on Apr 29, 2023, Updated Feb 09, 2024 Carrot cake balls are a delightful two-bite treat. This recipe is a fun twist on traditional carrot cake and it’s perfect for snacking or as a quick and easy dessert. In just a few simple steps, you can have a plate full of carrot cake truffles to enjoy at home or share with friends. For more bite-sized dessert ideas, try these peanut butter Rice Krispie balls or some tasty black forest brownie bites.
What I love About Carrot Cake Balls
Simple ingredients Carrot cake flavor No bake recipe
Ingredients Needed
These no bake carrot cake balls are everything you love about the classic flavors of carrot cake in little bite sized pieces. Here’s what you need:
Carrot cake mix – The cake mix is used as the base of the cake balls. We will heat treat it quickly before using. Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese is used to bind the dry ingredients together with a creamy, slightly tangy kick. Chopped walnuts – The nuts will be mixed into the cake mixture for added crunch. Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers – Used for coating the cake balls and drizzling if desired. You can also use white almond bark if you prefer. Orange candy melts – Used as a drizzle on top of the cookie balls.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Quick and easy cake balls are a great way to enjoy the flavor of carrot cake without making a whole cake. The combination of flavors with melted chocolate makes this one sweet tooth satisfying treat.
Start by heat treating the dry cake mix.
Oven Method:
To do this, preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper then spread the dry cake mix on top. Once the oven is heated, bake it for 5 minutes. Then remove it from the oven and cool for 5-10 minutes.
Microwave Method:
You can also heat treat the dry cake mix in a microwave. Add the dry mix to a heat safe bowl and microwave it in 30 second increments for 2-3 minutes, making sure to stir it at every interval. Set aside and allow the cake mix to cool for 5-10 minutes.
Prepare the Cream Cheese
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. Add the cooled cake mix and beat it on medium speed until you get a dough consistency. Then fold in the chopped walnuts scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula until well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours.
Create the Cake Balls
Once the dough has chilled, line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop out 1 tablespoon sized scoops and roll each into little balls using the palms of your hands. Repeat with all of the cake mixture, placing each ball on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Place the white candy melts in a microwave safe bowl and heat on a low setting in 30 second intervals, stirring at each interval until melted and smooth. Place one cake ball on a fork and submerge it into the vanilla melting wafers. Tap the fork gently to remove any excess chocolate and transfer it onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all of the cake balls. Place the orange candy melts in a microwaveable piping bag and twist it shut. Then microwave it in 30 second increments, massaging the bag at each interval, until fully melted. Snip off a small piece of the tip and then decorate the cake balls by drizzling a little bit of the melted candy coating on top of the cake balls. Place trays in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or until fully set. Enjoy!
Variations
Here are some variations you can try to make carrot cake mix balls even more delicious:
Add raisins or chopped medjool dates to the mixture for a pop of sweetness. Use cream cheese frosting instead of plain cream cheese for a sweeter combo. Add white chocolate chips to the dough before dipping. Add lollipop sticks to the cake balls to create carrot cake cake pops.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect carrot cake mix balls:
If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to help it come together. To make the balls more uniform in size, use a small cookie scoop. You can add extra chopped nuts on top of the balls for added texture.
Storage Tips
Place leftover cake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy for up to 5 days.
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Carrot cake balls are the perfect snack or as a quick and easy dessert. They’re also great for parties or as a fun lunchbox treat for kids. Like this post? Share it with friends!
