Making cake pops is a delightful way to celebrate, especially on occasions like St. Patrick’s Day. These fun-sized treats combine the joy of cake with the convenience of hand-held snacks, making them perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. Enjoy them on weekends or during quiet afternoons—whenever you seek a little sweetness in your day. Their simplicity invites even novice bakers to join in the fun, creating a comforting treat that’s both festive and practical. Let’s get started on making these delightful cake pops.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops are easy to make and wonderfully reliable, offering a balanced flavor profile that everyone will enjoy. The combination of cake, frosting, and a coating of candy melts creates a satisfying treat with every bite. With their practical everyday appeal, cake pops can bring a festive touch to any gathering or quiet moment.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 box classic cake mix (and ingredients called for on box to make the cake)
- Green Gel Food Coloring (for color)
- 3 Tbsp Cream Cheese Frosting (for moisture and binding)
- 24-36 Cake Pop Sticks or Lollipop Sticks (for serving)
- 12 oz Green Candy Melts (for coating)
- 36 White Heart Sprinkles (for decoration)
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops
Step 1. Prepare the classic cake mix according to the package instructions. This typically involves mixing the dry ingredients with eggs, water, and oil. Stir until the batter is smooth, ensuring all ingredients are well combined, and pour it into a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Step 2. Bake the cake as directed on the box until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Watch for any signs of browning around the edges or a slightly risen middle, indicating it’s ready. Once done, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3. Once the cake is cooled, crumble it into fine crumbs in a large bowl. Ensure there are no large chunks, as this helps with even coating later. You can use your hands or a fork for this step, making sure to break it down thoroughly.
Step 4. Add the cream cheese frosting to the cake crumbs, mixing well until fully incorporated. The frosting adds moisture and helps bind the crumbs. It should be a homogenous mixture that holds together when pressed.
Step 5. Use your hands to form small balls from the cake mixture, about 1 inch in diameter. This will help them hold their shape. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 6. Melt the green candy melts according to the package instructions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until completely smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as it can seize or become grainy. This melted candy will serve as the coating for your cake pops.
Step 7. Dip one end of each cake pop stick into the melted candy and then insert it into the center of a cake ball. This step helps anchor the stick and prevents the cake balls from falling off later. Repeat with all cake balls.
Step 8. Once all the sticks are inserted into the cake balls, dip each cake pop into the melted candy. Ensure it is thoroughly coated. Allow any excess candy to drip back into the bowl, then place the pops back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 9. Quickly add white heart sprinkles while the candy coating is still wet. This will help the sprinkles adhere. If the candy sets too quickly, the sprinkles will not stick. It’s best to work efficiently at this stage.
Step 10. Let the cake pops sit until the candy coating is fully hardened. You can speed up this process by placing them in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Once set, they are ready to serve or store.
Serving Suggestions
These St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops make an excellent snack for various occasions, whether it’s a festive breakfast treat, an after-school snack, or a sweet addition to family meals. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or simply enjoying during a quiet moment. If you have leftovers, they can be a delightful way to brighten up a dull day, providing a little sweetness whenever you need it.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- For a vibrant green color, use the gel food coloring sparingly until you get the desired shade.
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before crumbling to prevent melting the frosting.
- If the candy coating is too thick, you can add a small amount of vegetable oil to thin it out.
- Store cake pops upright in a mug or cake pop stand after coating for a clean finish.
- Use quality candy melts for a better texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking the cake: This can lead to a dry texture, making it hard to form into balls. Bake just until a toothpick comes out clean, ensuring it stays moist.
- Using warm cake for crumbling: Warm cake can melt the frosting, resulting in a sticky mess. Always let the cake cool completely before crumbling.
- Not adding enough frosting: Insufficient frosting can result in dry cake pops that fall apart. Ensure the mixture holds together and feels moist.
- Dipping too quickly in candy melts: If you dip too fast, you may end up with uneven coating. Take your time and allow excess to drip off before placing them down.
- Sprinkles not sticking: If the candy coating hardens too fast, the sprinkles won’t adhere. Work quickly or keep the coating warm if necessary.
- Failing to secure the stick: Not dipping the stick in melted candy first can cause cake pops to fall off. Always secure the stick in the mixture.
Variations & Substitutions
You can customize your cake pops using different cake mixes or frosting flavors to match other holidays or themes. For a non-green option, consider using a chocolate cake mix and white candy melts for a classic look. You can also experiment with different decorations, like colored drizzle or themed sprinkles.
Storage & Reheating
For room temperature storage, keep the cake pops in an airtight container for up to 2 days. In the refrigerator, they can last about a week if stored properly. For freezing, wrap each pop in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature. Avoid microwaving, as this can affect the texture of the coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance and crumble it when you’re ready. Just store the crumbled cake in an airtight container. You can also make the cake pops entirely ahead of time and store them.
How long does it last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, your cake pops can last up to a week in the refrigerator. Keeping them sealed will help maintain their freshness.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! Cake pops can be frozen for up to a month. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Allow them to thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
What can I substitute for one ingredient?
If you don’t have cream cheese frosting, you can use other frostings like buttercream or chocolate frosting, although they may slightly alter the flavor of the cake pops.
Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?
Common issues include overbaking, using warm cake, or not enough frosting. Always ensure the cake is cool, adjust moisture levels with frosting, and follow the baking instructions closely.
Final Thoughts
Making St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops is not just about enjoying a festive treat; it’s about creating something with simplicity and joy that can brighten any occasion. With straightforward steps and a bit of creativity in decorating, these cake pops are sure to bring smiles to friends and family. Remember, whether for a celebration or just to indulge, these treats are soft and comforting, welcoming all who partake in their sweetness.
St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops
Ingredients
For the cake base
- 1 box classic cake mix and ingredients called for on box to make the cake
- 1 tbsp Green Gel Food Coloring for color
For the binding
- 3 tbsp Cream Cheese Frosting for moisture and binding
For assembly and decoration
- 24-36 pieces Cake Pop Sticks or Lollipop Sticks for serving
- 12 oz Green Candy Melts for coating
- 36 pieces White Heart Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the classic cake mix according to the package instructions, mixing dry ingredients with eggs, water, and oil. Pour into a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cake as directed until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl, ensuring no large chunks remain.
- Mix in the cream cheese frosting until fully incorporated to form a homogenous mixture.
- Form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the cake mixture and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Coating
- Melt the green candy melts according to package instructions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Dip one end of each cake pop stick into the melted candy and insert into the center of each cake ball.
- Dip each cake pop into the melted candy, ensuring they are thoroughly coated, and allow excess candy to drip off.
- Add white heart sprinkles while the candy coating is still wet.
- Let the cake pops sit until the coating is fully hardened; refrigerate to speed up the process.