Introduction
Red Velvet Cake Pops are the perfect combination of classic cake flavor and modern presentation. With their vibrant red interior, soft crumb, and smooth outer coating, they feel festive, elegant, and irresistibly fun. I often make these when I want a dessert that looks impressive but is easy to portion and serve. Red velvet cake brings a subtle cocoa flavor and tender texture, while the frosting binds everything together into rich, truffle-like bites. Coated in chocolate and finished with simple decorations, these cake pops are ideal for parties, holidays, or gifting. What makes them especially appealing is their versatility. They can be dressed up for celebrations or kept simple for everyday treats. Despite their polished look, they are approachable to make and always leave a strong impression.
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Red Velvet Cake Pops – Bite-Sized, Elegant, and Perfectly Indulgent
- Total Time: 1 hour plus chilling
- Yield: 24 cake pops
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fun and festive red velvet cake pops made from moist red velvet cake mixed with cream cheese frosting, shaped into bite-sized balls, and coated in smooth chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting
- 12 oz white or milk chocolate candy melts
- 1 tbsp vegetable shortening (optional, for thinning chocolate)
- Cake pop sticks
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Bake red velvet cake according to package instructions and allow it to cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl.
- Mix in cream cheese frosting until the mixture holds together.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Chill cake balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Melt candy melts according to package directions, stirring in shortening if needed.
- Dip the end of each cake pop stick into melted chocolate and insert into cake balls.
- Dip cake pops into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
- Decorate with sprinkles if desired and let set completely.
Notes
- Do not overmix frosting or cake pops may become too soft.
- Chilling helps cake pops hold their shape.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cake pops are moist, flavorful, and easy to serve. They are portion-controlled, visually striking, and perfect for making ahead of time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Red Velvet Cake
Red velvet cake provides a soft, moist base with subtle cocoa flavor and vibrant color.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting binds the cake crumbs together while adding richness and a gentle tang.
White Chocolate or Candy Melts
The coating creates a smooth shell that seals the cake pops and adds sweetness.
Vegetable Oil or Shortening
A small amount helps thin the coating for easier dipping and a smoother finish.
Lollipop Sticks
Lollipop sticks make the cake pops easy to handle and serve.
Sprinkles or Decorations
Decorations add visual appeal and allow for customization based on the occasion.
Directions
Begin by baking the red velvet cake according to instructions and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, crumble the cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a fork.
Add cream cheese frosting gradually to the cake crumbs, mixing until the mixture holds together when pressed but is not overly wet. Roll the mixture into evenly sized balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Chill until firm.
Melt the white chocolate or candy melts gently until smooth. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted coating, then insert it into a cake ball. This helps secure the stick. Return to the refrigerator briefly to set.
Dip each cake pop fully into the melted coating, allowing excess to drip off. Decorate immediately before the coating sets. Stand upright to dry completely.
Equipment needed :
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 cake pops. Preparation takes about 40 minutes, baking time is 30 minutes, and chilling time is 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store cake pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They can also be frozen for longer storage and thawed in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Red Velvet Cake Pops can be customized easily for different occasions. For a deeper chocolate note, add a small amount of cocoa powder to the cake mixture. The coating can be swapped for dark or milk chocolate depending on preference.
Flavor variations can also be achieved by using vanilla buttercream instead of cream cheese frosting for a sweeter profile. For festive themes, tint the coating with food coloring or coordinate sprinkles with holidays and events.
These cake pops can also be shaped into hearts or other forms for special occasions. Drizzling contrasting chocolate over the coating adds visual interest without extra effort.
For a lighter version, use less frosting when binding the cake crumbs, keeping the texture soft but less rich.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
These cake pops are a rich dessert containing carbohydrates, fats, and sugars. They are vegetarian-friendly and intended as an occasional treat.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Even sizing
Use a cookie scoop to keep cake pops uniform.
Smooth coating
Tap gently after dipping to remove excess coating.
Chilling control
Chill until firm but not frozen to prevent cracking.
FAQs
Why are my cake pops falling off the stick?
They may be too heavy or not chilled enough before dipping.
Can I use store-bought cake?
Yes, store-bought cake works well.
Do I need a cake pop stand?
No, a foam block or inverted colander works.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they store very well.
Why is my coating cracking?
Temperature differences between cake and coating can cause cracks.
Can I freeze cake pops?
Yes, freeze them without decoration for best results.
What coating melts best?
Candy melts are easiest to work with.
Can I skip the sticks?
Yes, they can be served as truffles.
How do I get a smooth finish?
Thin the coating slightly and dip quickly.
Are cake pops good for parties?
Yes, they are ideal for events and gatherings.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Cake Pops are a stylish, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines classic flavor with modern presentation. Easy to customize and perfect for any occasion, they deliver rich taste, beautiful appearance, and effortless portioning in every bite.
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