How do you make cake balls at home?

To make cake balls, bake your preferred cake, let it cool, then crumble it into fine pieces. Mix the crumbled cake with frosting until it forms a dough-like consistency. Roll the mixture into small balls, chill them thoroughly, then dip them in melted candy coating or chocolate. Decorate as desired, perhaps with New Year's Eve sprinkles!

How long do cake balls last?

When stored properly, cake balls can last 1-2 days at room temperature, up to a week in the refrigerator, and several weeks (typically 3-4) in an airtight container in the freezer. This makes them a great make-ahead treat for New Year's Eve celebrations.

Are cake pops and cake balls the same?

Essentially, yes. Cake balls are the core confection—a mixture of crumbled cake and frosting rolled into a sphere. Cake pops are simply cake balls served on a stick, making them a portable and popular treat, often seen at parties and festive gatherings.

What are cake balls made of?

Cake balls are primarily made from two main ingredients: crumbled baked cake (any flavor works!) and a binder, most commonly frosting or cream cheese. Once formed into balls, they are typically coated in melted chocolate, candy melts, or a glaze, and then often decorated.

What can I use instead of a cake pop stick?

For "New Years Eve Cake Ball Drops," you generally don't need a stick. You can serve them in mini cupcake liners, small dessert cups, or simply arrange them artfully on a platter. Mini forks or toothpicks can also be provided for easy grabbing.

How do you dry cake pops quickly?

To dry cake pop (or cake ball) coatings quickly, ensure your melted candy coating isn't too thick; thin it with a touch of vegetable shortening if needed. After dipping, place the cake balls in the refrigerator or freezer for 10-15 minutes. The cold helps the coating set and harden rapidly, perfect for last-minute New Year's Eve prep.

New Years Eve Cake Ball Drops: The Easiest Festive Dessert 2026

New Years Eve Cake Ball Drops

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In my kitchen counter was a glittery mess of sprinkles and melted chocolate, but the real magic happened when my toddler’s eyes lit up watching our homemade New Years Eve Cake Ball Drops. They are a simple, joyful project that lets little hands get messy and creates a sweet memory everyone can share. These little bites are more than just a dessert. They are tiny, edible celebrations, a way to mark the moment without any fuss.

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: About 36 cake balls 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Balls:

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or vanilla cake mix, plus ingredients listed on box (typically oil, eggs, and water)
1 can (16 oz) cream cheese frosting
A pinch of salt, if using a box mix, to balance the sweetness

For the Coating and Decoration:

16 oz vanilla candy melts or white chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Gold and silver sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible glitter
Optional: Lollipop sticks for a classic cake pop presentation

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Instructions

Bake and Crumble the Cake: Prepare and bake the cake according to the package directions for a 9×13 inch pan. Let it cool completely. Once cool, crumble the entire cake into a large bowl. You want fine, even crumbs, so take your time here. This is the foundation of your perfect New Years Eve Cake Ball Drops.
Mix in the Frosting: Add the entire can of frosting to the crumbled cake. Using a spatula or your hands, mix until it is fully combined and the mixture holds together when pressed. It should feel like a soft, moldable dough. Be careful not to overmix, or the cake balls can become greasy.
Form and Chill the Balls: Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the mixture and roll it into tight, one-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all balls are formed, place the entire tray in the freezer for at least 15 minutes or the refrigerator for one hour. This chilling step is non-negotiable for a clean dip. It prevents the balls from falling apart in the warm chocolate.
Melt the Coating: While the balls are chilling, melt the candy coating. Place the vanilla candy melts and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until completely smooth. The coconut oil helps thin the coating for a beautiful, drip-free finish.
Dip and Decorate: Remove a few cake balls from the fridge at a time. Using a fork or a dipping tool, submerge each ball in the melted coating, tap off the excess, and gently place it back on the parchment paper. Immediately, while the coating is still wet, shower them with your gold and silver sprinkles. Work quickly for the best decorative results. If you are using lollipop sticks, insert them into the chilled balls before dipping.
Set and Serve: Allow the coating to fully set at room temperature. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Your dazzling New Years Eve Cake Ball Drops are now ready to be the star of your dessert table.

Notes

These New Years Eve Cake Ball Drops are perfect for making ahead. Store in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Common mistakes to avoid: never mix frosting into warm cake, don’t skip the chilling step, melt chocolate slowly to avoid burning, and add sprinkles immediately after dipping while coating is still wet.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cake ball
Calories: 180
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/new-years-eve-cake-ball-drops/