Save It A festive and eye-catching dessert featuring cake pops decorated as colorful holiday ornaments, perfect for parties and celebrations.
I enjoy making these ornament ball cake pops to brighten up our holiday gatherings every year, and they always impress my family and friends.
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
- Bake the cake:
- Bake the cake according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely.
- Crumble 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.
- Form balls:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill cake balls:
- 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.
- Stand pops:
- Stand pops upright in a foam block or cake pop stand to set fully.
- Dust：
- Dust with edible luster dust for a shimmering effect if desired.
Save It Making these cake pops has become a cherished family tradition, creating joyful memories every holiday season.
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 It These ornament ball cake pops are sure to add sparkle and delight to your holiday celebrations.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What coating options work best for a smooth finish?
White chocolate or candy melts ensure a smooth coating. Adding vegetable shortening helps thin the coating for easier dipping and a shinier surface.
- → How can I make the balls firm enough to dip?
Mix the crumbled cake thoroughly with cream cheese frosting or buttercream, then chill for at least 30 minutes to help maintain shape during dipping.
- → What is the best way to attach ornament tops?
Use mini pretzel loops or candy-coated pieces inserted gently before the coating sets to create realistic ornament hooks.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, store the finished balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days without losing freshness or appearance.
- → How do I prevent the coating from cracking?
Ensure the cake balls are well chilled before dipping and avoid excessive handling once coated, allowing them to set undisturbed in a foam block or stand.