If you want to add a bit of whimsy and festive fun to your holiday celebrations, this Christmas Cake Pops Recipe is your go-to treat. Imagine bite-sized morsels of moist, rich cake mingled with creamy frosting, dipped in vibrant, colorful coatings, and finished with cheerful holiday sprinkles. These delightful pops are perfect for sharing around the tree or gifting to loved ones, bringing joy in every bite while being surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Cake Pops Recipe calls for ingredients that are straightforward yet essential in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s the cake’s softness, the frosting’s creaminess, or the festive look provided by candy melts and sprinkles.
- 1 box of vanilla or chocolate cake mix: The foundation of your cake pops, choose your favorite flavor to match your festive mood.
- Ingredients required for the cake mix: Usually eggs, oil, and water – follow the box directions closely to bake a moist cake.
- ½ cup (120g) frosting (vanilla or chocolate): This helps bind the crumbled cake into a moldable dough, so use your favored flavor for extra yumminess.
- 12 oz (340g) white chocolate or candy melts (red, green, or white): These create the dazzling, smooth coating — perfect for getting that beautiful holiday look.
- Assorted holiday sprinkles: Sprinkles add the final touch of festive sparkle and crunch that everyone loves.
- 20–24 lollipop sticks: Essential for holding your pops — sturdy sticks make them easier and more fun to eat.
How to Make Christmas Cake Pops Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by following the instructions on your cake mix box to bake a delicious, moist cake. Whether you opt for chocolate or vanilla depends on your preference, but be sure not to overbake it. A fresh, tender cake is the base to flawless cake pops.
Step 2: Crumble and Mix
Once your cake has cooled completely, crumble it into fine crumbs using your hands or a fork. The key here is to get the crumbs small enough so that when you add frosting, the mixture becomes moldable like dough.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Mix the crumbled cake and frosting thoroughly until you get a smooth, sticky dough that can hold shape. Then, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more cake crumbs; if too dry, a touch more frosting.
Step 4: Insert the Sticks
Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into melted candy coating before pushing it halfway into each cake ball. This step secures the stick so the cake pop stays firmly on it when dipping.
Step 5: Chill the Cake Pops
Place the cake pops on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms them up and makes the dipping process easier.
Step 6: Coat the Cake Pops
Melt your chosen candy melts or white chocolate in the microwave or double boiler until smooth. Dip each cake pop carefully until fully coated, letting the excess drip off before standing them up to set.
Step 7: Decorate
While the coating is still wet, sprinkle your holiday sprinkles for that cheerful festive look. Let your creativity shine—you can layer colors or add edible glitter for extra sparkle.
How to Serve Christmas Cake Pops Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish turns cake pops from cute to wow-worthy. Use sparkly sugar crystals, crushed candy canes for that peppermint punch, or tiny edible stars to enhance the Christmas vibe and add a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
While these pops steal the show solo, pairing them with hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a cozy cup of coffee takes the experience to another level. These drinks complement the sweetness and make a perfect holiday snack pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun with this Christmas Cake Pops Recipe! Arrange them standing in a festive foam block wrapped in holiday paper, place in pretty jars with ribbons, or create a centerpiece bouquet using a decorative vase. These ideas make them perfect gifts or table decorations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the cake pops in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for about 3-4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holiday parties or last-minute guests.
Freezing
You can freeze cake pops by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and putting them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
Cake pops are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you prefer, let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving to soften the coating slightly without melting it.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! Homemade cake works beautifully in this Christmas Cake Pops Recipe. Just ensure that the cake is moist but not too crumbly to hold well when mixed with frosting.
What type of frosting is best for binding?
Buttercream or cream cheese frosting works wonderfully as a binding agent. Choose a flavor that complements your cake for the best taste and texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all your other ingredients, like sprinkles and candy melts, are gluten-free as well to keep the recipe safe and delicious.
How do I prevent the cake balls from falling off the sticks?
Dipping the stick tips in melted candy coating before inserting them into the cake balls creates a glue-like effect to keep the pops firmly attached during drying and dipping.
Can I use chocolate coating instead of candy melts?
Definitely! High-quality white or milk chocolate can be melted and used to coat the cake pops. Just be careful with the temperature so the chocolate melts smoothly without burning.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cake Pops Recipe brings together the magic of holiday flavors with an irresistible, fun-to-make treat that everyone will adore. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or making memorable gifts, these cake pops are sure to spread festive cheer. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love the smiles it brings!
Print
Christmas Cake Pops Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 cake pops
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with delightful Christmas Cake Pops, a festive and fun twist on traditional cake. Made by baking a cake, crumbling it, mixing with frosting, and forming into bite-sized balls, these pops are then coated in colorful candy melts and decorated with holiday sprinkles for a perfect seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Cake and Frosting
- 1 box vanilla or chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required for the mix: eggs, oil, water as per box instructions)
- ½ cup (120g) frosting (vanilla or chocolate, matching the cake flavor)
Coating and Decoration
- 12 oz (340g) white chocolate or candy melts (red, green, or white)
- Assorted holiday sprinkles
- 20–24 lollipop sticks
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven and prepare the cake batter according to the box instructions. Pour into a baking pan and bake as directed until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely.
- Crumble and Mix: Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl. Add ½ cup of frosting and mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together and can form into balls without falling apart.
- Form the Balls: Roll the mixture into approximately 20–24 small, even-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to firm up.
- Coat the Cake Pops: Melt the white chocolate or candy melts in the microwave or double boiler until smooth. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy, then insert it halfway into each cake ball. This helps secure the stick. Then, fully dip each cake ball into the melted candy coating, allowing excess to drip off gently.
- Decorate: Before the coating sets, immediately decorate the cake pops with assorted holiday sprinkles to add a festive touch. Stand the cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or resting tray to set completely.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before crumbling to prevent a soggy mixture.
- Chilling the cake balls prior to coating helps them stay firm and reduces breakage during dipping.
- Use a toothpick or a fork to tap off excess coating for a smooth finish.
- Store cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
