Save A festive and eye-catching dessert featuring cake pops decorated as colorful holiday ornaments, perfect for parties and celebrations.
This recipe became a favorite at my holiday gatherings because everyone loves how cute and tasty these ornament cake pops are.
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 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.
- Shape Balls:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill:
- 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 Upright:
- Stand pops upright in a foam block or cake pop stand to set fully.
- Finish:
- Dust with edible luster dust for a shimmering effect, if desired.
Save Making these cake pops together became a cherished family tradition that filled our holidays with fun and laughter.
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 ornament cake pops are sure to brighten any holiday party and impress your guests with their festive charm.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cake flavors work best for these cake pops?
Vanilla and chocolate cake mixes are ideal as they complement the frostings and coatings well.
- → How do I keep the coating smooth and shiny?
Melting the chocolate gently and adding vegetable shortening helps achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
- → Can I prepare these cake balls ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the shaped balls before dipping helps maintain their shape and makes coating easier.
- → What decorations work best for the ornament tops?
Mini pretzel loops or candy-coated chocolate pieces create realistic ornament hooks.
- → How should I store the finished cake pops?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.