Easy Vegan Cake Balls Recipe – Perfect for Any Celebration!

Did you know that cake pops were first popularized in the early 2000s as a creative way to use up leftover cake? Since then, they’ve become a party favorite, loved for their bite-sized fun and endless decorating possibilities. But what if you could make them completely plant-based without sacrificing flavor or texture? That’s exactly what we’re doing today with these vegan cake balls—a delicious and festive treat perfect for any celebration!

Whether you’re planning a birthday party, looking for a fun weekend baking project, or just craving a sweet bite without the hassle of cutting a whole cake, this recipe is for you. These vegan cake balls are soft, moist, and coated in a smooth layer of dairy-free white chocolate, making them just as indulgent as their traditional counterparts. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to customize with different flavors and toppings.

If you’re new to vegan baking or looking for expert tips to perfect your cakes, be sure to check out my Ultimate Guide to Vegan Cakes. It’s packed with useful insights to help you master plant-based baking!

Now, let’s dive into this simple and irresistible recipe.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make these delicious vegan cake balls. The ingredients are simple, plant-based, and easy to find!

Cake Batter Ingredients

• 1 bag of vegan vanilla cake mix (such as Vegan Knife Birthday Cake Mix)
• ⅔ cup vanilla almond milk (or any plant-based milk of choice)
• ½ cup melted coconut oil
• 1 tbsp non-alcoholic vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting the pan)
• 2 tbsp vegan butter (such as Earth Balance, for greasing the pan)

Frosting Mixture

• 1 ½ containers vegan confetti frosting (such as Miss Jones Confetti Pop Frosting)
• 1 lid of vegan sprinkles

Cake Pop Coating

• 1 bag vegan white chocolate chips (such as King David White Choco Chips)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for a smooth coating)

Assembly & Presentation Items

• 1 pack cake pop sticks
• 1 sheet wax paper (for placing the cake balls)
• 1 shoebox (without lid)
• Birthday-themed wrapping paper (for decorating the shoebox)
• 1 block floral foam (for holding the cake pops)
• 1 roll plastic wrap (to cover the floral foam)

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making these irresistible vegan cake balls!

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect vegan cake balls from scratch!

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch cake pan with vegan butter and lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, sift the vegan cake mix to remove any lumps.
4. Add vanilla almond milk, melted coconut oil, and non-alcoholic vanilla extract to the dry mix.
5. Using an electric mixer or whisk, mix the ingredients until the batter is smooth and creamy.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the greased cake pan, spreading it out with a spatula.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Place the pan in the center rack of your preheated oven.
2. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
4. Transfer the cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Make the Cake Pop Dough

1. Using a knife, cut off the edges of the cake to ensure a soft texture.
2. Cut the remaining cake into large chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a separate small bowl, warm the vegan frosting in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften it. Stir well.
4. Add 1 lid of sprinkles to the frosting and mix.
5. Using your hands or a potato masher, crumble the cake and mix it with the frosting until you get a dough-like consistency. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape.

Step 4: Form the Cake Balls

1. Using a melon baller or small cookie scoop, scoop out equal portions of the cake mixture.
2. Roll each portion between your hands to form smooth, bite-sized balls.
3. Place the cake balls onto a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
4. Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 3 hours to firm them up.

Step 5: Insert Cake Pop Sticks

1. Melt ¼ of the vegan white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
2. Dip about 1 inch of a cake pop stick into the melted chocolate.
3. Insert the coated end of the stick into the center of a cake ball. This helps secure the stick inside.
4. Repeat for all cake balls, then return them to the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.

Step 6: Coat the Cake Balls

1. Melt ½ of the vegan white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
2. Stir in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to create a thin, even coating.
3. Hold a cake pop by the stick and dip it into the melted chocolate, rotating it to fully coat the surface.
4. Let any excess chocolate drip off, then immediately sprinkle the top with extra sprinkles.
5. Stick the cake pop into the plastic-covered floral foam to dry and set.
6. Repeat for all cake pops, then let them set at room temperature or in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.

Step 7: Presentation & Storage

1. For serving, wrap an empty shoebox with birthday-themed wrapping paper and poke small holes in the top to hold the cake pops.
2. Insert the floral foam block inside the box and cover it with plastic wrap.
3. Stick each cake pop into the foam for a neat and festive presentation.
4. For storage, place the cake pops in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Now, your vegan cake balls are ready to be enjoyed! Whether you’re serving them at a party or gifting them to friends, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!

Variations & Flavor Ideas

One of the best things about vegan cake balls is how easy they are to customize! Whether you want to switch up the cake flavor or get creative with decorations, here are some fun ideas to try:

Different Cake Flavors

• Chocolate Cake Balls – Use a vegan chocolate cake mix and dairy-free chocolate frosting for a rich, fudgy version.
• Red Velvet Cake Balls – Swap the vanilla cake mix for a vegan red velvet mix and use dairy-free cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
• Lemon Cake Balls – Use a vegan lemon cake mix with vanilla frosting and add a touch of fresh lemon zest for a citrusy burst.
• Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls – Use a vegan spice cake mix and add a bit of canned pumpkin for a fall-inspired treat.

Fun Toppings & Decorations

• Drizzled Chocolate – After coating the cake balls in white chocolate, drizzle them with melted dark or dairy-free milk chocolate for a gourmet look.
• Crushed Cookies or Nuts – Roll the coated cake balls in crushed vegan cookies, coconut flakes, or finely chopped nuts for extra crunch.
• Colorful Sprinkles – Use naturally colored vegan sprinkles to match different themes and occasions.
• Edible Glitter – For a fun and festive touch, dust the tops with edible glitter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Without a Cake Mix?

Yes! If you prefer a homemade cake, simply bake a standard vegan vanilla cake from scratch. Use a mix of flour, sugar, baking powder, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract to make the batter. Once baked and cooled, follow the same steps to crumble the cake and mix it with frosting.

How Do I Make Them Nut-Free?

To make these nut-free, choose a cake mix and frosting that do not contain almond milk or other nuts. Instead of vanilla almond milk, use oat milk, soy milk, or rice milk. Also, double-check the chocolate chips and sprinkles to ensure they are nut-free.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store the cake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to 2 months. Simply thaw them in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Now that you have all the tips, variations, and answers, it’s time to start making your own delicious vegan cake balls! Happy baking!

Final Thoughts

These vegan cake balls are the ultimate treat—easy to make, fun to customize, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a birthday, holiday, or just a sweet snack, they’re guaranteed to impress. With their soft, cake-like center and smooth chocolate coating, they’re as delicious as they are adorable!

I’d love to hear how your cake balls turn out! If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments how you customized yours. Did you go for classic vanilla, or did you try a fun flavor variation? Don’t forget to share your photos and tag me—nothing makes me happier than seeing your creations!

Happy baking!