Looking for a dish that wows your guests without stressing you out? St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. These St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops are the perfect festive treat. They are bright, fun, and so easy to make with your family.
Spring is a time for bright colors and sweet celebrations. These pops bring a touch of magic to your kitchen. You will love how they brighten up your dessert table. They are the ultimate holiday snack for everyone to enjoy.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a winner because it uses simple shortcuts. You do not need to be a professional baker to succeed. Your kids will love helping you crumble the cake. These treats are perfect for holiday parties or school snacks.
They look like they came from a fancy bakery. However, they only require a few basic ingredients. You can make them ahead of time for a stress-free party. They are a budget-friendly way to celebrate the season.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making these pops is a simple, three-part process. First, you bake and crumble a standard cake. Then, you mix in frosting to create a moist dough. Finally, you dip them in vibrant green candy melts. It is a low-stress way to get creative in the kitchen.
Simple Ingredients
These treats use mostly pantry staples and festive decorations.
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix plus required eggs, oil, and water
- 0.5 cup vanilla buttercream frosting
- 12 oz green candy melts
- 2 tbsp vegetable shortening
- 24 lollipop sticks
- 1 oz festive green and gold shamrock sprinkles
Step-by-Step
- Bake the cake in a 9×13 inch pan according to package instructions and allow to cool completely to room temperature.
- Crumble the cake into a large mixing bowl using a fork or hands until only fine crumbs remain.
- Incorporate the vanilla frosting into the crumbs, mixing until the texture resembles moist dough that holds its shape when squeezed.
- Form the mixture into 1.5-inch spheres and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for 1 hour or the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the candy wafers and shortening in a deep microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the end of a lollipop stick into the melted candy and insert it halfway into a chilled cake ball.
- Submerge the entire cake ball into the melted candy, lift out, and gently tap the stick against the bowl rim to remove excess coating.
- Apply shamrock sprinkles while the coating is still wet and place the stick upright in a styrofoam block to set for 15 minutes.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Place these on a white platter to make the green pop. You can tie gold ribbons on the sticks for a touch of elegance. They look beautiful on a holiday dessert table. Serve them at your next family gathering or potluck. Your friends will be so impressed by your homemade treats.
How to Store Leftovers
Keep your cake pops in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week. If you want to make them ahead, store them in a single layer. You can also freeze the undipped cake balls for later. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before dipping. This helps prevent the coating from cracking.
Recipe Tips
- Use a deep, narrow bowl for easier dipping.
- Don’t skip the chilling step or the balls might fall off.
- Tap the stick gently to remove the extra candy coating.
- Add sprinkles immediately before the candy sets and hardens.
- For St. Patrick’s Day, use extra gold glitter for more sparkle.
- Avoid overheating the candy melts so they stay smooth.
- Use a styrofoam block to keep the pops upright while drying.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap vanilla cake for chocolate for a rich surprise.
- Add a drop of peppermint extract for a minty green treat.
- Use white chocolate with green food coloring if preferred.
- Try a cream cheese frosting for a slightly tangy flavor.
Common Questions
Why did my cake pops fall off the stick?
This usually happens if the cake balls are too warm. Make sure to chill them thoroughly before dipping. Also, dipping the stick in candy first acts like glue.
Can I make these a day early?
Yes, these are perfect for making ahead of time. Store them in the fridge to keep them firm. They will taste just as fresh the next day.
How do I get a smooth coating?
Adding a little shortening to the candy melts helps. It thins the coating for a perfectly smooth finish. Stir well between microwave intervals.
I hope these little treats bring some luck to your home. They are such a joy to make with your family. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
— Lidia
St. Patrick's Day Cake Pops
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix plus required eggs, oil, and water
- 0.5 cup vanilla buttercream frosting
- 12 oz green candy melts
- 2 tbsp vegetable shortening
- 24 lollipop stick s
- 1 oz festive green and gold shamrock sprinkles
Instructions
- Bake the cake in a 9x13 inch pan according to package instructions and allow to cool completely to room temperature.
- Crumble the cake into a large mixing bowl using a fork or hands until only fine crumbs remain.
- Incorporate the vanilla frosting into the crumbs, mixing until the texture resembles moist dough that holds its shape when squeezed.
- Form the mixture into 1.5-inch spheres and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for 1 hour or the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the candy wafers and shortening in a deep microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the end of a lollipop stick into the melted candy and insert it halfway into a chilled cake ball.
- Submerge the entire cake ball into the melted candy, lift out, and gently tap the stick against the bowl rim to remove excess coating.
- Apply shamrock sprinkles while the coating is still wet and place the stick upright in a styrofoam block to set for 15 minutes.
