Red Velvet Truffles
Red Velvet Truffles are little bites of rich, chocolaty heaven with that classic red velvet flavor everyone loves. They’re silky smooth on the inside, with a hint of cocoa and…
Tip: save now, cook later.Red Velvet Truffles are little bites of rich, chocolaty heaven with that classic red velvet flavor everyone loves. They’re silky smooth on the inside, with a hint of cocoa and a touch of cream cheese, all coated in a sweet outer layer that makes them perfectly addictive.
I love making these truffles when I want a treat that feels a little fancy but is so simple to whip up. They’re great for sharing because they always disappear fast, and I keep a stash hidden just for myself! One tip I’ve learned is to chill the balls well before coating them—it helps keep everything neat and makes the process a lot easier.
These truffles are perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or just spoiling yourself on a quiet afternoon. I like to pop them in a pretty box or a small jar when I’m giving them as presents because they look as good as they taste. Every time I have one, I get a little happy dance going—it’s that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Velvet Cake Crumbs: Using homemade cake crumbs gives the best flavor and texture. If you’re in a hurry, store-bought red velvet cake or even chocolate cake crumbs work fine. Just skip the frosting if it’s too sweet.
Cream Cheese: This adds the signature tang and creaminess. If you prefer dairy-free, try vegan cream cheese. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
White Chocolate or Candy Melts: White chocolate adds sweetness and smoothness. Candy melts are easier to work with since they melt evenly and harden nicely, but real white chocolate tastes richer. If you want, you can substitute with milk or dark chocolate for a different twist.
Extra Cake Crumbs for Rolling: This gives a nice finish and color contrast. If you don’t have leftover crumbs, finely crushed red velvet cookies or sprinkles make a good alternative.
How Do You Make Perfectly Smooth and Firm Red Velvet Truffles?
Making neat truffles means the right texture and chill time matter a lot. Here’s what helps:
- Mixing: Combine cake crumbs and cream cheese until you get a dough-like ball. It shouldn’t be sticky or crumbly.
- Shaping: Use your hands or a small scoop to form 1-inch balls. Don’t make them too big or they’ll be hard to coat evenly.
- Chilling: Chill the balls for at least an hour. This makes the coating process clean and keeps the shape intact.
- Coating: Melt your chocolate slowly in short bursts. Stir often to avoid burning. Use a fork or dipping tool to fully submerge each ball and tap off extra chocolate gently.
- Rolling: Quickly roll the coated truffles in crumbs before the chocolate sets to ensure they stick.
- Storage: Keep truffles chilled after coating—they stay firm and fresh longer.
With these tips, your truffles will be smooth, creamy, and super tasty every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – to chill and set the truffles without sticking.
- Parchment paper – keeps the truffles from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Mixing bowl – for combining cake crumbs and cream cheese smoothly.
- Microwave-safe bowl – to melt your white chocolate or candy melts evenly.
- Fork or dipping tool – helps dip the truffles cleanly and remove excess coating.
- Spoon or small cookie scoop – for shaping uniform truffle balls easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cream cheese for mascarpone to get a richer, silkier center.
- Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate for a less sweet, classic chocolate coating.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the cake crumbs for a warm, extra flavor boost.
- Mix finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut into the cake and cream cheese for texture and nutty taste.
How to Make Red Velvet Truffles?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (or about 4 cups prepared red velvet cake crumbs)
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz white chocolate or white candy melts, for coating
- 1 cup red velvet cake crumbs, for rolling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep, plus baking time for the cake. Then allow at least 1 hour to chill the cake balls before coating, and another 30 minutes to set the truffles after coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake and Crumble the Cake:
Prepare the red velvet cake according to the package instructions or your favorite recipe. Let it cool completely. Once cooled, crumble the cake finely into a large bowl.
2. Mix Cream Cheese with Cake Crumbs:
Add the softened cream cheese to the cake crumbs. Mix them together thoroughly until you get a dough-like consistency that’s easy to shape.
3. Shape and Chill the Cake Balls:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop small portions of the cake mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the balls on the lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until firm.
4. Melt the Coating Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate or candy melts. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well each time until completely smooth.
5. Coat the Truffles:
Remove the chilled cake balls from the fridge. Use a fork or dipping tool to dip each ball in the melted white chocolate, making sure it is fully covered. Immediately roll the coated truffle in the red velvet cake crumbs to coat evenly.
6. Set and Serve:
Place the coated truffles back on the parchment paper and chill for about 30 minutes to let the coating set. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Enjoy your delicious and creamy red velvet truffles—they’re a perfect little treat for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Can I Use Store-Bought Red Velvet Cake Crumbs Instead of Baking a Cake?
Yes! You can use store-bought red velvet cake or even cake crumbs from a bakery. Just make sure to remove any frosting before mixing with cream cheese for the best texture.
Can I Substitute Cream Cheese with Something Else?
Absolutely! Mascarpone cheese works great for a creamier texture, and vegan cream cheese is a good dairy-free alternative. Just be sure it’s softened before mixing.
How Should I Store Leftover Red Velvet Truffles?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I Freeze Red Velvet Truffles?
Yes, you can freeze them. Place the truffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
