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 holiday party, bringing smiles with every ornament ball cake pop.
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
- 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 Making these cake pops became a cherished holiday tradition in our family, sparking joy and creativity.
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 These cake pops add a delightful sparkle to any holiday gathering and are sure to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cake flavors work best for these ornament pops?
Vanilla and chocolate cake bases both provide a moist and flavorful foundation that pairs well with the sweet coatings and decorations.
- → How can I achieve smooth coatings on the pops?
Melting chocolate or candy melts gently and adding vegetable shortening helps create a thinner, smoother coating that adheres evenly.
- → What are the best decorations for the ornament effect?
Use assorted colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, small candies, and mini pretzel loops or candy pieces for attaching as ornament hooks.
- → How long should I chill the pops during preparation?
Chill the shaped cake balls for at least 30 minutes before dipping, and again for about 10 minutes after inserting sticks to ensure coating firmness.
- → Can I prepare these pops in advance?
Yes, store the finished pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and appearance.