Easy Candy Cane Cake Pops (Christmas Recipe)

Indulge in the festive magic of the season with our delightful Candy Cane Cake Pops recipe. These bite-sized treats, adorned with a swirl of white chocolate and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, bring a pop of joy to every holiday celebration.

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread joy than with some delicious and adorable Candy Cane Cake Pops? 

Get ready to embark on a festive baking adventure as we dive into the step-by-step guide for creating these delightful treats that not only taste amazing but also add a pop of holiday cheer to any gathering.

If you love baking at this time of year you may also want to try my Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies or my Chocolate Peppermint Truffles Recipe.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE CANDY CANE CAKE POPS

1. Adorable Presentation:
   • Shaped like candy canes, these cake pops are not just delicious but also make for a charming and festive presentation on any dessert table.
2. Perfectly Portioned:
   • The bite-sized nature of cake pops makes them an ideal treat for parties, ensuring everyone gets a delightful taste of the holiday spirit.
3. Versatile Flavor Options:
   • Experiment with different cake flavors and frosting combinations to suit your taste preferences, making these cake pops a versatile addition to any celebration.
4. Interactive Holiday Baking:
   • Get the family involved in the joy of holiday baking by letting them assist in shaping, dipping, and decorating these delightful cake pops.

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE PERFECT TREAT

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these easy cake balls (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card below):

• Box of your favorite cake mix: Yep, we’re going for the easy route here. Choose a flavor that screams Christmas – we used vanilla but you can also use chocolate mixed with peppermint extract, or maybe red velvet. Can also make a homemade cake, however it’s not necessary and we love the easy route.
• Frosting: This is the glue that holds our cake pops together. Vanilla frosting or chocolate depending what flavors you’re going for. It adds that extra layer of richness.
• Crushed candy cane: The more Christmassy, the better! The candy cane bits go on the tops of the cake pops and add a nice crunch.
• Lollipop sticks/cake pop sticks: Because what’s a cake pop without a stick? It’s like the Christmas tree without ornaments – necessary for the full effect.
• Melted chocolate or candy melts: This will be our candy coating, and trust me, it’s where the magic happens. Can use white chocolate candy melts, red candy melts, milk chocolate candy melts, or use food coloring to get desired colors.

HOW TO MAKE

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Begin by following the package directions on the cake box, combining cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Pour the batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or two 8×8-inch round cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. After allowing the cake to cool completely, crumble it using a fork in a large bowl or within the baking dish. Mix the frosting with the crumbled cake, cover the mixture with plastic wrap, and freeze until thoroughly chilled. Use a cookie scoop and your hands to shape the chilled mixture into consistently sized small balls, aiming for a ping pong ball’s dimensions.
4. Once frozen solid, give the cake and frosting balls a final roll to refine their shape and place them on a cookie sheet. Proceed to melt candy melts either in the microwave or using a double boiler. Dip lollipop sticks into the melted chocolate, then insert them into one of the frozen cake balls.
5. Repeat this process for all the cake and frosting balls, returning them to the freezer until completely solidified. Carefully submerge each ball into the melted chocolate or use a spoon to generously coat them, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off onto parchment paper. Enhance the festive charm by adding crushed candy cane pieces to the top.
6. Stand the coated cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or a cardboard box to set and harden. And voilà, you now have a batch of effortlessly crafted bite-sized delights ready to bring joy to any occasion!

STORAGE

Storing your delectable Candy Cane Cake Pops properly ensures they maintain their freshness and delightful texture. Here’s a guide on how to store them:

1. Room Temperature:
   • If you plan to consume the cake pops within a day or two, storing them at room temperature in a cool, dry place is suitable. Ensure they are kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
2. Refrigeration:
   • For a longer shelf life, consider refrigerating the cake pops. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. This is particularly helpful if your cake pops have a cream cheese frosting or any other perishable ingredient.
3. Freezing:
   • If you want to keep the cake pops for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Individually wrap each cake pop in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. This helps prevent freezer burn and preserves their flavor.
4. Thawing:
   • When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen cake pops, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Thawing gradually in the refrigerator helps maintain their texture.
5. Avoid Moisture:
   • Regardless of the storage method, it’s crucial to keep the cake pops away from moisture. Moisture can cause the candy coating to become sticky and compromise the overall quality of the pops.
6. Store Upright:
   • If your cake pops have lollipop sticks, store them upright in a container or styrofoam block. This prevents them from touching each other and maintains their decorative appearance.
7. Separate Flavors:
   • If you’ve made a variety of flavors, consider storing different flavors in separate containers or clearly labeled sections to preserve each flavor’s distinct taste.

VARIATIONS

1. Double Chocolate Delight:
   • Dip your cake pops in dark or milk chocolate before adding the signature candy cane stripes. This creates a rich, double-chocolate experience.
2. Minty Fresh Interior:
   • Infuse the cake batter with peppermint extract for a burst of minty freshness that complements the candy cane theme.
3. Festive Filling Surprise:
   • Inject a small amount of peppermint-flavored cream or chocolate ganache into the center of the cake pops before coating for a delightful surprise when bitten into.
4. White Chocolate Drizzle:
   • After coating the cake pops in red candy melts, drizzle them with contrasting white chocolate for a visually appealing and delicious touch.
5. Gingerbread Spice Twist:
   • Add a pinch of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the cake batter for a gingerbread-inspired flavor profile. Coat with white chocolate and add candy cane stripes.
6. Cocoa Dusted Elegance:
   • Dust the finished cake pops with a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and slightly bitter contrast to the sweet candy coating.

FAQS

CAN I USE A DIFFERENT CAKE FLAVOR?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various cake flavors to suit your preferences. Chocolate cake, red velvet cake, or vanilla cake are great choices.

HOW DO I PREVENT THE CAKE POPS FROM FALLING OFF THE STICK?

Ensure the cake pops are thoroughly chilled before dipping them into the melted chocolate. Additionally, make sure the cake balls are of a firm consistency when shaping them.

CAN I MAKE THESE IN ADVANCE FOR A PARTY OR AN EVENT?

Certainly! These cake pops are perfect for preparing in advance. Store them in the refrigerator or freezer, and decorate them closer to the event for a fresh and festive touch.

CAN I MAKE THESE INTO PEPPERMINT CAKE POPS?

Yes, absolutely! By using a chocolate cake mix and peppermint extract you can achieve a peppermint brownie cake pop.

Other Cake Pop Recipes You May Enjoy!

• Christmas Cake Pops
• Pumpkin Cake Pops
• Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops
• Red Velvet Cake Pops
• Starbucks Birthday Cake Pop Recipe
• 3 Ingredient Funfetti Cake Pops
  

IF YOU MAKE THESE HOLIDAY PARTY CAKE POPS PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails