Nothing says love like a sweet, creamy, and utterly irresistible dessert. And trust me, this Red Velvet Cheese Ball is about to become your new Valentine’s Day tradition. Picture this: a rich, velvety, red-hued cheesecake mixture, rolled in a crunchy, chocolatey coating, just waiting to be scooped up with cookies, crackers, or fruit. Sounds dreamy, right? This no-bake treat is not only easy to make but also a total showstopper. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or a fun Galentine’s get-together, this dessert is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile: Perfect as a party centerpiece or an indulgent personal treat.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples.
- Quick & Easy: No baking required, ready in minutes.
- Customizable: Add mix-ins like white chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, or caramel drizzle.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup red velvet cake mix
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Chocolate sprinkles or crushed cookies (for coating)
Instructions
- Mix the Base: Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, red velvet cake mix, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Stir in mini chocolate chips.
- Shape & Chill: Transfer mixture to plastic wrap, shape into a ball, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: Roll the chilled ball in chocolate sprinkles or crushed cookies.
- Serve & Enjoy: Pair with cookies, crackers, or fruit.
Best Serving Options
- Graham Crackers
- Vanilla Wafers
- Pretzels (for a sweet & salty mix)
- Strawberries
- Chocolate-Covered Biscotti
Tips & Tricks
- Chill for Best Results: Keeps the cheese ball firm and easy to serve.
- Use a Mixer: Ensures a smooth texture.
- Make Ahead: Can be prepared a day in advance.
- Experiment with Coatings: Try crushed Oreos, nuts, or freeze-dried raspberries.
FAQs
- Can I use homemade red velvet cake crumbs instead of cake mix? Yes! Just ensure they’re finely ground.
- How long does it last? Up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Can I freeze it? Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Is it gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cake mix.
- What can I substitute for cream cheese? Mascarpone works well.
- How do I make it firmer? Add more powdered sugar or chill longer.
- Can I make mini cheese balls? Absolutely! Roll into smaller portions for bite-sized treats.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Can I add food coloring to enhance the red color? Yes! A few drops of red gel food coloring will deepen the hue.
- What’s a fun way to decorate it for Valentine’s Day? Try heart-shaped sprinkles or drizzle with white chocolate.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Cheese Ball is the ultimate Valentine’s Day dessert rich, creamy, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or treating yourself, this no-bake delight is bound to make your celebration extra special. So go ahead, grab your favorite dippers, and enjoy every bite!
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Red Velvet Cheese Ball – Valentine’s Day Dessert
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Party Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Red Velvet Cheese Ball is a creamy, chocolatey, and indulgent dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day, date nights, or parties! Covered in mini chocolate chips and served with graham crackers, pretzels, and strawberries, it’s an easy, no-bake treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Cheese Ball:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup red velvet cake mix (dry, not prepared)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red food coloring (optional, for extra vibrancy)
For the Coating:
- 1 1/2 cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
To Serve:
- Graham crackers
- Pretzels
- Vanilla wafers
- Strawberries
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Cheese Ball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, red velvet cake mix, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring for a deeper red hue.
2️⃣ Chill the Mixture:
- Scoop the mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap.
- Shape it into a rough ball and wrap tightly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to firm up.
3️⃣ Coat the Cheese Ball:
- Unwrap the chilled cheese ball.
- Pour mini chocolate chips onto a large plate or shallow dish.
- Roll the cheese ball in the chocolate chips, pressing gently to coat evenly on all sides.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
- Place the cheese ball on a serving platter.
- Arrange graham crackers, pretzels, vanilla wafers, and strawberries around it for dipping.
Notes
Storage Tips:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: ~140 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g per serving (2 tbsp)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg