If you love the classic, rich flavor of red velvet cake but want to share it in a bite-sized, utterly indulgent form, you are going to adore this Red Velvet Truffles Recipe. These little gems combine tender red velvet cake crumbs with creamy, tangy cream cheese, dipped in silky white chocolate, making each truffle a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether for a party, holiday treat, or cozy night in, these truffles bring the warmth and joy of red velvet cake in an irresistible, elegant bite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Red Velvet Truffles Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few essential ingredients, each plays a special role in giving these truffles their distinct texture, color, and flavor. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.
- Red velvet cake mix: The foundation of flavor and that signature vibrant red color that makes these truffles unmistakably red velvet.
- Cake mix ingredients (water, oil, eggs): Essential for baking the cake to the perfect moistness and texture.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds a deliciously creamy and tangy richness that binds the cake crumbs into a smooth, moldable dough.
- Almond bark or white chocolate candy melts: Provides a sweet, velvety coating that encases each truffle and adds a satisfying snap.
- Festive sprinkles: A fun, colorful finishing touch that adds a bit of texture and whimsy to your truffles.
How to Make Red Velvet Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Red Velvet Cake
Start by preparing your red velvet cake exactly as the box directs. Bake it in a 9×13 pan for even thickness and the classic cake texture. Once baked, it’s important to let the cake cool completely so the next steps work perfectly and you don’t end up with a gummy mess.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Dough
After the cake has cooled, trim off the crispy outer edges—they can be too dry for the truffles’ creamy interior. Crumble the remaining cake into a large bowl, breaking it down into small, fine pieces. Then, add your softened cream cheese. Mixing with your hands is the best way to gently combine the cake crumbs and cream cheese into a smooth, pliable dough that’s ready to be shaped.
Step 3: Form the Truffle Balls
Using about 2 tablespoons of the cake dough per truffle, roll the mixture into evenly sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep everything neat. Pop them into the freezer for around 30 minutes until they’re firm enough to handle without falling apart during dipping.
Step 4: Melt the White Chocolate Coating
While your truffle centers are chilling, melt your almond bark or white chocolate candy melts in short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure a smooth, lump-free coating. This will give your truffles their beautiful, glossy outer layer.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate the Truffles
Carefully dip each frozen cake ball into the melted white chocolate. Tap off any excess gently so the coating is smooth and even. Place the dipped truffles back onto your parchment-lined sheet. Before the coating sets, sprinkle on festive sprinkles or drizzle with extra white chocolate or crushed cake crumbs for a decorative and tasty finish.
Step 6: Set the Coating
Return the coated truffles to the freezer for a few minutes or leave them at room temperature until the chocolate hardens completely. This step ensures a crisp shell with that perfect creamy cake inside.
How to Serve Red Velvet Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation is half the fun! Beyond the sprinkles, you can drizzle a bit of melted white or dark chocolate over the truffles for extra elegance. Crushed freeze-dried raspberries or edible glitter also make fantastic garnishes that add a pop of color and a slight tartness to balance the rich sweetness.
Side Dishes
While these truffles are wonderful on their own, consider pairing them with a cup of rich coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a warm cup of spiced tea. They also complement fruit platters or light desserts, providing a decadent contrast to milder flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box by arranging your truffles on a tiered dessert stand for parties or placing each truffle in decorative mini cupcake liners for gifting. You can create themed assortments by mixing in other flavored truffles or dipping some in dark chocolate to offer variety alongside your Red Velvet Truffles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These truffles keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure they are separated by parchment or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together and losing their perfect coating.
Freezing
You can freeze the Red Velvet Truffles for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with layers separated by parchment paper. Thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture before serving.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, avoid heating them in the microwave or oven. Instead, allow frozen truffles to slowly come to room temperature, which keeps the creamy center perfectly smooth and the coating intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a cake mix?
Absolutely! Homemade red velvet cake works wonderfully and allows you to customize flavors or ingredients. Just ensure the cake is moist and crumbly for the best truffle texture.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if allergic or vegan?
You could try using a vegan cream cheese alternative or a softened cashew cream to maintain that creamy richness. Keep the texture in mind, as it needs to bind the cake crumbs well.
Is it necessary to use almond bark or can I just use white chocolate?
You can use high-quality white chocolate instead of almond bark. Just melt it carefully to avoid burning, and consider tempering it for a glossy, crisp finish on your truffles.
How do I prevent the red velvet cake from being too dry for the truffles?
Make sure not to overbake the cake and follow the mix instructions closely. Also, using cream cheese helps add moisture and binds the crumbs, which balances any dryness.
Can I make these truffles gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free red velvet cake mix or homemade gluten-free cake, you can enjoy these truffles without gluten. Just verify that all other ingredients like sprinkles and coatings are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Truffles Recipe is an absolute treasure for any dessert lover wanting an easy yet impressive treat. The marriage of soft cake, creamy cheese, and crisp chocolate makes every bite a delight. I encourage you to try this recipe soon — it’s truly a small bite of happiness that’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring yourself.
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Red Velvet Truffles Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
Description
Delight in the rich, velvety goodness of Red Velvet Truffles—bite-sized treats made from moist red velvet cake mixed with cream cheese, coated in smooth white chocolate, and topped with festive sprinkles. Perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you crave an indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- Water, as required by cake mix instructions
- Oil, as required by cake mix instructions
- Eggs, as required by cake mix instructions
For the Truffles
- 10 oz cream cheese, softened
- 12 oz almond bark OR white chocolate candy melts
- Festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Follow the instructions on the red velvet cake mix box, combining water, oil, and eggs as directed. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake as instructed. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding.
- Form the Cake Mixture: Remove the crisp outer edges of the cooled cake and discard them. Crumble the remaining cake into a large mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, and mix thoroughly using your hands until the mixture forms a smooth, dough-like consistency.
- Shape the Truffles: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the cake mixture per truffle and roll into balls. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the cake balls for 30 minutes or until firm.
- Melt the Coating: Place the white chocolate or almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Dip the Truffles: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each frozen cake ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Tap off any excess chocolate and place back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Garnish the truffles with a drizzle of white chocolate and festive sprinkles or extra cake crumbs if desired.
- Set the Coating: Return the dipped truffles to the freezer for a few minutes to allow the chocolate coating to harden, or let them set at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Freezing the cake balls before dipping helps the coating set better and creates a cleaner finish.
- You can substitute almond bark with white chocolate candy melts based on preference or availability.
- Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake and cream cheese mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
