If you can't find Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers, you can use any other brand of white chocolate or vanilla-flavored candy melts.
Candy melts: If you want to use different colors of candy melts, feel free to use your favorite colors or match them to a specific theme or occasion.
By making these substitutions, you can customize the recipe to your liking and still end up with a delicious and satisfying treat.
How To Store Leftovers
To store leftover carrot cake balls, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days. If you need to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
To freeze the cake balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about 30 minutes. Once they're frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag and return them to the freezer.
When you're ready to enjoy the cake balls, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bring them to room temperature before serving. This will ensure that they maintain their texture and flavor.
It's important to note that the chocolate coating may become slightly discolored or lose its shine after being refrigerated or frozen, but this won't affect the taste or quality of the cake balls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make these cake balls in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Yes, you can use any type of cake mix you prefer. If you don't have carrot cake mix, you can use yellow cake mix and add shredded carrots, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the mix.
Yes, you can use any type of nuts you prefer, such as pecans or almonds.
Yes, you can use any type of chocolate or candy melts you prefer. If you don't have Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers, you can use any other brand of white chocolate or vanilla-flavored candy melts. You can also use different colors of candy melts to match a specific theme or occasion.
Tools And Equipment For This Recipe
Glass Mixing Bowls: These glass mixing bowls are super versatile. You can use them for mixing, storing, and serving.
KitchenAid Hand Mixer: This hand mixer is my go-to for mixing everything from cake mix to cheese balls. It's powerful, easy to use, and easy to clean.
Baking Tray: This non-stick baking tray is perfect for laying out your dipped cake balls to set. It's also great for making cookies or other baked goods.
📖 Recipe
No-Bake Carrot Cake Balls
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces carrot cake mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup walnuts finely chopped
- 10 ounces Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers
- ½ cup Wilton’s orange candy melts
- ½ cup Wilton’s green candy melts
Instructions
- You will need to heat treat the cake mix before you begin to kill any bacteria. To do this, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spread the cake mix onto the parchment paper, and bake for 5-10 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Add the carrot cake mix to the cream cheese. Use a spoon or an electric mixer to blend the ingredients together until the mixture has formed a smooth dough.
- Add the chopped walnuts and fold them through the dough until they’re evenly incorporated.
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Move the balls to the refrigerator and allow to chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Melt the Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers according to the package instructions. Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it's fully coated. Use a fork to remove the cake ball from the chocolate and tap off any excess chocolate.
- Place the chocolate-coated cake balls back onto the baking sheet and allow them to set at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
- Melt the Wilton's orange and green candy melts and transfer them to two small piping bags or zip-top plastic bags. Snip the corner off and use the melted candy to decorate the cake balls by piping carrot shapes on the balls.
- Place the decorated cake balls back onto the baking sheet and allow them to set at room temperature for another 5-10 minutes.
- Serve the cake balls immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
* Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content may vary based on brands of ingredients used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
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