3-Ingredient Easy Lemon Cake Balls Recipe

These 3-Ingredient Easy Lemon Cake Balls are the perfect combination of sweetness and tangy flavor, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, holiday gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cake balls are sure to impress. With only three simple ingredients, they’re quick to make and require minimal effort, making them a go-to dessert for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy, with a few ingredients that deliver big flavors. The light and zesty lemon cake mix paired with the creamy frosting creates a deliciously moist cake ball that’s then dipped in smooth white candy melts for an extra indulgent treat. The best part is how customizable this dessert can be—it’s perfect for decorating for any holiday or themed party! The texture is perfectly balanced between a cake-like center and a sweet candy coating, making every bite a delightful experience.

Ingredients

• 1 box lemon cake mix, I used Betty Crocker
• 1/3 cup cream cheese icing, I used Betty Crocker
• 1 bag white candy melts, 12 oz bag

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Start by preparing the boxed cake mix according to the package directions. Beat the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl until fully combined.
2. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish (or two 8×8-inch round cake dishes) and bake at 350°F until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool completely. Once cool, crumble the cake with a fork in a large bowl (or in the baking dish). Set aside 1/3 cup of the crumbled cake to decorate the cake balls later.
4. Stir the cream cheese icing into the crumbled cake until the mixture is fully combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and freeze until chilled (about 30 minutes to 1 hour).
5. Once chilled, use a cookie scoop to portion out the cake mixture and roll it into small balls, about the size of a ping-pong ball. Place them on a large baking sheet. Freeze again until the balls are firm (about 30 minutes).
6. After freezing, smooth the cake balls with your hands to ensure they are perfectly round.
7. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
8. Dip each cake ball into the melted candy using a fork, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off. Place the coated cake balls back onto the baking sheet.
9. Immediately sprinkle the crumbled cake on top of each dipped ball to decorate.
10. Let the cake balls sit at room temperature until the coating hardens and the balls are set. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 24 cake balls, depending on the size.
• Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Freezing Time: 1-2 hours total (for both chilling and setting)
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours, including freezing.

Variations

• Chocolate Coating: If you prefer chocolate instead of white candy melts, you can easily substitute with milk or dark chocolate melts for a different flavor.
• Flavored Frosting: Try using different flavored frostings like vanilla, strawberry, or buttercream to customize the cake balls even further.
• Add-ins: You can add small amounts of chopped nuts, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips to the cake mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• Coloring: To make the cake balls more festive, consider adding food coloring to the candy melts to match the theme of your event.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these cake balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Cake balls freeze well! Place them in a sealed container or freezer bag, and they will keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these cake balls, but if you want the coating to soften, you can microwave them for a few seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes! While this recipe uses lemon cake mix, you can substitute with other cake mix flavors, such as vanilla, strawberry, or even chocolate.

2. Do I have to freeze the cake balls before dipping them?

Yes, freezing the cake balls is crucial. It helps them keep their shape and makes them easier to dip into the melted candy coating without falling apart.

3. Can I make these cake balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! These cake balls store well for several days at room temperature or up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

4. What if I don’t have candy melts?

If you don’t have candy melts, you can substitute with melted white chocolate chips or other types of melting chocolate.

5. How do I make sure the candy melts stay smooth?

Be sure to melt the candy melts in short 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between. If it thickens too much, reheat for 15-second intervals until it’s back to a smooth consistency.

6. Can I add other mix-ins to the cake mixture?

Yes, you can fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even sprinkles for added texture and flavor.

7. Can I use frosting other than cream cheese frosting?

Yes! You can use any flavor of frosting you prefer, but cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the lemon cake mix.

8. Can I use a different type of candy coating?

Yes, you can substitute with milk chocolate or dark chocolate candy melts if you prefer a different flavor.

9. How can I decorate these cake balls for special occasions?

You can decorate the cake balls with sprinkles, edible glitter, or themed decorations for holidays and celebrations. Just sprinkle them on right after dipping in the candy coating.

10. How long will these cake balls last?

They will last for about a week at room temperature, or up to two weeks in the fridge. If frozen, they can last for up to three months.

Conclusion

3-Ingredient Easy Lemon Cake Balls are a fun, easy, and tasty dessert that you can whip up in no time. With minimal ingredients and a simple process, they deliver delicious results every time. Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday, or just because, these cake balls are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with this easy-to-follow recipe!

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