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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.