These Peppermint Stick Cake Pops are the perfect festive treat for the holiday season. Moist cake crumbs are mixed with peppermint-flavored frosting, rolled into bite-sized balls, and dipped in smooth white chocolate. To finish, each cake pop is rolled in crushed candy canes, adding a delightful crunch and a burst of minty sweetness. Whether you're serving them at a holiday party or gifting them to loved ones, these cake pops will be a hit!
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
- Cooking time: 0 minutes (if using pre-made cake)
- Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 24 cake pops
- Serving size: 1 cake pop
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 18g
Ingredients:
For the Cake Pops:
- 500g (1 lb) pre-made vanilla or chocolate cake (about half of a standard 9-inch cake or 24 cupcakes)
- ⅓ cup peppermint buttercream frosting (80g / 3 oz)
- 300g (10 oz) white chocolate chips or candy melts
For Decoration:
- ½ cup crushed candy canes (100g / 3.5 oz)
- 24 lollipop sticks
Method of Preparation:
- Crumble the Cake: In a large bowl, crumble the pre-made cake until it forms fine crumbs. Ensure there are no large chunks of cake remaining.
- Mix with Frosting: Add the peppermint buttercream frosting to the crumbled cake. Using a spoon or your hands, mix until the frosting is fully incorporated and the mixture is sticky enough to hold its shape.
- Form the Cake Balls: Roll the cake mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball, pressing gently to secure. Freeze the cake pops for about 1 hour to firm up.
- Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat.
- Dip the Cake Pops: Remove the cake pops from the freezer. One at a time, dip each cake pop into the melted white chocolate, turning to coat evenly. Let the excess chocolate drip off.
- Roll in Crushed Candy Canes: Immediately after dipping, roll each cake pop in the crushed candy canes, ensuring they're well coated. Place the finished cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to dry and harden.
- Serve or Store: Let the cake pops set completely before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Use Pre-made Cake: Save time by using store-bought cake or cake mix. Vanilla, chocolate, or even red velvet work well with the peppermint flavor.
- Chill the Cake Pops: Freezing the cake pops before dipping ensures they stay firm and don’t fall apart in the melted chocolate.
- Avoid Overheating Chocolate: Melt the chocolate slowly to prevent it from seizing or burning. You can also add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin it out for smoother coating.
- Crush Candy Canes Evenly: Use a food processor or place candy canes in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin for uniform pieces.
- Peppermint Alternatives: If you prefer a milder mint flavor, use crushed peppermint candies instead of candy canes, or skip the peppermint in the frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I make the cake pops ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake pops up to a week in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and decorate them just before serving.
- Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white? Absolutely! Dark or milk chocolate pairs wonderfully with peppermint and will give the cake pops a richer flavor.
- What’s the best way to crush the candy canes? Use a food processor for quick and easy crushing, or place the candy canes in a plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin.
- What type of cake works best for these cake pops? Vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet cake all work well. You can even use leftover cake or cupcakes to make the cake pops.
- Can I make these without lollipop sticks? Yes! Simply roll the cake mixture into balls and dip them in chocolate, omitting the sticks for a truffle-style treat.
These Peppermint Stick Cake Pops are the perfect festive addition to your holiday dessert lineup. With their combination of creamy cake, rich white chocolate, and crunchy peppermint, they capture the flavors of the season in every bite. Whether you're making them for a holiday party, giving them as edible gifts, or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cake pops are sure to delight friends and family alike!