These Glazed Cherry Almond Cake Balls are mini confections made from moist cherry-flavored cake and almond glaze. Perfectly portioned and beautifully decorated, they’re a delight to serve or gift.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
They combine the sweetness of cherries with a delicate almond aroma, all wrapped in a visually stunning glaze. These treats are ideal for parties, weddings, or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
cherry-flavored cake (homemade or boxed)
cream cheese or frosting
almond extract
white chocolate or glaze
maraschino cherries (optional)
slivered almonds or candied fruit for decoration
pink food coloring (optional)
Directions
- Bake cherry cake and let it cool completely.
- Crumble the cake into a bowl and mix with cream cheese and almond extract until it holds together.
- Roll into balls and chill for 30 minutes.
- Dip each ball into melted white chocolate or almond glaze.
- Decorate with almonds, cherries, or candied fruit.
- Let glaze set before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 24 cake balls
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Use different cake flavors like vanilla or chocolate.
- Add cherry liqueur for an adult twist.
- Substitute almond extract with vanilla or orange.
Storage/Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months. No reheating required.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cake?
Yes, boxed cake mix works well for convenience.
What kind of glaze works best?
A white chocolate glaze or simple powdered sugar glaze is ideal.
Are these the same as cake pops?
They are similar, but cake balls are served without sticks.
Can I make them in advance?
Yes, they keep well for several days refrigerated.
How do I keep them from cracking?
Ensure the glaze isn’t too hot and cake balls aren’t too cold.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, it’s only for visual appeal.
Are they very sweet?
They are sweet but balanced by the almond and cherry flavors.
Can I add nuts inside?
Yes, finely chopped almonds can be mixed in.
How do I make them uniform in size?
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon.
What’s the best way to decorate them?
With sliced almonds, candied cherries, or edible glitter.
Conclusion
Glazed Cherry Almond Cake Balls are a beautiful and flavorful dessert, ideal for celebrations or gift trays. Their small size and vibrant glaze make them both elegant and easy to enjoy.
Print
Glazed Cherry Almond Cake Balls
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins (including chilling and glazing)
- Yield: 30 cake balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked and Glazed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Glazed Cherry Almond Cake Balls are bite-sized confections made from moist almond-flavored cake mixed with cherries and coated in a sweet glaze. These elegant treats combine the flavors of cherry and almond for a rich, chewy, and beautifully glazed dessert that’s perfect for parties or gifts.
Ingredients
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- 1/2 cup vanilla or almond frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)
- Optional: extra chopped cherries or sliced almonds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions, substituting almond extract for part of the water if desired.
- Fold in the chopped cherries and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl and mix with frosting until a thick dough forms.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth to form the glaze.
- Dip each cake ball into the glaze, letting excess drip off, and place back on the parchment paper.
- Garnish with sliced almonds or cherry pieces if desired.
- Allow glaze to set for about 30 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure cherries are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the cake mixture.
- For a smoother glaze, sift powdered sugar before mixing.
- Store cake balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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