Save to Pinterest A festive and eye-catching dessert featuring cake pops decorated as colorful holiday ornaments, perfect for parties and celebrations.
This recipe creates a vibrant and fun display that always impresses guests during the holiday season.
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)
- Decoration & Coating: 2 tbsp (25 g) vegetable shortening (optional for smoother coating)
- Decoration & Coating: Assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, and small candies
- Decoration & Coating: 24 mini pretzel loops or candy-coated chocolate pieces (for ornament tops)
- Decoration & Coating: Edible gold or silver luster dust (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bake the cake according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely.
- Step 2:
- Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
- Step 3:
- Add frosting gradually, mixing until the mixture holds together and can be shaped.
- Step 4:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Step 5:
- Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Melt the chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Stir in shortening if needed for a thinner consistency.
- Step 7:
- 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.
- Step 8:
- Dip each cake pop fully into the melted coating, gently tapping off excess.
- Step 9:
- 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.
- Step 10:
- Stand pops upright in a foam block or cake pop stand to set fully.
- Step 11:
- Dust with edible luster dust for a shimmering effect, if desired.
Save to Pinterest We always enjoy gathering as a family to decorate these festive cake pops together, making holiday memories sweeter.
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 per serving, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 27 g, Protein: 2 g
Save to Pinterest This festive treat brings holiday cheer to any gathering with its colorful and creative design.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cake mix works best for these pops?
Vanilla or chocolate cake mix can be used as a base, depending on your flavor preference and desired color contrast with the coating.
- → How do I ensure a smooth coating on the pops?
Melting candy melts until fully smooth and stirring in vegetable shortening helps achieve a thinner, more even coating.
- → Can I decorate the pops with edible glitter?
Yes, edible glitter enhances the festive look and adds a shimmering effect to the ornament pops.
- → How long should the pops chill before dipping?
Chilling the shaped balls for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up and hold their shape during dipping.
- → What can be used as the ornament hook on top?
Mini pretzel loops or candy-coated chocolate pieces can be attached as decorative ornament hooks for an authentic look.