Golf Cake Balls Recipe: Easy Honey Blonde Sporty Desserts

Struggling to find the perfect themed dessert for your next golf party? You want something creative and impressive, but the idea of a complex baking project feels overwhelming. Finding a reliable golf cake balls recipe that guarantees professional-looking results without the stress can be a real challenge.

Making golf cake balls is an easy process of crumbling a baked cake, mixing it with frosting to create a dough, and then rolling it into balls. These balls are then chilled, coated in melted white candy melts, and decorated to look like golf balls. This process is perfect for creating themed treats for events like Father’s Day or golf parties.

Drawing from a kitchen-tested recipe designed for success, this guide breaks down every single step. You will discover not just how to make these treats, but why each step is crucial for avoiding common problems like cracking. Get ready to create the most talked-about dessert on the table.

How to Make the Perfect Golf Cake Balls for Your Next Party

Making fun, themed desserts shouldn’t be intimidating. This guide is designed to give you the confidence to create stunning golf cake balls right in your own kitchen. We’re moving beyond simple video clips to give you a comprehensive, proven golf cake ball recipe that explains the ‘why’ behind each step. We’ll cover everything from getting the perfect cake texture to avoiding those frustrating cracks in the coating, ensuring you get perfect results every time.

Your 7-Step Guide to Making Perfect Golf Cake Balls

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a complete roadmap. We’ve broken down the entire process into seven manageable stages, turning what might seem like a complex project into a simple, follow-along guide. Each step is designed to build upon the last, leading you from a simple cake to a tray of impressive, themed desserts. This detailed, step by step approach makes the process scannable, easy to follow, and perfect for bakers of any skill level.

1. Prepare and Bake Your Cake Base

Pin this essential first step for your next baking project!

The foundation of any great cake ball is, of course, the cake itself. You have flexibility here, as either a box mix or your favorite homemade cake recipe will work beautifully. The most important factor in this step is patience; you must let the cake cool completely before moving on, as a warm cake will create a greasy, unworkable mixture. For this recipe, a denser cake holds up best.

What You Need

• 1 box of white or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box: eggs, oil, water) OR ingredients for your favorite homemade cake recipe.
• A 9×13 inch baking pan.
• Non-stick baking spray.

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the box mix or in your recipe (typically 350°F / 175°C).
2. Grease the pan: Lightly grease and flour your 9×13 inch baking pan, or use a non-stick baking spray.
3. Mix the batter: Prepare the cake batter according to the package or recipe directions.
4. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake cake for cake balls for the recommended time, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool completely: This is a critical step. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. A warm cake will result in mushy, oily cake balls.

Pro-Tip: In my experience, using a butter-based or pound cake-style recipe creates a firmer crumb that is ideal for cake balls. If using a box mix, consider substituting melted butter for the oil to get a richer flavor and denser texture.

2. Crumble the Cake and Form the Dough

Save this tip for the perfect cake ball consistency!

This is where the magic happens. You’ll transform your baked cake into a pliable, moldable cake pop dough. The key is to achieve a fine, sandy texture when you crumble cake for balls and to add the frosting gradually. Adding too much frosting is a common beginner mistake that results in a greasy mixture that’s difficult to work with.

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooled 9×13 inch cake
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup of frosting for cake balls (store-bought or homemade frosting; vanilla, buttercream, or cream cheese frosting all work well)

Instructions

1. Crumble the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, crumble cake for balls into a large mixing bowl. You can do this with your hands, a fork, or for the finest crumbs, pulse chunks of the cake in a food processor. Remove any dark or crispy edges.
2. Add the frosting: Start by adding 1/2 cup of frosting to the cake crumbs.
3. Mix until combined: Using a spatula, your hands, or the paddle attachment on a stand mixer, mix cake and frosting until a thick, pliable ‘cake pop dough‘ forms.
4. Check the consistency: The dough should be moist enough to hold together in a ball without being sticky or greasy. If it’s too dry, add more frosting one tablespoon at a time.

Pro-Tip: The key to perfect, non-greasy cake balls is using the minimum amount of frosting needed. The ideal emulsification of cake and frosting creates a dough similar in texture to play-doh. Too much frosting will cause the cake balls to leak oil after they are dipped.

3. Roll, Shape, and Chill the Cake Balls

The secret to crack-free cake pops? Pin this chilling step!

Creating uniform, round golf cake balls is simple with the right tools and techniques. Using a cookie scoop ensures consistency, but the most vital part of this step is to chill cake balls thoroughly. This firms up the dough, making the balls easier to dip and preventing the dreaded cracks in your finished product.

What You Need

• The prepared cake pop dough
• A small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons)
• A baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Instructions

1. Scoop the dough: Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This ensures all your golf cake balls will be a uniform size.
2. Roll into balls: Roll cake balls between the palms of your hands until they are smooth and perfectly round. Place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Chill until firm: This is the most important step to prevent cracking. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or in the freezer for 30-45 minutes. The cake balls should be very firm to the touch, but not frozen solid.
4. Insert sticks (optional): If making cake pops, dip the tip of a lollipop stick into a little melted candy coating and insert it about halfway into each chilled cake ball. Let them set for a few minutes.

Pro-Tip: Don’t rush the chilling process. The temperature difference between a cold cake ball and the warm candy coating is what causes cracks. If your cake balls are too cold (frozen), they will expand as they come to room temperature and crack the shell. If they’re too warm, they will fall apart in the coating. Firm and cold is the goal.

4. Melt the White Candy Coating Perfectly

Get a perfectly smooth coating every time. Pin this melting technique!

The key to a professional-looking finish is a perfectly smooth coating. For beginners, it’s best to use candy melts instead of white chocolate, as they are designed to set hard and shiny without complicated tempering. The secret to success is to microwave candy melts at low power and in short intervals to prevent scorching.

What You Need

• 1 bag (12-16 oz) of bright white candy melts
• 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil or paramount crystals (optional, for thinning)
• A deep, microwave-safe cup or bowl

Instructions

1. Choose your vessel: Use a deep, narrow cup for easier dipping. This allows you to submerge the entire cake ball without having to swirl it around too much.
2. Microwave in intervals: Place the candy melts in the cup and microwave candy melts on 50% power for 30-second intervals.
3. Stir frequently: Stir well after each interval, even if the melts don’t look fully melted. The residual heat will continue to melt them. This prevents scorching.
4. Achieve a smooth consistency: Continue until the coating is completely smooth and fluid. If it seems too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or paramount crystals to thin candy melts to the consistency of running honey.

Pro-Tip: For the most reliable results, use candy melts instead of white chocolate chips. Candy melts are designed to melt smoothly and set hard with a shine, while real white chocolate contains cocoa butter, which requires precise tempering chocolate for cake pops to avoid a soft, dull, or streaky finish.

5. Dip and Coat the Golf Cake Balls

The perfect dipping technique for a flawless finish! Pin for later.

With your cake balls chilled and your coating melted, it’s time to bring them together. The technique is simple: dip cake balls straight down and lift straight up. Avoid swirling, which can cause the cake ball to fall apart. Gently tap off excess candy to ensure a thin, even layer and a smooth surface.

What You Need

• Chilled cake balls (on sticks, if applicable)
• Melted white candy coating
• A cake pop stand or styrofoam block

Instructions

1. Dip straight down: Working with one cake ball at a time, dip cake balls straight down into the melted coating until completely submerged. Do not swirl it around, as this can cause the cake ball to fall off the stick.
2. Lift straight up: Lift the cake ball straight out of the coating.
3. Tap off the excess: Gently tap off excess candy against the rim of the cup. Rotate the cake pop as you tap to ensure the coating is even.
4. Remove air bubbles: If you see any air bubbles, pop them with a toothpick while the coating is still wet.
5. Let it set: Place the finished cake ball on a clean sheet of parchment paper or, if using sticks, place it in a cake pop stand or styrofoam block to dry completely. The coating should set quickly.

Pro-Tip: If your candy coating starts to thicken as you work, simply reheat it in the microwave for 15 seconds at 50% power and stir until smooth again. Keeping the coating at an optimal fluid consistency is key to a smooth surface.

6. Create the Iconic Golf Ball Dimples

The secret to realistic golf ball texture! Pin this genius idea.

This is the step that truly transforms your cake balls into recognizable golf balls. You have two great options to create golf ball texture. The easiest method is to use a golf ball mold, but if you don’t have one, you can still achieve a fantastic dimpled cake ball texture manually with a simple tool.

What You Need

• Method 1 (Mold): A food-grade silicone mold for golf balls.
• Method 2 (Manual): A small fondant ball tool or the rounded end of a paintbrush.

Instructions

1. Method 1: Using a Golf Ball Mold:
   • Fill both halves of the golf ball cake pop mold with the melted white candy coating.
   • Press a chilled, uncoated cake ball into one half, pushing the excess coating out.
   • Place the other half of the mold on top and press firmly.
   • Use a knife to scrape away excess candy from the seam.
   • Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until fully set, then carefully de-mold.
2. Method 2: Creating Dimples Manually:
   • This method is done after the cake balls are dipped and the coating has fully set.
   • Gently press the rounded end of a small fondant tool or paintbrush handle into the surface of the coated cake ball to create a small indentation.
   • Repeat this process, covering the entire surface of the ball with a random pattern of dimples to create golf ball texture.

Pro-Tip: When using the manual method, work gently to avoid cracking the candy shell. If you’re having trouble, you can very slightly warm the tip of your tool by holding it in your hand for a moment. This can help create a smoother impression.

7. Add Final Themed Decorations

The perfect finishing touch! Pin this for your golf party ideas.

Now for the fun part: presentation! Simple touches can elevate your golf party desserts from homemade to professional. Using green sanding sugar to simulate grass is an easy and effective way to decorate golf cake pops and enhance the theme.

What You Need

• Finished golf cake balls
• Green sanding sugar or shredded coconut tinted green
• Edible ink markers (optional)
• Small paper cupcake liners (optional)

Instructions

1. Create a ‘Grass’ Base: Place each finished golf cake ball in a small paper cupcake liner. Sprinkle green sanding sugar or green-tinted coconut around the base of the ball to look like grass on a tee.
2. Add a Brand Logo: Use a fine-tip black or red edible ink marker to draw a small logo or number on the cake ball, just like a real golf ball.
3. Make a Golf Tee: For cake pops, you can paint the lollipop sticks to look like a golf tee before inserting them. For cake balls, you can serve them directly on clean, real golf tees for a fun display.
4. Display Creatively: Arrange your finished golf party desserts on a platter covered with a layer of green sanding sugar to create a mini “putting green.”

Pro-Tip: For a fun Father’s Day gift, use an edible marker to write “No. 1 Dad” or draw a small heart on one of the golf cake balls. It’s a simple touch that adds a lot of personalization.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Golf Cake Balls

• Use the Right Ratio: Start with less frosting than you think you need when making the cake pop dough. A 1/2 cup of frosting per 9×13 cake is a great starting point to avoid oily, overly soft cake balls.
• Chilling is Not Optional: The most critical step to prevent cracking is to chill cake balls until they are very firm (at least 2 hours in the fridge). This minimizes the temperature shock when dipping in warm candy coating.
• Choose Candy Melts for Success: For a smooth coating and guaranteed professional results, opt for oil-based candy melts over real white chocolate, which requires tricky tempering.
• Dip, Don’t Swirl: Submerge the cake ball straight down into a deep cup of melted candy and lift it straight up. Swirling can cause the ball to break apart or fall off its stick.
• Two Paths to Dimples: You can achieve the dimpled cake ball texture either by using a golf ball mold before chilling or by gently pressing a rounded tool into the surface after the candy coating has set.

People Also Ask About Golf Cake Balls Recipe

Why do my golf cake balls crack?

The primary cause of cracking is a significant temperature difference between the cake ball and the candy coating. If the cake balls are frozen or excessively cold, they will expand as they warm up, which cracks the hardened candy shell. The best practice is to chill them in the refrigerator until firm but not frozen solid.

Do you need a special mold for golf cake balls?

No, you do not absolutely need a special mold. While a golf ball mold provides the most authentic dimpled texture quickly, you can easily create the effect manually. After the white candy coating has set, simply use the rounded end of a small paintbrush or a fondant tool to gently press dimples all over the surface.

What is the difference between cake balls and cake pops?

The only difference is the presence of a stick. They are both made from the same mixture of cake crumbs and frosting. Cake balls are served as-is, often in a small cupcake liner, while cake pops are the same confection served on a lollipop stick. This recipe can be used for either.

How long do golf cake balls last?

Golf cake balls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. The hard candy shell helps to keep the cake inside moist and fresh.

Can you freeze golf cake balls?

Yes, you can freeze golf cake balls for up to one month. Place them in a single layer in a rigid, airtight container. To thaw, move them from the freezer to the refrigerator for several hours before bringing them to room temperature. This gradual temperature change helps prevent condensation from ruining the candy shell.

What kind of cake is best for golf cake balls?

A denser cake, like a butter cake or pound cake, works best as it creates a firmer, less greasy dough. If using a standard box mix, you can achieve a denser texture by using melted butter instead of oil and milk instead of water. Lighter, fluffier cakes can sometimes become mushy when mixed with frosting.

How do you get a smooth golf cake ball coating?

For a perfectly smooth coating, ensure your melted candy is the right consistency. It should be fluid, like running honey. If your candy melts are too thick, thin them by stirring in a teaspoon of coconut oil or paramount crystals. Also, tapping off the excess candy thoroughly after dipping is crucial.

What are alternatives to candy melts for golf cake balls?

The best alternative is a well-tempered white chocolate or white chocolate compound coating (also called almond bark). However, for beginners, candy melts are highly recommended because they do not require tempering. Using regular white chocolate chips without tempering will often result in a coating that is soft, dull, or streaky.

How do you prevent cake balls from falling off the stick?

Ensure the cake balls are thoroughly chilled and firm before dipping. When inserting the stick, first dip the tip into a little melted candy coating. This acts as an “edible glue” that securely fastens the stick inside the cake ball once it sets. Always dip straight down and lift straight up without swirling.

How much frosting should you use for cake balls?

Use the minimum amount of frosting needed to form a pliable dough, typically about 1/2 to 3/4 cup per 9×13 inch cake. Adding too much frosting is a common mistake that leads to a greasy, overly soft texture, and it can cause oil to leak from the finished cake balls. The dough should hold its shape easily but not feel sticky.

Final Thoughts on Your Golf Cake Balls Recipe

Creating impressive homemade golf cake balls is entirely achievable with the right techniques. By focusing on the core relationships—between the cake and frosting for the dough, and between the chilled ball and the candy coating for a crack-free finish—you can master this fun and festive dessert. This tested method, filled with expert tips, is designed to empower you to bake with confidence.

Now that you have the complete playbook, which decorating tip will you try first for your golf-themed event?

Last update on 2026-02-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API