Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls

These little treats are so cozy. Like, warm-spice-hug-in-a-bite kind of cozy. I made them one fall afternoon—and yep, they disappeared fast.

They’re soft, sweet, and dipped in chocolate. Super easy, no stress. And they taste just like pumpkin pie and cake had a baby.

I thought they’d be tricky, but nope. Mix, roll, dip, done. If you love pumpkin spice, you need these in your life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Fall: These cake balls capture the essence of fall with the rich pumpkin and warm pumpkin spice flavors.
• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have these delicious treats ready in just under an hour, including cooling time.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make the cake balls ahead of time and store them for several days, making them an excellent choice for busy schedules or event prep.
• No Baking Skills Needed: This recipe uses a simple cake mix, so even beginner bakers can master it with ease.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cake balls make an adorable gift when wrapped in cellophane or placed in a gift box.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing Bowl: For combining your cake mix, water, and egg.
• Hand Mixer or Whisk: For mixing the cake ingredients and cream cheese frosting.
• Baking Sheet: To cool the cake balls once they’ve been formed.
• Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
• Spoon or Cookie Scoop: To help portion out the cake batter into cake balls.
• Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the vanilla almond bark.
• Wax Paper or Parchment Paper: For placing the coated cake balls to dry.
• Cooling Rack: To let the cake balls cool completely after frosting.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistibly good cake balls (check the recipe card below for exact measurements):

• 1 package of spice cake mix: You can use any brand of spice cake mix you like; the cake mix is the foundation of the flavor for these cake balls.
• 1-15 oz can of pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and richness to the cake, as well as that classic pumpkin flavor.
• 1/2 cup of water: To help moisten the cake mix and bind the ingredients together.
• 1 egg: For binding the ingredients and helping the cake rise.
• 1 tub of cream cheese frosting (about 8 oz): This is what makes the cake balls rich and creamy inside. I usually use about 3/4 of the tub.
• 1 package of vanilla almond bark: This is what coats the cake balls, giving them a smooth, sweet finish.

Variations for Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls

• Add Chopped Nuts: For a crunchy texture, you can fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the cake batter before baking.
• Use White Chocolate: If you prefer the taste of white chocolate, you can swap out the vanilla almond bark for melted white chocolate chips.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Add extra pumpkin pie spice to the batter for an even stronger pumpkin flavor.
• Add Mini Chocolate Chips: For some extra chocolatey goodness, sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the cake batter before baking.
• Make It Vegan: Use a vegan cake mix, egg replacer, and dairy-free frosting and almond bark for a vegan-friendly option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Pumpkin Spice Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, water, and egg. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to mix everything together until fully incorporated and smooth. The batter will be a little thicker than typical cake batter, but that’s perfectly fine!

Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. It’s important to cool the cake completely to avoid melting the frosting when you mix it with the cake crumbs.

2. Crumble the Cake

Once your cake has cooled, use your hands or a fork to crumble the entire cake into small pieces. You want the crumbs to be as fine as possible, so crumble it well. This part is essential because the cake balls are formed from these crumbs, so the more finely crumbled, the smoother the texture of the cake balls will be.

3. Mix in the Cream Cheese Frosting

Next, add the cream cheese frosting to the crumbled cake. Use a hand mixer or your hands to mix everything together until the frosting and cake crumbs are well incorporated. The mixture should be moist and sticky, but still firm enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more frosting until the desired consistency is reached.

4. Shape the Cake Balls

Now that your mixture is ready, use a spoon or a cookie scoop to portion out the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place each cake ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. This will help prevent the cake balls from sticking while they set.

Once all the cake balls are rolled, place the baking sheet in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes to help them firm up. This will make it easier to coat them in the almond bark later.

5. Prepare the Vanilla Almond Bark

While the cake balls are chilling, prepare the coating by melting the vanilla almond bark. You can do this by either using a double boiler or by microwaving the almond bark in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until it’s completely melted and smooth.

If the melted almond bark is too thick for dipping, add a small amount of vegetable oil (about 1-2 teaspoons) to thin it out.

6. Coat the Cake Balls

Once the cake balls have chilled and the almond bark is melted, it’s time to coat the cake balls. Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip each cake ball into the melted almond bark, ensuring it is fully coated. Tap the fork gently on the edge of the bowl to allow any excess almond bark to drip off.

Place the coated cake balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this process until all the cake balls are coated. If desired, you can sprinkle some pumpkin spice on top for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.

7. Let the Cake Balls Set

Allow the coated cake balls to set and harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. You can also speed up this process by placing them in the fridge.

8. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the almond bark has hardened, your Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls are ready to enjoy! These little treats are perfect for sharing at fall parties, Thanksgiving celebrations, or as a cozy dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also store them in an airtight container for up to a week, although I guarantee they won’t last that long!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls

These little cake balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are a few ideas for how you can enjoy them:

• As a Party Treat: Serve these cake balls at your next fall-themed gathering or Halloween party. They’re easy to pick up and eat in one bite.
• Gift Them to Friends and Family: Package these cake balls in a cute box or bag as a delicious homemade gift. They’re a great way to share the fall love.
• Perfect for Snacking: Enjoy them as an afternoon snack with your favorite hot beverage, such as apple cider, coffee, or hot chocolate.
• In Gift Bags: These cake balls make an adorable addition to fall gift bags, party favors, or even as a sweet thank-you gift.

Storing Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls

• Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake balls within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, you can store the cake balls in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before eating if you prefer them a bit softer.
• Freezing: If you want to store them for even longer, you can freeze the cake balls. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition with Table Format

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for each Pumpkin Spice Cake Ball, assuming you make 24 balls:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150-180 calories
Total Fat	8-10g
Saturated Fat	3-4g
Cholesterol	25-30mg
Carbohydrates	22-24g
Fiber	0.5g
Sugar	18-20g
Protein	1g

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls are the perfect fall treat to make for yourself or share with friends and family. Their combination of spice cake, pumpkin, cream cheese frosting, and smooth almond bark creates a delicious bite-sized dessert that will surely become a favorite. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cake balls will bring the comforting flavors of the season straight to your table. So, gather your ingredients, make your Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls, and enjoy the cozy warmth they bring to your day!