Christmas Cake Pops Recipe

Christmas is a time of joy, laughter, and, of course, delicious treats. One festive favorite that brings a smile to faces of all ages is cake pops. With their delightful flavors and whimsical designs, these Christmas Cake Pops are perfect for holiday celebrations, cozy family gatherings, or as a sweet gift for friends. They’re not just delicious; they’re fun to make, allowing your creativity to shine throughout the decorating process.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

These charming little cake pops are more than just a sugary treat; they’re a canvas for your holiday creativity! Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert to impress guests or a fun activity for the kids, these cake pops deliver on all fronts. They are easily customizable with various flavors, colors, and toppings, bringing holiday cheer into your kitchen.

"These cake pops were the hit of our Christmas party! Everyone loved how festive—and delicious—they were! Can’t wait to make them again."

How This Recipe Comes Together

Creating these flavorful bites involves a few straightforward steps: baking the cake, crumbling it, mixing in frosting, and finally forming and decorating the cake pops. Expect a bit of hands-on work, but the outcome is certainly rewarding.

Gather These Items

1 box (15.25 oz) of cake mix (vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet)
Ingredients listed on box (usually eggs, oil, water)
OR: 1 homemade 9×13 cake (any flavor)
1 cup frosting (cream cheese, buttercream, or store-bought)
40-50 lollipop sticks or paper straws
24 oz candy melts or chocolate (white, milk, dark, or a combination)
2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Red and green sprinkles
Christmas-themed sprinkles (trees, snowflakes, ornaments)
White chocolate for drizzling
Red and green sanding sugar
Mini chocolate chips for “eyes” on snowmen
Pretzel sticks (for reindeer antlers or snowman arms)
Crushed candy canes, edible gold luster dust, and more!

Pro tip: Feel free to swap in your favorite flavors or mix and match decorating items based on what you have on hand.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: The Cake Foundation

First, bake your cake according to package or recipe instructions in a 9×13 pan. Allow it to cool completely—absolutely no warm cake allowed. This is crucial for success. If time allows, consider baking it the day before and refrigerating to tighten the structure for easier handling.

Step 2: The Crumbling Process

Next, crumble the completely cooled cake into a large bowl using your fingers. Discard any large pieces and ensure it resembles fine crumbs.

Step 3: The Frosting Addition

Start mixing in the frosting—begin with 1/2 cup and use your hands to combine. You’re aiming for a dough-like consistency that holds together when squeezed. If it’s too crumbly, add more frosting, a tablespoon at a time.

Step 4: The Rolling Process

Portion out the cake mixture using a cookie scoop or tablespoon and roll each portion into smooth balls (1-1.5 inches in diameter). Lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: The Chilling (Crucial Step)

Refrigerate the cake balls for at least two hours or freeze for 30 minutes. A firm cake ball is key to prevent a messy chocolate-dipping ordeal.

Step 6: The Chocolate Melting

Melt your candy melts or chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in intervals, stirring frequently. A tablespoon or two of coconut oil will help thin out the chocolate.

Step 7: The Stick Insertion

Dip a lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it into your chilled cake balls, pushing it halfway in. This helps secure the cake pop as it dries.

Step 8: The Dipping Process

Grab a cake pop, dip it into the melted chocolate until fully submerged, then let excess drip off. Tap gently to remove any final bits lingering on the sides.

Step 9: The Decorating Magic

While the chocolate is still wet, add your sprinkles and candy decorations. Go wild—create snowmen, reindeer, or simply festive designs.

Step 10: The Drying Process

Stand the cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or lay them on parchment paper to dry for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate sets completely.

Step 11: The Advanced Decorating (Optional)

After the base coat hardens, get adventurous by adding more designs with melted chocolate or edible markers.

Step 12: The Presentation

Arrange your decorated pops on a festive platter or wrap them individually in cellophane bags tied with ribbons, and enjoy the compliments that follow!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serve these delightful cake pops as part of your holiday dessert table or at parties. They are perfect for gifting, too! Arrange them in a decorative box or on a stand for beautiful presentation.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Store any leftover cake pops in the fridge for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage. Just ensure they’re wrapped well to avoid freezer burn.

Helpful Cooking Tips

If you’re short on time, a store-bought cake mix cuts down preparation time without compromising flavor.
Experiment with different colors of candy melts for an eye-catching display.

Recipe Variations

Try different flavor combinations. For example, use red velvet with cream cheese frosting, or experiment with different candies for decoration. The cake pops can also be made dairy-free or gluten-free by using specific cake mix brands.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cake pops ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the cake balls in advance, store them in the fridge or freezer, and dip them in chocolate closer to the event.

Q: What can I substitute for cake mix?
A: You can easily use a homemade cake recipe as a base. Just ensure it’s fully cooled before crumbling.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep any uneaten cake pops in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for a few months in an airtight container.

For more delightful inspiration, check out our delicious recipe collection, including our popular Mini Bento Cake Recipe and Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse, which will elevate your dessert game all year round!