Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appearance: The green coating and decorative elements make these cake pops a standout addition to any St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the flavors and decorations to suit your preferences or any occasion.
- Fun to Make: A great activity to enjoy with family or friends, allowing for creativity in decoration.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cake (one box mix and all ingredients, baked according to box instructions), crumbled
- ½ cup vanilla frosting
- 20 oz green candy melts (approximately 3 bags)
- 6-inch lollipop sticks (approximately 40)
- Chocolate gold coins
- 3 tablespoons white sprinkles
Directions
- Prepare the Cake Base: Bake the cake according to the package instructions and let it cool completely. Once cooled, crumble the cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a mixer.
- Combine with Frosting: Add ¼ cup of vanilla frosting to the crumbled cake and mix thoroughly. If the mixture is too dry, gradually add more frosting until it reaches a firm, dough-like consistency.
- Form Cake Balls: Roll the mixture into balls approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake balls for about 15 minutes to firm them up.
- Prepare Candy Melts: While the cake balls are chilling, melt the green candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each until smooth.
- Insert Sticks: Remove the cake balls from the refrigerator. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy and insert it halfway into a cake ball.
- Coat Cake Pops: Holding the stick, dip each cake ball into the melted candy until fully covered. Gently tap off any excess and place the cake pop back on the parchment paper.
- Decorate: Before the coating sets, immediately sprinkle white sprinkles over the cake pop and press a chocolate gold coin into the side.
- Set: Allow the cake pops to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 40 cake pops
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (excluding cake baking time)
- Chilling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes (plus cake baking and cooling time)
Variations
- Flavor Options: Use different cake and frosting flavors, such as chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting or red velvet cake with vanilla frosting.
- Color Themes: Change the color of the candy melts and decorations to match other holidays or events.
- Shapes: Mold the cake mixture into various shapes, like shamrocks or hearts, for themed occasions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Individually wrap cake pops in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make cake pops?
You can prepare cake pops up to a week in advance if stored in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I use homemade cake and frosting?
Yes, homemade cake and frosting work well for cake pops. Ensure the cake is fully cooled and the frosting is not too soft.
What if my cake pops crack after dipping?
Cracking can occur due to temperature differences between the cake balls and the melted candy. Ensure the cake balls are not too cold, and let the melted candy cool slightly before dipping.
How do I prevent cake pops from falling off the stick?
Dipping the stick into melted candy before inserting it into the cake ball helps secure it. Also, avoid making the cake balls too large or adding excessive frosting, which can make them heavy.
Can I use chocolate instead of candy melts?
Yes, you can use melted chocolate or almond bark. Adding a small amount of coconut oil can help achieve a smoother coating.
How do I thin out candy melts if they’re too thick?
If the melted candy is too thick, add a small amount of vegetable oil or paramount crystals to achieve the desired consistency.
Do I need a cake pop stand?
While a cake pop stand is convenient, you can also use a styrofoam block or a colander turned upside down to hold the cake pops upright as they set.
Can I make cake pops without sticks?
Yes, you can make cake balls by omitting the sticks. Simply dip the cake balls into the melted candy and place them on parchment paper to set.
How do I add different decorations?
Before the coating sets, sprinkle nuts, coconut flakes, or drizzle contrasting colored candy melts over the cake pops for added decoration.
What’s the best way to transport cake pops?
Arrange the cake pops in a sturdy container, ensuring they are secured and not touching each other to prevent smudging or damage during transport.
Conclusion
St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday. With their vibrant green coating, delicious cake center, and decorative elements, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re making them for a party, as a gift, or just for yourself, these cake pops are easy to customize and enjoy. Try different flavors, decorations, and shapes to make them uniquely yours
Green Cake Pops Recipe
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Green Cake Pops are festive, bite-sized treats featuring moist cake mixed with creamy frosting, dipped in vibrant green candy coating, and decorated with sprinkles and chocolate gold coins. These fun and customizable cake pops are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding cake baking time)
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus cake baking and cooling)
- Yield: Approximately 40 cake pops
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix (plus ingredients required to bake)
- ½ cup vanilla frosting
- 20 oz green candy melts (about 3 bags)
- 6-inch lollipop sticks (about 40)
- Chocolate gold coins
- 3 tablespoons white sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Base: Bake the cake according to the package instructions. Let it cool completely, then crumble it into fine crumbs using your hands or a mixer.
- Mix with Frosting: Add ¼ cup vanilla frosting to the crumbled cake and mix. Gradually add more frosting if needed until the mixture holds together like dough.
- Form Cake Balls: Roll into 1 to 1.5-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake balls for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Melt Candy Coating: Microwave the green candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Insert Sticks: Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted candy, then insert it halfway into a cake ball. Repeat for all cake balls.
- Coat Cake Pops: Dip each cake pop into the melted candy, ensuring full coverage. Gently tap off excess.
- Decorate: While the coating is still wet, sprinkle white sprinkles and press a chocolate gold coin into the side.
- Set: Allow the cake pops to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- Use homemade cake and frosting for a from-scratch version.
- Add a small amount of vegetable oil or paramount crystals if the candy melts are too thick.
- Store cake pops at room temperature for 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week.