Red Velvet Cheese Ball

Featured in Delicious Desserts.

This easy dessert cheese ball combines red velvet cake mix with cream cheese and butter for a party-perfect sweet dip. Rolled in mini chocolate chips and served with cookies, it's a fun twist on traditional red velvet cake that comes together in minutes.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:34:59 GMT
A round red velvet cheese ball coated in chocolate chips sits on a platter surrounded by crackers. Pin it
A round red velvet cheese ball coated in chocolate chips sits on a platter surrounded by crackers. | recipesim.com

The Dessert Cheese Ball That Stole The Show At My Holiday Party

I can't wait to share this showstopper with you. My red velvet cheese ball has become the talk of every party I bring it to. It's this gorgeously bright red ball of pure deliciousness that I serve with cookies and graham crackers. Trust me your guests will be asking for the recipe before the night ends.

What Makes It Special

Inside this beauty you'll find the most incredible mix of cream cheese and red velvet cake. I came up with this recipe when I wanted something different for my daughter's birthday and now it's the most requested dessert in my recipe box.

Your Shopping List

  • Ingredient: Get your cream cheese out early so it's super soft 8 ounces is perfect
  • Ingredient: One box of red velvet cake mix this is where the magic happens
  • Ingredient: A stick of butter nice and soft
  • Ingredient: Powdered sugar sifted to keep things smooth
  • Ingredient: Real vanilla extract makes such a difference
  • Ingredient: Just a tiny pinch of salt
  • Ingredient: Your favorite toppings I love mini chocolate chips

How to Put It Together

[Start With The Base]
Mix your softened cream cheese and butter until they're smooth and creamy. Make sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl.
[Mix In The Good Stuff]
Gradually add your cake mix and sugar. Take it slow here to avoid a powder cloud in your kitchen.
[Add Extra Flavor]
Pour in that vanilla and pinch of salt. Keep mixing until everything looks perfectly blended.
[Shape It Up]
Form your mixture into a ball and wrap it up. Pop it in the fridge for a couple hours until it firms up nicely.
A red velvet cake topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips, partially sliced, is surrounded by round crackers on a decorative plate. Pin it
A red velvet cake topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips, partially sliced, is surrounded by round crackers on a decorative plate. | recipesim.com

The Perfect Party Treat

This has saved me so many times when I need something special for a party. The bright red color looks stunning during the holidays but honestly I make it year round. It never fails to make people smile when they see it on the table.

What to Serve It With

My family loves dipping graham crackers in this but I usually put out a variety. Vanilla wafers work great and even fresh strawberries are amazing. The sweet and tangy combo just works with practically anything.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes my sister asks me to make it less sweet for her kids. You can totally play with the sugar amount. Start with less and taste as you go. That's the beauty of making things at home you can adjust everything.

Dressing It Up

The fun part is decorating this beauty. My kids love helping me roll it in sprinkles. For grown up parties I use chopped pecans or chocolate chips. You can match your toppings to any holiday or theme.

A red velvet cake ball, covered in white icing and chocolate chips, is partially sliced open and surrounded by beige cookies on a white plate. Pin it
A red velvet cake ball, covered in white icing and chocolate chips, is partially sliced open and surrounded by beige cookies on a white plate. | recipesim.com

Time Saving Tips

I usually make this the night before my parties. It actually gets better after hanging out in the fridge overnight. Such a lifesaver when you're busy getting everything else ready.

A Lighter Version

Sometimes I make this with light cream cheese when my friend who's watching her calories comes over. It works just fine just make sure it's really well softened before you start mixing.

Getting Ready to Serve

Take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before your guests arrive. It spreads so much better when it's not super cold. Plus all the flavors really come alive at room temperature.

Taking It To Go

This little gem travels like a dream. I wrap it really well and pop it in a plastic container. It's survived countless car rides to potlucks and family gatherings without a scratch.

A red velvet cake coated with cream cheese frosting and chocolate chips, served with round crackers on a white plate. Pin it
A red velvet cake coated with cream cheese frosting and chocolate chips, served with round crackers on a white plate. | recipesim.com

Creating a Dessert Board

I love setting this up as part of a bigger dessert spread. Some fresh fruit slices nearby add gorgeous color. Sometimes I'll put out a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel for extra indulgence.

Keeping It Fresh

If you somehow end up with leftovers they'll stay good in the fridge for several days. Just keep it wrapped up tight. Though honestly at my house it rarely lasts past day two.

Fun Flavor Twists

While red velvet is my go to I've played around with other cake mixes too. The funfetti version was a huge hit at my niece's birthday. Just have fun with it and see what combinations you love.

Fun for All Ages

This is one of those recipes that brings everyone to the kitchen. My little ones love helping roll it in sprinkles and my teenagers even ask to make it for their friends. It's become our favorite family project.

A red velvet cake ball covered in white frosting and chocolate sprinkles is displayed on a platter surrounded by round crackers. Pin it
A red velvet cake ball covered in white frosting and chocolate sprinkles is displayed on a platter surrounded by round crackers. | recipesim.com

Getting The Texture Right

Some days you might need to adjust the consistency a bit. If it feels too soft just sprinkle in more powdered sugar. Too firm? A splash of milk fixes that right up. Trust your instincts here.

Quick Fix Decorating

Running late? Don't stress about fancy decorations. A simple dusting of powdered sugar looks totally elegant. I've done this countless times when time was tight and it still looks gorgeous.

That Amazing Smell

My kitchen smells incredible when I'm making this. That hint of cocoa from the red velvet mix mixed with vanilla is absolutely divine. It's like a bakery moved into your house.

Why It's Always a Winner

I've made this cheese ball more times than I can count and it never disappoints. It's that perfect mix of impressive looking and super easy to make. Plus who doesn't love red velvet anything?

A red velvet cake shaped like a ball, topped with chocolate chips, is surrounded by decorative circular crackers. Pin it
A red velvet cake shaped like a ball, topped with chocolate chips, is surrounded by decorative circular crackers. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I need to heat treat the cake mix?

Heat treating kills any potential bacteria in the raw flour of the cake mix. This makes it safe to eat without fully baking into a cake. The process doesn't affect the flavor.

→ Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?

You can make this up to 3 days in advance. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Add the chocolate chip coating just before serving for best appearance.

→ What can I serve with this cheese ball?

Vanilla cookies and graham crackers work great for dipping. You could also try vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even pretzels for a sweet-salty combination.

→ How long does this cheese ball last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this cheese ball will last up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

→ Can I freeze this cheese ball?

While you can freeze this cheese ball for up to 1 month, the texture may change slightly when thawed. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag before freezing.

Conclusion

A delightful dessert cheese ball that captures the essence of red velvet cake in a fun, shareable format. Perfect for parties and gatherings, this no-bake treat is easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Red Velvet Cheese Ball

A sweet dessert dip that tastes like red velvet cake in cheese ball form. Coated in mini chocolate chips and perfect with cookies or graham crackers.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Delicious Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (1 cheese ball)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature.
02 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
03 1 box (15.25 ounces) red velvet cake mix, dry.
04 ½ cup powdered sugar.
05 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
06 ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
07 Vanilla cookies or graham crackers for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

Spread cake mix on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to kill bacteria. Cool completely.

Step 02

Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

Step 03

Mix in the cooled cake mix, powdered sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.

Step 04

Transfer mixture to plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Chill for 30 minutes until firm.

Step 05

Roll the chilled cheese ball in mini chocolate chips, using plastic wrap to help if needed.

Step 06

Place on serving plate with vanilla cookies or graham crackers for dipping.

Notes

  1. Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smooth mixing.
  2. Heat treating the cake mix is essential for food safety.
  3. Can be made ahead and refrigerated.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer with paddle attachment.
  • Baking sheet.
  • Plastic wrap.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Gluten.
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 225
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 2 g