If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and super easy treat that’ll steal the show at your 4th of July celebration, these Patriotic No-Bake Cake Batter Truffles are it. They’re soft, sweet, and packed with that nostalgic cake batter flavor—no oven required. Coated in white chocolate and topped with red, white, and blue sprinkles, they’re a total crowd-pleaser and almost too cute to eat (but trust me, everyone will).

I started making these a few summers ago when I needed something quick and fun for a backyard BBQ. I didn’t feel like baking in the heat, and I had a box of cake mix sitting in the pantry. The result? These adorable little truffles that taste like birthday cake and look like a party. Now they’re a staple for every patriotic holiday, and I always make extra because they disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking needed – perfect for hot summer days
Fun and festive – red, white, and blue sprinkles make them party-ready
Tastes like cake batter – rich, sweet, and nostalgic
Great for making ahead – perfect to prep the night before
Customizable – swap in your favorite cake mix or sprinkle combo
Easy enough for kids to help with – rolling and dipping is half the fun
Perfect bite-size treat – ideal for potlucks, dessert tables, or snacking

Ingredients You’ll Need

White cake mix – the base of that signature cake batter flavor
All-purpose flour – heat-treated if needed for food safety (more on that below)
Unsalted butter – softened, to bind everything together
Granulated sugar – adds a little extra sweetness and texture
Vanilla extract – for that bakery-fresh flavor
Milk – to moisten and bring the dough together
White chocolate chips or melting wafers – for the coating
Red, white, and blue sprinkles – the star of the show

(Note: A complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is included in the instructions section below.)

How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Heat-treat the cake mix (and flour, if using separately)
Since cake mix and raw flour can contain bacteria, it’s best to heat-treat them before using. Spread the cake mix (and flour, if needed) on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes, then let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the dough
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Add the cooled cake mix and flour, then slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until a soft dough forms. You want it to be pliable but not sticky.

Step 3: Add sprinkles and chill
Fold in some red, white, and blue sprinkles. Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 4: Melt the white chocolate
While the truffles chill, melt the white chocolate chips or wafers in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth.

Step 5: Dip and decorate
Use a fork or dipping tool to coat each chilled truffle in white chocolate. Let the excess drip off, then place back on the parchment-lined tray. Immediately sprinkle with patriotic sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

Step 6: Let set and serve
Allow the truffles to set at room temperature or speed things up in the fridge. Once the coating is firm, they’re ready to serve.

Helpful Tips

Heat-treating is important
If you’re using raw cake mix or flour, be sure to heat-treat it first for food safety. Just a quick bake at 350°F for 5 minutes does the trick.

Storage
Store truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Make ahead
You can make these a day or two ahead, dip them in chocolate the day before, and keep them chilled until it’s party time.

Flavor variations
Swap the white cake mix for funfetti, vanilla, or even red velvet for a twist. You can also use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.

Dipping help
If dipping gets messy, use a toothpick to skewer each truffle while dipping, then gently twist it out and smooth over the hole with extra chocolate.

Add-ins
Crushed freeze-dried strawberries or mini chocolate chips are fun mix-ins if you want to get creative with texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Any cake mix you love will work—vanilla, funfetti, red velvet, even lemon. Just make sure it’s heat-treated first.

Do I have to dip them in chocolate?
Nope! You can roll them in powdered sugar or colored sanding sugar for a quicker version. The chocolate just makes them extra special.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix and be sure all your ingredients (especially sprinkles) are gluten-free too.

What kind of white chocolate works best?
Use white chocolate melting wafers or high-quality white chocolate chips. They melt more smoothly and coat more evenly.

Do they need to be refrigerated?
They’re best stored in the fridge to keep their shape, especially in summer. But they’re fine at room temp for a couple of hours when serving.

I make these Patriotic No-Bake Cake Batter Truffles every 4th of July and often again for Labor Day or Memorial Day—they’re that good and that easy. One last idea: display them in mini cupcake liners on a pretty tray for a festive presentation. Give them a try and let me know how yours turn out. They’re the kind of treat people can’t stop popping one after another!