Pumpkin Cake Pops
Pumpkin Cake Pops are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the flavors of autumn with fun, bite-sized enjoyment. These tasty pops are made with moist pumpkin spiced cake and creamy frosting, then dipped in colorful candy melts, making them ideal for parties, holidays, or cozy family gatherings. Their festive appearance and delicious taste make them a standout dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these pumpkin cake pops in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, or a fall wedding, these treats fit right in.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different coatings or toppings to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults enjoys these sweet bites; they’re perfect for sharing!
- Festive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the candy melts make these cake pops visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your pumpkin cake pops, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Melting Pot or Microwave-Safe Bowl
- Lollipop Sticks
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric Mixer: Speeds up the mixing process and ensures a smooth batter.
- Baking Sheet: Provides a sturdy base to cool the cake pops after baking.
- Melting Pot: Perfect for evenly melting candy melts without burning.
Ingredients
For these delicious pumpkin cake pops, gather the following ingredients:
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow Cake mix (15 oz)
- 1 can Pumpkin Puree (15 oz)
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 ½ cup Powdered Sugar
Coating Ingredients
- 12 oz Orange Candy Melts
- 6 oz Chocolate Candy Melts
- 3 Tbsp Vegetable Shortening (divided)
How to Make Pumpkin Cake Pops
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and softened butter.
1. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth.
2. Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 3: Cool and Crumble the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
1. Once cooled, crumble the cake into fine pieces in a large bowl.
Step 4: Mix in Frosting
Add softened cream cheese and vanilla extract to the crumbled cake.
1. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
2. Form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the mixture and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Chill Cake Balls
Refrigerate the formed cake balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 6: Melt Candy Coating
While waiting for the cake balls to chill:
1. Melt orange candy melts according to package instructions in a melting pot or microwave-safe bowl.
2. Stir in vegetable shortening until smooth.
Step 7: Dip Cake Pops
Once chilled:
1. Dip one end of each lollipop stick into melted candy coating before inserting it into each cake ball.
2. Dip each ball into the melted candy coating until fully covered.
3. Place upright in styrofoam or a block to set.
Step 8: Decorate
You can drizzle melted chocolate candy melts over your orange-coated pops for added flair! Allow them to set completely before serving.
Enjoy your homemade pumpkin cake pops at any festive gathering or just as a sweet treat!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cake Pops
Pumpkin cake pops are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging at home, these tasty bites are sure to impress.
Festive Presentation
- Use decorative sticks: Insert colorful cake pop sticks into each cake pop for a fun and festive look.
- Arrange on a platter: Place the cake pops on a decorative platter for an eye-catching display.
Seasonal Pairings
- Serve with hot drinks: Pair pumpkin cake pops with warm beverages like apple cider or spiced lattes for a cozy treat.
- Combine with ice cream: Offer mini scoops of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream alongside the cake pops for a delicious contrast.
Themed Parties
- Halloween treats: Decorate the pops with spooky designs using black and orange candy melts for a Halloween celebration.
- Thanksgiving dessert table: Include pumpkin cake pops as part of your Thanksgiving dessert spread for a seasonal touch.
Kid-Friendly Fun
- DIY decorating station: Set up a decorating station where kids can add sprinkles or drizzle chocolate on their own cake pops.
- Gift bags for parties: Package individual cake pops in clear bags tied with ribbons as party favors for guests.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake Pops
To make your pumpkin cake pops truly exceptional, follow these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and better texture.
- Chill before coating: Refrigerate the formed balls before dipping them in candy melts to help maintain their shape.
- Melt candy carefully: Use a microwave or double boiler to melt candy melts slowly, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding different extracts, such as almond or maple, for a unique twist on classic pumpkin flavor.
- Store properly: Keep leftover cake pops in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake Pops
Pairing side dishes with pumpkin cake pops can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Apple Crisp: This warm dessert complements the spices in pumpkin perfectly and brings out the fall flavors.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A savory side dish that balances the sweetness of the cake pops with its rich, buttery taste.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthy flavor provides a nice contrast to the sweet and spiced profile of pumpkin treats.
- Caramelized Butternut Squash: Sweet and slightly nutty, this dish enhances the autumn vibe of your meal.
- Green Salad with Pecans: A fresh salad featuring crunchy pecans adds texture and flavor variety alongside sweet desserts.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: This dish embraces similar flavors as pumpkin, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making pumpkin cake pops can be a fun experience, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients – Starting with cold butter or cream cheese can lead to lumpy frosting. Ensure they are at room temperature for a smooth mix.
- Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not chilling the pops – Skipping the chilling step can cause your cake pops to fall apart when dipped. Chill them adequately before coating.
- Inconsistent sizing – Making uneven balls can lead to uneven cooking and presentation. Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
- Skipping the vegetable shortening – Not adding shortening to your candy melts can result in a thick coating. It helps create a smoother dip.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store pumpkin cake pops in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Pumpkin Cake Pops
- Place pumpkin cake pops in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Cake Pops
- Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop – Gently steam over low heat for 5-7 minutes while covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about pumpkin cake pops that you may find helpful.
What are Pumpkin Cake Pops?
Pumpkin cake pops are bite-sized treats made from pumpkin-spiced cake mixed with cream cheese frosting, coated in candy melts.
How do I store Pumpkin Cake Pops?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I customize Pumpkin Cake Pops?
Absolutely! You can add different spices, use white chocolate instead of orange candy melts, or even roll them in crushed nuts or sprinkles.
How long does it take to make Pumpkin Cake Pops?
The total time is approximately 55 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.
Final Thoughts
These pumpkin cake pops are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize flavors and toppings based on your preferences. Try making them for your next gathering; they’ll surely bring joy and a cozy vibe!
Pumpkin Cake Pops
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Pumpkin Cake Pops are the perfect seasonal treat that captures the essence of autumn in every delightful bite. These charming desserts combine moist pumpkin-spiced cake and creamy frosting, all beautifully coated in colorful candy melts. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just enjoying a cozy night in, these bite-sized pops are sure to impress your family and friends. Their festive appearance and delicious flavor make them an irresistible addition to any gathering. Best of all, they are easy to make and customizable—perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own!
Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow Cake mix (15 oz)
- 1 can Pumpkin Puree (15 oz)
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 ½ cup Powdered Sugar
- 12 oz Orange Candy Melts
- 6 oz Chocolate Candy Melts
- 3 Tbsp Vegetable Shortening (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and butter. Mix until smooth.
- Pour batter onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before crumbling it into fine pieces in a large bowl.
- Add softened cream cheese and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Form small balls from the mixture (about 1 inch in diameter) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt orange candy melts with vegetable shortening; dip each lollipop stick into melted coating before inserting it into each ball.
- Dip each ball into the melted candy coating until fully covered and place upright to set.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake pop (45g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
