If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines fun, flavor, and a splash of holiday spirit, then you’re going to adore this St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops Recipe. These delightful little bites are as charming as they are tasty, perfectly capturing the whimsy of the celebration with their vibrant green coating and playful sprinkles. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to surprise your friends and family with something special, these cake pops deliver a sweet and moist interior with a creamy, chocolatey shell that’s as irresistible as it is eye-catching. Get ready to dive into a St. Patrick’s Day treat that’s equal parts simple to make and impossible to resist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role to achieve that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and festive green color. From the tender cake base to the luscious coating, every item adds its magic touch.
- 1 box of cake mix: Choose your favorite flavor like vanilla or chocolate as the base for moist, flavorful cake pops.
- Ingredients required for cake mix: Usually water, eggs, and oil—these bring the cake mix together.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps bind the cake crumbs into a perfect moldable texture.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the cake mixture and smooths the texture for forming pops.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream (or milk): Moisturizes the dough for an irresistible softness.
- Green food coloring (gel or liquid): The essential festive touch that turns your cake pops into St. Patrick’s Day showstoppers.
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips or candy melts: Ensures a luscious, creamy coating that hardens into a satisfying crunch.
- 1 tbsp coconut oil: Helps thin the chocolate coating to a smooth, easy-dipping consistency.
- Green sprinkles or rainbow-colored sprinkles: Adds a fun, decorative burst of color and texture on top.
- 12-15 cake pop sticks (or lollipop sticks): The handy tools for holding and presenting your delicious creations.
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Begin by preparing your cake mix according to the package instructions, using your chosen flavor. The familiar scent of freshly baked cake filling your kitchen is the perfect way to kick off this project. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely—that’s key to handling it without crumbling.
Step 2: Make the Cake Pop Mixture
Crumble the cooled cake into fine pieces in a large bowl, making sure there are no large chunks. Then, mix in the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and green food coloring. Stir everything thoroughly until the mixture is evenly colored and holds together when pressed gently—this is your moldable dough.
Step 3: Shape the Cake Pops
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into even-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least an hour to firm up, so they coat beautifully in chocolate without melting.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts along with the coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring well between each, until silky and smooth. Stir in a little more green food coloring if you want a deeper shade for your coating.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake Pops
Dip the tip of each cake pop stick into the melted coating, then gently insert it halfway into a chilled cake ball. This helps secure the stick in place. Once all are ready, dip the entire cake pop into the coating, letting excess drip off before standing them upright in a styrofoam block or cup to dry.
Step 6: Decorate and Set
While the coating is still wet, sprinkle your green or rainbow-colored sprinkles over the cake pops for that extra festive flair. Let them set completely at room temperature or pop them briefly in the fridge to speed things up.
How to Serve St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles are a classic garnish, but you can also add edible glitter or tiny shamrock-shaped sugar decorations to make each pop look like a tiny piece of Irish luck. The green hue pops beautifully against bright white plates or rustic wooden platters.
Side Dishes
These cake pops shine as a sweet highlight alongside a cup of warm Irish tea or coffee. You can also pair them with freshly whipped cream and fresh berries for a colorful dessert spread that thrills both the eyes and taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
Stick your cake pops into a cute pot filled with green tissue paper or place them in a festive mug decorated with gold coins and shamrocks. Another fun idea is to arrange them in a “lush” bouquet wrapped in cellophane—perfect as a gift or a table centerpiece for your celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops Recipe treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in the fridge helps maintain their shape and crunch.
Freezing
Cake pops freeze wonderfully! Just wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to a month, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for your celebrations.
Reheating
No need to heat cake pops. Simply thaw frozen pops in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This keeps the texture perfect and the coating crisp, so they taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use any flavor of cake mix for this St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops Recipe?
Absolutely! Vanilla and chocolate are popular choices, but feel free to experiment with funfetti or even spice cake mix depending on your personal taste and how festive you want to get.
What if I don’t have cake pop sticks?
You can use lollipop sticks, sturdy toothpicks, or even wooden skewers cut into smaller pieces. Just make sure whatever you use can support the weight of the cake pop without bending.
How do I get the coating smooth and thin enough for dipping?
Melting your chocolate slowly and stirring in coconut oil helps thin the coating so it’s easy to dip and creates a beautiful smooth shell without being too thick or clumpy.
Can I make these cake pops without a cake mix?
Yes, you can bake your favorite cake from scratch and follow the rest of the recipe as is. Just make sure your homemade cake is moist and well-crumbled for easy shaping.
How long do cake pops stay fresh?
When stored properly, cake pops stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week if refrigerated. Beyond that, they may start to dry out or lose their excellent texture.
Final Thoughts
This St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops Recipe brings together festive fun and delicious flavor in a way that’s sure to make your celebration sparkle. They’re easy to make, completely customizable, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative with those sprinkles, and enjoy every bite of these joyful little treats!
Print
St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12-15 cake pops
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these festive and delicious cake pops! This recipe combines a moist cake base with a creamy buttercream filling, all coated in a vibrant green white chocolate shell and decorated with colorful sprinkles. Perfect for parties or a fun treat to share, these cake pops are easy to make and sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box of cake mix (vanilla or chocolate recommended)
- Ingredients required for cake mix (usually water, eggs, and oil as per box instructions)
Buttercream Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
Coating and Decoration
- Green food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips or candy melts
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- Green sprinkles or rainbow-colored sprinkles
- 12–15 cake pop sticks or lollipop sticks
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Bake the cake according to the instructions on the box, using the specified ingredients such as water, eggs, and oil. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature to ensure it crumbles easily without moisture.
- Crumble the Cake: Break the cooled cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor. Transfer the crumbs to a large mixing bowl for combining with the buttercream filling.
- Make the Buttercream Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Combine Cake and Buttercream: Mix the buttercream into the cake crumbs until the mixture is moist enough to hold together when rolled. If too dry, add a small amount of cream; if too wet, add more cake crumbs.
- Form Cake Balls: Roll the mixture into 12-15 evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Coating: Melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts with the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring in between until smooth. Add green food coloring gradually to reach the desired vibrant green color.
- Insert Sticks: Dip the tip of each cake pop stick into the melted coating, then insert it halfway into a cake ball. This helps secure the sticks inside the pops.
- Coat the Cake Pops: Dip each cake pop into the green coating, ensuring it is completely covered. Gently tap off any excess coating and place the cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to set.
- Add Decorations: While the coating is still wet, sprinkle green or rainbow-colored sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake pops for 15-20 minutes until the coating hardens. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use any flavor cake mix, but vanilla or chocolate pairs best with the white chocolate coating.
- If you don’t have coconut oil, you can substitute with vegetable oil to thin the coating.
- For a stronger green color, use gel food coloring as it won’t dilute the coating.
- Store cake pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow the cake pops to come to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.
