Save A festive and eye-catching dessert featuring cake pops decorated as colorful holiday ornaments, perfect for parties and celebrations.
This recipe is always a hit at our holiday gatherings and brings joyful smiles from kids and adults alike.
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 We love gathering around to decorate these pops as a family tradition; it turns dessert prep into quality bonding time.
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 With these tips your Ornament Ball Cake Pops will be the highlight of any holiday celebration
Common Questions
- → How do I prevent the coating from cracking?
Ensure the cake balls are chilled thoroughly before dipping, and avoid overheating the candy melts. Adding vegetable shortening can help create a smooth coating.
- → What alternatives work for the ornament hooks?
Mini pretzel loops or candy-coated chocolates make excellent ornament tops that hold well once inserted into the dipped balls.
- → Can I use different colors for decoration?
Yes, using assorted colored candy melts and sprinkles allows for a vibrant variety resembling holiday ornaments.
- → What is the best way to store these pops?
Store the finished pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → How can I achieve a shimmering effect on pops?
Lightly dust edible gold or silver luster powder over the coated cake pops once set for a festive shine.