Save to Pinterest A festive and eye-catching dessert featuring cake pops decorated as colorful holiday ornaments, perfect for parties and celebrations.
This recipe has become my go-to holiday treat, bringing joy and smiles to every gathering I attend.
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)
- Decoration & Coating: 2 tbsp (25 g) vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother coating)
- Decoration & Coating: Assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, and small candies
- Decoration & Coating: 24 mini pretzel loops or candy-coated chocolate pieces (for ornament tops)
- Decoration & Coating: Edible gold or silver luster dust (optional)
Instructions
- Bake 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:
- 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.
- Dip 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.
- Set Pops:
- Stand pops upright in a foam block or cake pop stand to set fully.
- Finish:
- Dust with edible luster dust for a shimmering effect, if desired.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around to decorate and enjoy these festive cake pops, making holiday moments memorable.
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
Per serving: Calories 180, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 27 g, Protein 2 g
Save to Pinterest 
These ornament ball cake pops add a festive touch to any celebration and are sure to impress your guests.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I get a smooth coating on the ornament balls?
Melt the chocolate thoroughly and stir in vegetable shortening for a thinner, more workable coating. Dip the balls fully and gently tap off excess for a smooth finish.
- → What can I use to create the ornament hooks?
Mini pretzel loops or candy-coated chocolate pieces make excellent hooks, adding charm and an edible detail to each ornament ball.
- → How long should the cake balls chill before coating?
Chill the shaped cake balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up before dipping, then chill again after inserting sticks to help set the coating securely.
- → Can I customize the colors of the coating?
Yes, use assorted colored candy melts or white chocolate tinted with food coloring to create a vibrant and festive assortment of ornament balls.
- → How should I store the finished ornament balls?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and coating quality.