Save A festive and eye-catching dessert featuring cake pops decorated as colorful holiday ornaments, perfect for parties and celebrations.
This recipe was a hit at our family gathering and brought so much festive cheer to the table.
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 the 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
- Coat 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
- Set pops upright:
- Stand pops upright in a foam block or cake pop stand to set fully
- Add shimmer:
- Dust with edible luster dust for a shimmering effect if desired
Save Making these cake pops was a joyful family activity that created wonderful memories and laughter in the kitchen.
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 (per serving)
Calories 180 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 27 g Protein 2 g
Save These festive cake pops make a delightful holiday treat sure to impress your guests.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How to achieve smooth coating on ornament balls?
Use vegetable shortening mixed into melted chocolate or candy melts to create a thinner, smoother coating for easy dipping and an even finish.
- → What helps the balls hold their shape during assembly?
Chilling the shaped balls for at least 30 minutes firms them up, making them easier to dip and decorate without losing shape.
- → Can I customize the colors used for coating?
Yes, assorted candy melts in different colors allow vibrant, festive decorations that suit any holiday theme.
- → What is the purpose of the mini pretzel loops?
Mini pretzel loops create a hook-like feature on top of each ball, mimicking the look of hanging ornaments for an authentic decorative effect.
- → How should the finished pops be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and texture.