Decadent Red Velvet Dessert Cheese Ball: The Ultimate Sweet & Creamy Treat for Any Occasion
Imagine the rich, deep flavor of red velvet cake perfectly blended with the creamy tang of cheesecake, then shaped into a delightful ball and generously coated in crisp white chocolate chips. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience! Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any gathering or forming into a charming heart shape for a truly special Valentine’s Day celebration.
Welcome to the exquisite world of the Red Velvet Dessert Cheese Ball! This show-stopping sweet treat might just become your new go-to recipe for impressing guests and delighting your family. While its vibrant red hue and potential for heart-shaped artistry make it an absolute star for Valentine’s Day, don’t let that limit your imagination. This delightful creation is truly perfect for any time of year, transforming ordinary moments into something extraordinary.
Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated soirée, looking for a unique appetizer that doubles as a dessert, or simply craving a sweet and creamy indulgence, this Red Velvet Cheese Ball fits the bill. Pair it with a glass of your favorite wine for an elegant evening, or serve it as the grand finale to a festive meal. Its versatility and irresistible flavor profile ensure it will be a beloved addition to any table.
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For those special occasions where you want to add a touch of romance and whimsy, shaping this dessert into a heart is an absolute must. Imagine presenting this stunning heart-shaped red velvet creation, gleaming with white chocolate chips, to your loved ones. Who could possibly resist such a charming and delicious gesture? It’s a simple step that elevates the dessert from simply delicious to truly memorable.
This heart-shaped cheesecake ball often takes center stage on my Valentine Dessert Cheese Board. Forget the traditional savory-only cheese boards; this sweet rendition proves that dessert boards are not just a possibility, but an incredibly delightful reality! While this might be the first time I’ve shared a dedicated dessert cheese board recipe on my blog, it definitely won’t be the last. And what better occasion to unveil such a sweet concept than for my absolute favorite holiday? Call me sentimental, but I’ve had a puffy heart love for Valentine’s Day for as long as I can remember, and this recipe perfectly embodies that affection.
Crafting this red velvet delight is surprisingly straightforward, relying on simple ingredients that come together to create a complex and satisfying flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its no-bake simplicity, making it accessible for even novice bakers.
Essential Ingredients for Your Red Velvet Cheese Ball:
- Cream Cheese: The foundation of our “cheesecake” experience. Opt for full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature, for the creamiest and most luxurious texture. This ensures a smooth blend with no lumps, delivering that signature cheesecake mouthfeel.
- Butter: Unsalted butter, also softened, contributes to the richness and helps achieve the perfect consistency when combined with the cream cheese. It adds a subtle buttery note that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Red Velvet Box Cake Mix: This is our secret weapon for instant red velvet flavor and color without the fuss of measuring cocoa powder, red food coloring, and vinegar separately. It imparts that distinctive, subtly cocoa-infused red velvet taste that everyone loves. Remember, we’re not baking the cake; we’re using the dry mix for flavor!
- Powdered and Brown Sugar: A harmonious blend of sweeteners. Powdered sugar dissolves seamlessly, ensuring a silky-smooth texture, while brown sugar adds a deeper, more nuanced sweetness with a hint of caramel. This combination balances the tang of the cream cheese and the subtle cocoa of the cake mix.
- White Chocolate Chips: These aren’t just for decoration; they’re an integral part of the flavor and texture profile. High-quality white chocolate chips provide a sweet, creamy contrast to the red velvet base and create a visually stunning coating. We’ll discuss how to prepare them for the best aesthetic and bite.
The visual appeal of this dessert starts right from the mixing bowl; the color is just absolutely gorgeous, isn’t it? To begin, ensure your cream cheese and butter are thoroughly softened. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free base. Cream them together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth. This initial step lays the groundwork for the creamy texture that defines a great cheese ball. Next, gradually incorporate the brown and powdered sugars, beating until they are fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Finally, slowly add the red velvet cake mix. Continue to mix until all ingredients are perfectly incorporated, yielding that signature deep red hue.
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to give it shape. Scoop the mixture out and form it into a firm ball. For chilling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours. Ideally, an overnight chill allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cheese ball to firm up completely, making it much easier to handle and coat. When it’s adequately chilled, prepare your white chocolate chips. Scatter half of them on a clean surface or a shallow dish, place the cheese ball on top, and then sprinkle the remaining chips over it. Gently roll and press the ball, ensuring it is completely coated on all sides with the delightful white chocolate chips. This not only adds a textural crunch but also a sweet, complementary flavor.
If you’re aiming for that romantic heart shape, the process is just as simple, with a slight modification. After the initial chilling period, when the mixture is firm but still pliable, gently flatten the ball slightly and begin to sculpt it into a heart. Once you unwrap it, use your fingers or a small spatula to further refine the heart shape, smoothing out any imperfections. For the heart-shaped version, I found that using about half the recommended amount of white chocolate chips and coating only the top surface (or just pressing them gently around the edges) creates a very elegant and distinct look, allowing the heart shape to truly stand out. This method ensures the form remains intact while still providing that delicious chocolate crunch.
While white chocolate chips offer a beautiful contrast and sweet flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment! I’ve seen equally delicious versions coated in dark or milk chocolate chips, which would offer a richer, deeper flavor profile. The choice is entirely up to your preference or the occasion you’re celebrating. Personally, I absolutely adore the classic look of white chips, especially for special holidays like Valentine’s Day where the red and white combination feels so festive and romantic. For a more textured coating, I often roughly chop my chips using a manual food chopper. This creates delightfully imperfect pieces that adhere well and add a rustic charm. You could certainly skip this step and use whole chips, but I find the varied texture of chopped chocolate chips adds an extra layer of enjoyment.
Serving this Red Velvet Dessert Cheese Ball is part of the fun! It’s wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of dippers. Classic choices include graham crackers, which offer a delightful crunch and slightly honeyed flavor that complements the sweetness of the cheese ball. Shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers are also excellent options, providing a delicate buttery or vanilla note. Get creative with other dippers like pretzel crisps for a sweet and salty twist, apple slices for a fresh contrast, or even strawberries and raspberries for a burst of fruity goodness. Arrange them artfully around your cheese ball on a serving platter for an inviting display.
Elevate your entertaining by featuring this Red Velvet Cheese Ball as the star of your very own dessert cheeseboard. Surround it with an array of complementary sweets and treats. Think small cubes of complementary cheeses (like a mild cheddar or goat cheese if you dare to mix sweet and savory), fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), chocolate-covered pretzels, mini cookies, or even small bowls of chocolate ganache or caramel for extra dipping options. A dessert cheeseboard is not only visually stunning but also offers your guests a delightful variety of textures and flavors to explore.
For best results, allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This slight warming will soften it just enough to make spreading onto cookies and crackers easier, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable bite every time. Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While it’s delicious cold, remember that letting it sit out briefly before serving will enhance its spreadability and overall flavor.
Craving More? Explore These Delicious Cheese Balls:
If you’re a fan of the cheese ball concept, both savory and sweet, there’s a whole world of possibilities to explore! Here are some fantastic savory cheese ball recipes that are perfect for appetizers, game day, or any party:
- Reuben Cheese Ball: A creative take on the classic sandwich, packed with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut flavors.
- Dill Pickle Wrap Cheese Ball: For pickle lovers, this tangy and savory option is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Cream Cheese Party Ball: A versatile and easy appetizer that can be customized with various herbs and spices.
- Summer Sausage Cheese Ball: A hearty and flavorful option, perfect for holiday gatherings or casual entertaining.
And if your sweet tooth is still calling, expand your dessert cheese ball repertoire with these irresistible options from other talented creators:
Other Great Dessert Cheese Balls to Try:
- Almond Joy Cheese Ball: Captures the essence of the beloved candy bar in a spreadable form.
- Puppy Chow Cheese Ball: A fun, nostalgic treat reminiscent of the classic cereal snack.
- Cannoli Cheese Ball: Brings the iconic Italian pastry flavors into an easy-to-serve dip.
- Italian Cream Cake Cheese Ball: A delightful blend of coconut and pecan flavors, just like the beloved cake.
If red velvet cake is truly “your thing,” then what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t share the absolute Best Red Velvet Cake recipe with you before you go? This classic recipe is a true keeper, delivering all the moist, rich, and tangy goodness you expect from a perfect red velvet. Cross my heart, you’ll love it!
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Print Recipe
Red Velvet Cheese Ball – Round & Heart Shaped
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 stick 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups red velvet cake mix
- 1 cup good quality white chocolate chips
- Graham crackers shortbread cookie or Vanilla wafers for serving
Instructions
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Cream together butter and cream cheese using a mixer. Beat in brown sugar.
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Slowly mix in cake mix and powdered sugar.
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Form into a ball, and wrap in plastic wrap. Or flatten ball to form into a heart. Place in the fridge for 2 hours, or leave overnight.
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Roughly chop white chocolate chips, roll into the chips to coat the ball on all sides. (Use only 1/2 cup of chips for the heart. Top only the top of the heart with chips after forming and smoothing out the shape.
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Let ball sit to take the chill off a bit to make spreading onto cookies and crackers easier.