Is there anything more festive than a dessert covered in sprinkles? I don’t think so. These Holiday Cake Pops with Sprinkles are the perfect little bites of joy to bring to any gathering, from a cookie exchange to Christmas brunch. They’re fun to make, absolutely delicious, and just the thing to get you into the holiday spirit. Plus, they’re a fantastic project to do with little helpers in the kitchen. Who can resist that?
Why You’ll Love This
You’re going to adore this recipe because it’s forgiving, festive, and so much fun. Honestly, if your cake crumbles a little too much or your first few dips in the chocolate are a bit messy, it truly doesn’t matter. They’ll still taste incredible. This is one of those recipes where the process is part of the joy. And the final result? Pure magic. They’re the ultimate easy Christmas dessert that looks like you spent all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients listed on box (typically oil, water, eggs)
- 1 container (16 oz) vanilla or cream cheese frosting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a little extra flavor punch)
- 24 oz vanilla candy melts or white chocolate chips (for a smooth, easy-dipping coating)
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening (to thin the coating for a perfect drip)
- Assorted holiday sprinkles and nonpareils (for that festive crunch and color)
- Lollipop sticks (the essential tool for holding your pops)
Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step
- Bake the cake according to the package directions in a 9×13 inch pan. Let it cool completely. I know it’s tempting to rush this, but warm cake will turn into mush. Trust me on this one.
- Once the cake is cool, crumble it into a large bowl. You want fine crumbs, so get your hands in there and break it all up.
- Add the entire container of frosting and the teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix it all together with a spatula or your hands until it’s fully combined and forms a dough-like mixture that holds together when you squeeze it.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Once all balls are rolled, pop the tray into the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This firming-up step is crucial for easy dipping later.
- When the balls are almost firm, melt your coating. In a deep, microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup, combine the candy melts and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each, until completely smooth and fluid.
- Remove the cake balls from the freezer. Take a lollipop stick and dip the tip about ½ inch into the melted coating, then gently insert it about halfway into a cake ball. This little trick acts like glue and helps keep the pop secure on the stick. Repeat with all the cake balls.
- Now, for the fun part! Holding a cake pop by the stick, carefully dip it into the melted coating, swirling it gently to cover completely. Let any excess coating drip back into the bowl.
- Immediately hold the pop over a separate bowl and shower it with your holiday sprinkles. The coating sets quickly, so you have to work fast here. Place the finished pop stick-side-up back onto the parchment-lined tray. If they’re a little top-heavy, you can stand them up in a styrofoam block or a box with holes poked in it.
- Repeat the dipping and decorating process until all pops are beautifully dressed. Let them set completely at room temperature for about an hour, or pop them back in the fridge for 15 minutes to speed things up.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is a wonderful blank canvas. For a fun flavor twist, use a spice cake mix and add a pinch of cinnamon to the frosting. If you’re making these for Christmas brunch, a lemon cake mix with lemon frosting is a bright and cheerful option. For a dairy-free version, use a vegan cake mix, vegan frosting, and dairy-free chocolate chips. And if you can’t find candy melts, white chocolate chips thinned with a bit of extra coconut oil will work just fine.
Tips For Success
- Don’t skip the freezer step! Chilled cake balls are infinitely easier to dip without falling apart.
- If your coating seems too thick, add a tiny bit more coconut oil until it’s a smooth, dippable consistency.
- Work in batches. Take only a few cake balls out of the freezer at a time so they stay firm while you work.
- If you’re a perfectionist, don’t be. These are meant to be whimsical and homemade-looking. A little imperfection adds charm!
- Have all your sprinkles and decorations ready in open bowls before you start dipping. You’ll thank yourself later.
- For a super smooth finish, tap your wrist gently after dipping to shake off any excess coating.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These pops are a star on their own, but they make for the cutest Christmas party food when arranged in a festive mug or stood up in a decorative foam block as a centerpiece. They’re also a fantastic addition to a dessert table alongside other easy Christmas treats like fudge and sugar cookies. For a grown-up pairing, I love serving them with a hot coffee bar or some spiced apple cider. So good.
Storage & Reheating
Store your completely set Holiday Cake Pops with Sprinkles in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving. There’s no need to reheat them—they are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use homemade cake and frosting? Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch vanilla cake recipe, by all means, use it. You’ll need about 5-6 cups of crumbled cake. This is a great way to use up leftover cake, too.
- My coating is clumpy. What did I do wrong? This usually means it got too hot. Candy melts can be finicky. Try adding a little more coconut oil and stirring vigorously. If it’s truly seized up, sadly, it’s best to start with a new batch.
- What are some other great Christmas dessert ideas for a crowd? Besides these pops, I always lean on a big tray of rice crispy treats decorated for the holidays, a slow cooker hot chocolate station, or a simple but stunning peppermint bark. They’re all crowd-pleasers!
- Can I make these ahead of time for a party? You sure can. They are one of the best make-ahead easy Christmas desserts. Just keep them stored properly in the fridge and pull them out an hour before your guests arrive.
