Name: Eggnog Cake Balls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 48
Ingredients: 16 ounce box pound cake mix.; 2/3 cup eggnog.; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened.; 2 large eggs.; 2 tablespoons rum (or 2 teaspoons extract).; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.; 16 ounce container whipped vanilla frosting.; 48 ounces vanilla or chocolate candy coating.; Sea salt for topping.

There’s something magical about the holidays, and eggnog is one of those flavors that instantly transports you to cozy evenings by the fire. These Eggnog Cake Balls capture all that nostalgic warmth in a bite-sized treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. With their creamy interior, hint of nutmeg, and festive coating, they’re the perfect no-bake dessert when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re bringing them to a holiday party, packaging them as edible gifts, or simply treating yourself to a sweet afternoon snack, these cake balls deliver big flavor in a small package. They come together in about 45 minutes and make just enough for a small gathering or intimate celebration. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable—you can roll them in different coatings, add a splash of rum extract, or even drizzle them with white chocolate for an extra festive touch.

Why I Love These

These cake balls pack all the rich, spiced flavor of eggnog into a perfectly poppable dessert that feels fancy but couldn’t be simpler.

The texture is wonderfully creamy and dense, with just the right amount of sweetness and that signature nutmeg warmth in every bite.

I make these whenever I need a quick holiday dessert that looks impressive, travels well, and disappears fast at parties.

Ingredients

Vanilla cake mix
Eggnog
Vegetable oil
Eggs
Ground nutmeg
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
White chocolate chips or candy melts
Ground cinnamon for dusting

How To Make

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggnog, vegetable oil, eggs, and ground nutmeg. Whisk until smooth and no lumps remain, about 2 minutes. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 22-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan—this is crucial for the right texture, so give it at least 30 minutes.
While the cake cools, prepare your cream cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Once your cake is cool, crumble it into fine crumbs using your hands or a fork—you want an even, almost sandy texture with no large chunks.
Add the cream cheese mixture to the cake crumbs and mix thoroughly with a spatula or your hands until everything is evenly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of eggnog; if too wet, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up slightly.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the mixture and roll into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter—you should get 12-16 balls depending on size. Place them on the prepared sheet and refrigerate for another 10 minutes while you melt your coating.
Melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, then return to the parchment-lined sheet. Immediately dust with a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or extra nutmeg while the coating is still wet.
Let the coating set at room temperature for 10 minutes, or speed things up by refrigerating for 5 minutes. Serve chilled or at room temperature on a festive platter, and watch them disappear.

Nutrition

These Eggnog Cake Balls are an indulgent holiday treat, offering a balance of carbohydrates from the cake and fats from the cream cheese and chocolate coating. Each ball provides quick energy and satisfying sweetness, making them ideal for festive gatherings where a small, rich dessert is preferred over a large slice of cake. They’re perfect for anyone looking to enjoy seasonal flavors in controlled portions.

The cream cheese adds a bit of protein and calcium, while the eggnog brings traditional dairy nutrients. To lighten them up, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar-free white chocolate, though this will alter the texture slightly. For a richer version, add a tablespoon of butter to the cream cheese mixture or use full-fat eggnog for maximum decadence.

These contain common allergens including dairy, eggs, and gluten. For a gluten-free version, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free cake mix. Dairy-free adaptations work well using plant-based cream cheese, non-dairy eggnog, and dairy-free white chocolate—just ensure all substitutes are at the same consistency as their traditional counterparts for the best rolling texture.

Tips & Variations

Make the cake a day ahead and store it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature—this actually makes crumbling easier and saves you time on serving day.
Add a teaspoon of rum extract or bourbon to the cream cheese mixture for an adults-only version with deeper, more complex eggnog flavor.
Try rolling the balls in crushed graham crackers, chopped pecans, or cinnamon sugar instead of dipping in chocolate for different textures and a quicker finish.
For a festive look, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the white chocolate coating in a zigzag pattern, or add gold luster dust for an elegant shimmer.
If you don’t have eggnog, substitute with half heavy cream and half milk plus an extra 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to mimic the flavor profile.

Ways To Serve Them

Arrange on a tiered dessert stand alongside other holiday cookies and truffles for a stunning dessert table centerpiece
Package individually in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon for homemade holiday gifts that friends and family will love
Serve alongside hot coffee, spiced chai, or a warm mug of actual eggnog for the ultimate cozy winter dessert pairing
Present them on a bed of crushed candy canes or edible snow for extra holiday magic at Christmas parties
Pair with fresh berries and whipped cream for a slightly lighter, more balanced dessert plate

Proper Storage

Fridge: Store the cake balls in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 5 days, and the flavors actually deepen and meld overnight, making them even better the next day.
Freezer: These freeze exceptionally well for up to 2 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment between layers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheat: These are best served chilled or at room temperature—no reheating needed. Simply remove from the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off and let the flavors bloom. If frozen, allow them to thaw slowly in the fridge to maintain the best texture.