Pin It A festive and eye-catching dessert featuring cake pops decorated as colorful holiday ornaments, perfect for parties and celebrations.
This recipe brings joy to our holiday gatherings and never fails to impress guests with its festive look.
Ingredients
- Cake: 1 box (about 400 g) vanilla or chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients per package)
- Frosting: 1/2 cup (120 g) cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream
- Decoration & Coating: 500 g white chocolate or candy melts (assorted colors), 2 tbsp (25 g) vegetable shortening (optional for smoother coating), assorted sprinkles edible glitter and small candies, 24 mini pretzel loops or candy-coated chocolate pieces (for ornament tops), edible gold or silver luster dust (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the cake:
- Bake the cake according to package instructions Allow to cool completely
- Crumble:
- Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl
- Add frosting:
- Add frosting gradually mixing until the mixture holds together and can be shaped
- Roll:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls Place on a parchment-lined tray
- Chill:
- Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes
- Melt chocolate:
- Melt the chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl stirring until smooth Stir in shortening if needed for a thinner consistency
- Insert sticks:
- Dip one end of a lollipop stick into the melted coating then insert halfway into a cake ball Repeat for all balls and chill again for 10 minutes to set
- Coat:
- Dip each cake pop fully into the melted coating gently tapping off excess
- Decorate:
- Before the coating sets decorate each pop with sprinkles glitter or candies to resemble ornament balls Attach a mini pretzel loop or candy at the top for the ornament hook
- Set:
- Stand pops upright in a foam block or cake pop stand to set fully
- Dust:
- Dust with edible luster dust for a shimmering effect if desired
Pin It Serve arranged pops on a decorated styrofoam base to create a festive centerpiece that the whole family loves.
Required Tools
Stand mixer or large mixing bowl Baking pan Parchment paper Microwave-safe bowls Lollipop sticks Styrofoam block or cake pop stand
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) eggs milk soy (in candy melts) and possibly nuts (depending on decorations) Check all labels carefully if serving to those with allergies
Nutritional Information
Calories 180 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 27 g Protein 2 g per serving
Pin It Enjoy this festive treat that adds a splash of color and fun to any celebration.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What types of cake work best for these pops?
Vanilla and chocolate cake bases provide great flavor and texture, holding together well for shaping and coating.
- → Can I use other coatings besides candy melts?
White chocolate or colored candy melts are best for smooth, vibrant finishes but tempered chocolate can also be used carefully.
- → How do I prevent the coating from cracking?
Adding vegetable shortening to the melted coating helps create a smoother, more flexible finish that resists cracking.
- → What's the best way to attach the ornament tops?
Mini pretzel loops or candy-coated chocolate pieces pressed gently into the coating before it sets form sturdy hooks resembling ornament tops.
- → How should I store the decorated pops?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and coating texture.
- → Can I customize the colors and decorations?
Yes, using different colors of candy melts and edible glitter or sprinkles allows for creative, festive designs matching any theme.