Christmas Cake Pops Recipe
Introduction
Celebrate the holidays with these delightful Christmas Cake Pops! Made from moist cake crumbs and creamy frosting, then dipped in festive candy melts, they’re perfect for parties or gifting. These bite-sized treats are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor), plus ingredients listed on the package
- 1 cup frosting (buttercream, cream cheese, or store-bought)
- 12 ounces white candy melts
- 12 ounces red or green candy melts
- Holiday sprinkles
- Lollipop sticks or paper straws
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare and bake the cake according to package directions. Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding.
- Step 2: Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl. Add frosting and mix well until the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency. Roll the mixture into evenly sized balls.
- Step 3: Place the cake balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for 1 hour or freeze for 20 minutes until firm.
- Step 4: Melt the white and colored candy melts separately according to package instructions. Dip a lollipop stick into the melted candy and insert it halfway into each cake ball to secure the stick.
- Step 5: Dip each cake pop into the melted candy, allowing any excess to drip off. Decorate immediately with holiday sprinkles before the coating sets.
- Step 6: Place the decorated cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand. Allow the candy coating to dry completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, mix in a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract with the frosting.
- Use different colored candy melts to match your holiday theme or create patterns.
- If you don’t have a cake pop stand, place the sticks in a shallow container filled with rice or sugar to dry upright.
- Try adding crushed peppermint candy or colored sugar sprinkles for festive texture.
Storage
Store the finished cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Cake pops can also be frozen for up to a month; thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! Any baked cake, homemade or store-bought, works well. Just be sure it’s fully cooled before crumbling.
How do I prevent the cake pops from falling off the sticks?
Dipping the stick into melted candy before inserting it into the cake ball acts as glue when it hardens, helping secure the pop. Also, chilling the cake balls until firm prevents them from sliding off.
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Christmas Cake Pops Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours including chilling and drying time
- Yield: Approximately 24 cake pops 1x
Description
Delight in festive Christmas Cake Pops that combine moist cake with creamy frosting, coated in colorful candy melts and decorated with holiday sprinkles. Perfect for parties, gifting, or adding a sweet touch to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake and Frosting
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor), plus ingredients listed on the package
- 1 cup frosting (buttercream, cream cheese, or store-bought)
Coating and Decoration
- 12 ounces white candy melts
- 12 ounces red or green candy melts
- Holiday sprinkles
- Lollipop sticks or paper straws
Instructions
- Bake Cake: Prepare and bake the cake according to the package directions. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely to ensure easier handling and better texture in the final cake pops.
- Make Cake Balls: Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl. Add the frosting and mix until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency suitable for rolling.
- Roll Cake Balls: Shape the cake and frosting mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, for uniform baking and decorating.
- Chill Cake Balls: Place the formed cake balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for 1 hour or freeze for 20 minutes until they are firm and easier to dip.
- Melt Candy Melts: Melt the white and red or green candy melts separately in microwave-safe bowls according to package instructions, stirring frequently to achieve smooth, lump-free melts.
- Insert Sticks: Dip the tip of each lollipop stick or paper straw into the melted candy, then insert it about halfway into each chilled cake ball. This helps secure the stick in place for dipping.
- Dip Cake Pops: Holding the stick, dip each cake ball into the melted candy coating. Allow excess coating to drip off to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth finish.
- Decorate: While the coating is still wet, sprinkle holiday sprinkles over the cake pops to add festive colors and textures.
- Dry Cake Pops: Place the decorated cake pops upright by inserting the sticks into a styrofoam block or a cake pop stand. Let them dry completely at room temperature to harden the candy coating.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before crumbling to avoid melting the frosting.
- Chilling the cake balls firm helps them hold together when dipped in candy melts.
- If candy melts are too thick, add a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to thin them.
- Store cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Use a toothpick to create swirls or designs on the coating for extra decoration.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas cake pops, holiday cake pops, festive desserts, cake balls, candy melts, holiday treats
