There’s nothing quite like the magic of Christmas Cake Pops to bring a festive sparkle to your holiday dessert table! These whimsical treats are the perfect combination of moist cake, creamy frosting, and a crisp candy coating, all dressed up in merry colors and sprinkles. Whether you’re making them with kids or prepping them as an edible gift, Christmas Cake Pops are guaranteed to spread joy with every bite and become a beloved tradition in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Cake Pop Base
- 1 box cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as per box instructions)
- 1/2 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Coating and Decoration
- 12 ounces candy melts (red, green, or white)
- Holiday sprinkles or decorations
- Lollipop sticks
How to Make Christmas Cake Pops
Step 1: Bake and Cool the Cake
Begin by baking your cake according to the package directions. Use your favorite flavor and feel free to get creative with color by adding a few drops of gel food coloring to the batter. Once baked, let the cake cool completely—this is key for getting the perfect crumb texture later on.
Step 2: Crumble the Cake
Once cooled, break the cake into large pieces and place them in a big mixing bowl. Use clean hands or a fork to crumble the cake into fine, even crumbs. This step is a little messy but totally fun, and it’s the secret to that smooth, doughy texture inside each Christmas Cake Pop.
Step 3: Mix in the Frosting
Add about 1/2 cup of frosting to your cake crumbs and mix until everything is evenly moistened and the mixture holds together like soft dough. Start with the recommended amount and add a spoonful more if needed—just be careful not to overdo it, or your pops might become too soft to hold their shape.
Step 4: Shape and Chill the Cake Balls
Roll the cake mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should end up with about 24 cake balls. Pop them in the fridge for at least an hour, or in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes, until they’re nice and firm. This makes them much easier to dip later!
Step 5: Melt the Candy Coating
Place your candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the coating is smooth and pourable. If you’re using white candy melts, you can tint them with gel food coloring to create your own custom holiday shades.
Step 6: Insert Sticks and Set
Dip the tip of each lollipop stick about half an inch into the melted candy, then insert it halfway into each cake ball. This little step helps anchor the stick so it doesn’t slip out later. Place the pops back in the fridge for about 10 minutes to let the coating set and secure the sticks.
Step 7: Dip and Decorate
Now for the most festive part! Dip each chilled cake pop into the melted candy coating, turning to coat completely. Gently tap off any excess coating, then quickly add your favorite holiday sprinkles or decorations before the coating sets. Stand the pops upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand and let them dry completely.
How to Serve Christmas Cake Pops
Garnishes
For a truly festive finish, try adding edible glitter, gold stars, or crushed peppermint on top of your Christmas Cake Pops. You can even drizzle them with contrasting colored candy melts for a playful, striped effect that looks as good as it tastes!
Side Dishes
Christmas Cake Pops are delightful on their own, but if you’re serving them at a party, consider pairing them with mugs of hot cocoa, a platter of holiday cookies, or a bowl of fresh berries. These little treats shine alongside other sweets and make a beautiful centerpiece for a dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Christmas Cake Pops in a festive bouquet by sticking them into a foam block covered with tissue paper, or tuck them into clear gift bags tied with ribbon for an adorable homemade holiday gift. You can also display them in a mason jar filled with colorful candies for a playful touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Christmas Cake Pops in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is on the warmer side, you might prefer to keep them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezing
Christmas Cake Pops freeze beautifully! Once the candy coating is completely set, arrange the pops in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If serving from the fridge or freezer, simply let them sit out for 15–20 minutes before enjoying to bring back their soft, fudgy interior.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade cake recipe, feel free to use it as the base for your Christmas Cake Pops. Just be sure the cake is completely cooled before you start crumbling.
What kind of frosting works best?
Buttercream, cream cheese, or even store-bought canned frosting all work well. Just avoid anything too thin or runny, as you want a thick, creamy binder to help everything hold together.
How do I prevent the cake pops from falling off the sticks?
Chilling the cake balls thoroughly before dipping and dipping the stick in melted candy before inserting it into the cake ball both help secure the pops. Be gentle when dipping and tapping off excess coating to keep everything intact.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Yes, Christmas Cake Pops are perfect for making ahead! You can prepare and decorate them up to a week in advance and store them in the fridge, or freeze them for even longer storage.
Are there gluten-free or vegan options?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free cake mix and frosting for a gluten-free version, or opt for vegan cake and dairy-free frosting to make these pops plant-based. Just be sure to check your candy melts and decorations for any hidden animal products or gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you can’t go wrong with Christmas Cake Pops. They’re festive, delicious, and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike—so gather your loved ones and make a batch together this holiday season!
