If you need a fun, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and doesn’t require an oven, these Strawberry No-Bake Cake Balls – Sweet & Simple are the answer. With their soft, creamy center, bright strawberry flavor, and smooth chocolate coating, they taste like little bites of celebration. Perfect for parties, holidays, gifts, or just a sweet treat at home, these cake balls come together with minimal ingredients and maximum charm.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry No-Bake Cake Balls
There are plenty of reasons this recipe becomes a favorite the first time you make it.
To start, it’s incredibly easy. No baking, no mixers required, and no complicated steps. If you can crush cookies and stir ingredients together, you can make these cake balls successfully.
They’re also beautiful and fun. The soft pink center and glossy chocolate coating make them look like something from a bakery display case. Add sprinkles or drizzle extra chocolate on top, and they instantly feel party-ready.
Most importantly, these cake balls are universally loved. The strawberry flavor is sweet and familiar without being overpowering, and the creamy texture appeals to kids and adults alike. They’re rich enough to feel indulgent, but small enough that everyone wants just one more.
Ingredients for Strawberry No-Bake Cake Balls
Main Ingredients
- 36 golden sandwich cookies (such as vanilla-filled cookies)
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin mix (dry)
- 300 g (10 oz) white chocolate or candy melts
Optional Toppings
- Pink or red sprinkles
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries
- White chocolate drizzle
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Cookies: Golden sandwich cookies work best for flavor and color, but vanilla wafers or graham crackers also work.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the smoothest, richest texture. Dairy-free cream cheese can be used if needed.
- Strawberry flavor: Strawberry gelatin mix provides color and flavor. For a more natural option, use freeze-dried strawberry powder and add a little powdered sugar to balance sweetness.
- Chocolate coating: White chocolate highlights the pink center, but milk or dark chocolate works too. Dairy-free chocolate can be substituted.
- Decorations: Sprinkles are optional but add fun texture and visual appeal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Crush the Cookies
Place the cookies in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. If you don’t have a processor, place the cookies in a sealed zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
The crumbs should be very fine so the cake balls hold together smoothly.
Step 2 – Make the Strawberry Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, softened cream cheese, and strawberry gelatin mix. Stir until everything is fully blended and the mixture turns a uniform pink color.
The texture should be soft and dough-like, easy to roll without sticking too much to your hands.
Step 3 – Roll Into Balls
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the mixture into evenly sized pieces. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls.
Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps them firm up and makes dipping easier.
Step 4 – Melt the Chocolate
While the cake balls chill, melt the white chocolate or candy melts according to package instructions. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring between each one, until smooth.
If the chocolate is too thick, you can stir in a small amount of neutral oil to thin it slightly.
Step 5 – Dip and Decorate
Remove the chilled cake balls from the refrigerator. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated.
Gently tap off excess chocolate and place the coated ball back onto the parchment paper. Add sprinkles or toppings before the chocolate sets.
Step 6 – Set and Serve
Allow the cake balls to set at room temperature or refrigerate them for about 15 minutes until the coating is firm.
Once set, they’re ready to serve or store for later.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use softened cream cheese: This ensures a smooth mixture with no lumps.
- Chill before dipping: Cold cake balls hold their shape better in warm chocolate.
- Work in batches: Keep some balls in the fridge while dipping the rest.
- Tap gently: Tapping off excess chocolate prevents thick coatings and messy bottoms.
- Decorate quickly: Sprinkles need to be added before the chocolate hardens.
Flavor Variations
- Strawberry Lemon Cake Balls: Add a pinch of lemon zest for brightness.
- Chocolate Strawberry: Use chocolate sandwich cookies and coat in dark chocolate.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Balls: Add a tablespoon of powdered sugar and skip the gelatin for a cheesecake-style flavor.
- Valentine’s Day Style: Use heart-shaped sprinkles and drizzle with pink chocolate.
- Summer Berry Mix: Blend strawberry and raspberry powder for a mixed berry version.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry no-bake cake balls are perfect for dessert tables, baby showers, birthday parties, and holiday gatherings. Arrange them on a tiered tray or place them in mini cupcake liners for a polished look.
They also make wonderful edible gifts. Package them in small boxes or clear bags tied with ribbon for holidays, teacher gifts, or party favors.
For casual serving, place them on a simple platter and watch them disappear.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store cake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer:
Freeze uncoated or fully coated cake balls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Room Temperature:
They can sit out for about 2 hours, making them ideal for parties.
Strawberry No-Bake Cake Balls – Sweet & Simple
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cake balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, creamy strawberry cake balls with a smooth chocolate coating made easily without baking, perfect for parties, gifts, or simple treats at home.
Ingredients
- 36 golden sandwich cookies
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin mix (dry)
- 300 g (10 oz) white chocolate or candy melts
- Pink or red sprinkles (optional)
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries (optional)
- White chocolate drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Crush the sandwich cookies into very fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
- In a large bowl, mix cookie crumbs, cream cheese, and strawberry gelatin until fully combined and pink.
- Scoop and roll the mixture into evenly sized balls.
- Place balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt white chocolate or candy melts according to package instructions.
- Dip each chilled ball into melted chocolate and tap off excess.
- Place back on parchment paper and decorate before chocolate sets.
- Let coating firm up at room temperature or refrigerate briefly before serving.
Notes
Chilling the cake balls before dipping helps them hold their shape and makes coating easier and cleaner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 95 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion size.
FAQ About Strawberry No-Bake Cake Balls
Can I make these cake balls ahead of time?
Yes, these are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them one to two days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until needed.
Why is my mixture too soft?
If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before rolling. Warm kitchens can soften cream cheese quickly.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead?
Fresh strawberries add too much moisture and aren’t recommended. Freeze-dried strawberries or gelatin mix work best for flavor and texture.
Do I need a food processor?
No, a rolling pin and zip-top bag work just fine. The key is crushing the cookies into very fine crumbs.
Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely. These cake balls are sweet, colorful, and easy for kids to enjoy, making them great for birthdays and school events.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry No-Bake Cake Balls – Sweet & Simple prove that desserts don’t need to be complicated to be impressive. With minimal ingredients, no oven time, and endless decorating possibilities, they’re a reliable go-to for any occasion. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again—for parties, gifts, and sweet moments at home.