Name: Christmas Cake Pops
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: 1 15-ounce box vanilla cake mix; other ingredients called for on the box including water/oil/eggs; 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature; ⅔ cup powdered sugar; 3 Tablespoons cream cheese; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 18 ounces white chocolate melting wafers; Festive sprinkles or other desired decorations

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Christmas Cake Pops are the ultimate festive treat, combining moist cake, creamy frosting, and a rich chocolate coating in every bite. These bite-sized delights are perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a burst of decadent flavors and a satisfying mix of soft cake and smooth, crunchy chocolate. Ready in just over an hour, they’re surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

With a prep time of 20 minutes and a quick freeze to set, these pops are as fun to create as they are to eat. The sweet, buttery notes of the cake pair beautifully with the velvety chocolate shell, while festive sprinkles add a playful crunch. Whether for gifting or sharing, these pops bring holiday cheer in every bite.

Festive Christmas Cake Pops Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake:
▢ 1 (15-ounce) box vanilla cake mix
▢ Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (water, oil, eggs)
For the Frosting:
▢ 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature (softened for easy mixing)
▢ ⅔ cup powdered sugar (sifted for smoother texture)
▢ 3 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or substitute with almond extract for a different flavor)
For the Coating and Decorations:
▢ 18 ounces white chocolate melting wafers (or use dark/milk chocolate for variation)
▢ Festive sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorations of your choice

Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Cake Pops

Prepare the Vanilla Cake:
1. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box.
2. Mix the cake batter according to the box instructions, combining the cake mix with water, oil, and eggs.
3. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake as directed, typically for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before proceeding.
Make the Frosting:
1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating continuously until smooth.
3. Mix in the cream cheese and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Prepare the Cake Pop Mixture:
1. Crumble the cooled cake into fine, even crumbs using your hands or a fork.
2. Add the prepared frosting to the crumbled cake and mix until the mixture is moist and holds together when pressed.
Shape the Cake Pops:
1. Roll the cake mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Melt a small portion of the white chocolate wafers and dip the tip of each cake pop stick into the melted chocolate. Insert the stick into the center of each cake ball to anchor it.
3. Freeze the cake pops for at least 30 minutes to firm them up.
Coat and Decorate the Cake Pops:
1. Melt the remaining white chocolate wafers according to the package instructions.
2. Dip each chilled cake pop into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently tap the stick to remove excess chocolate.
3. Immediately sprinkle with festive decorations while the coating is still wet.
4. Place the coated cake pops back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens.
Serve and Enjoy:
1. Arrange the cake pops in a decorative display or serve as desired. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift!

Festive Topping Ideas to Make Your Cake Pops Shine

Take your Christmas Cake Pops to the next level with creative toppings! Use festive sprinkles in red, green, and gold for a classic holiday look. For a snowy effect, dust them with edible glitter or powdered sugar. You can also drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the white coating for a marbled effect. For a fun twist, add crushed candy canes or mini marshmallows for extra texture and flavor.

How to Store and Keep Your Cake Pops Fresh

Store your cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you need to freeze them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving to maintain their texture.

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers

Short on time? Use a pre-made vanilla cake from the store instead of baking one from scratch. You can also swap the homemade frosting for store-bought vanilla frosting to save a step. To speed up the chilling process, place the cake pops in the freezer for 15 minutes instead of 30. These shortcuts will still give you delicious results without the extra effort!

Fun Variations to Try

Switch up the flavors to suit your taste! Use a chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla, or add 1-2 teaspoons of peppermint extract to the frosting for a minty twist. For a fruity option, mix in crushed freeze-dried strawberries with the cake crumbs. You can also experiment with different coatings, like dark chocolate or colored candy melts, to match your holiday theme.

Essential Equipment for Perfect Cake Pops

To make these cake pops effortlessly, you’ll need a few key tools: a 9×13-inch baking pan, parchment paper, and cake pop sticks. A microwave-safe bowl or double boiler is ideal for melting the chocolate, and a styrofoam block or cake pop stand will help your pops dry upright. Don’t forget a fine-mesh sieve for dusting powdered sugar or glitter for that extra festive touch!