Save Pin A festive and eye-catching dessert featuring cake pops decorated as colorful holiday ornaments, perfect for parties and celebrations.
This recipe has become a holiday tradition in our family, sparking joy when we create and share these delightful cake pops together.
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
- Bake the cake:
- Bake the cake according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely.
- Crumble cake:
- 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.
- Form balls:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill cake balls:
- Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt coating:
- 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.
- Dip cake pops:
- 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.
- Stand to set:
- Stand pops upright in a foam block or cake pop stand to set fully.
- Apply luster dust:
- Dust with edible luster dust for a shimmering effect, if desired.
Save Pin Our family loves arranging the completed cake pops on a decorated styrofoam base to create a festive centerpiece that everyone admires.
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)
Save Pin These cake pops bring a dazzling touch to any celebration and are sure to impress your guests with their festive charm.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cake mix works best?
Vanilla or chocolate cake mix provides a sturdy yet flavorful base to complement the creamy frosting and decorations.
- → How do I achieve a smooth coating on the balls?
Melting white chocolate or candy melts thoroughly and stirring in vegetable shortening can create a thinner, smoother coating for dipping.
- → What decorative elements can I use?
Sprinkles, edible glitter, small candies, and edible luster dust enhance appearance and add festive shine to each ball.
- → How should I secure the ornament tops?
Attach mini pretzel loops or candy-coated chocolates at the top before the coating sets to mimic ornament hooks effectively.
- → What's the best way to chill the balls?
Chill shaped balls and coated pops separately in the refrigerator to ensure firmness and a neat finish before decorating.