Start your St. Patrick’s Day party with bright green cake pops that are easy to make and fun to eat.
INTRODUCTION
St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops are small, sweet bites that look festive and taste great. They are soft, chocolate-coated cake balls on sticks. They are perfect for kids and grown-ups. You can make them with a simple box cake mix and store-bought frosting. The green coating makes them fit the holiday. If you like other cake pop ideas, you may enjoy bloody red velvet cake pops for a different look and flavor.
These cake pops are made from cake crumbs mixed with frosting, shaped, dipped in green candy, and decorated. You can change colors and toppings any way you like. They work well for a party plate or as a small gift. They need a little time to set, but most steps are quick and simple.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these cake pops for many simple reasons. First, they are fast to make when you use a box mix and canned frosting. Second, kids enjoy making and decorating them. Third, they look bright and festive on a table. Fourth, they hold well and are easy to eat at a party.
This recipe uses basic tools and a short list of ingredients. You can change the colors or sprinkles to match your theme. These cake pops also let you be creative. If you enjoy easy holiday treats, you might like the look and feel of festive Christmas tree cupcakes as another simple holiday bake.
HOW TO MAKE St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops
This section shows the full method in plain steps. Read each step before you start. Gather your tools and ingredients first. Make the cake, cool it, crumble it, and mix it with frosting. Shape the mixture and chill it. Dip each ball on a stick into melted green candy and add sprinkles. Let them set until the coating is firm.
For more quick recipe ideas and simple treats, check a different easy bake like mix match pancake muffins. That page shows another simple way to use a single mix for many treats.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Baking sheet or tray
- Parchment paper or a silicone mat
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler for melting candy melts
- Lollipop sticks
- Electric mixer (optional) or a fork for mixing
- Cooling rack (optional)
- Small scoop or spoon to form balls
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 box cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box)
- 1 can frosting (any flavor)
- Green candy melts (for dipping)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
- Lollipop sticks
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Bake the cake according to box instructions and let it cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl.
- Mix in the frosting until combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Freeze the balls for about 15-30 minutes.
- Melt the green candy melts in a microwave or double boiler.
- Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate and insert it into a cake ball.
- Dip the entire cake ball into the melted chocolate and let any excess drip off.
- Decorate with sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.
- Allow the pops to cool and set completely before serving.
HOW TO SERVE St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops
Serve these cake pops on a simple tray or plate. Stick them upright in a foam block or a decorated box to show them off. Place a small napkin or doily under each pop for a neat look. You can also wrap each pop in clear cellophane and tie with a green ribbon for gifts or party favors.
Keep the serving area cool so the candy coating does not melt. If you set them outside, place them in the shade. Arrange them with other simple sweets and a few green decorations for a nice holiday table.
STORAGE & FREEZING : St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops
Store cake pops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers so they do not stick. To freeze, put the cooled cake pops on a tray in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To thaw, move the cake pops to the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Let them come to near room temperature before serving so the texture is soft and pleasant.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve these cake pops with simple drinks like milk, tea, or coffee. They also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small cup of fruit salad. For a themed party, set up a small dessert table with green napkins, paper plates, and matching straws.
If you want a contrast in flavor, offer a small side of lemon or orange slices to cut the sweetness. You can also set out different toppings and let guests add extra sprinkles or mini candies. For more dessert pairing ideas, try a warm muffin or cupcake like apple cupcakes on the same table.
VARIATIONS
- Swap the cake mix flavor. Use chocolate, vanilla, or even red velvet cake mix.
- Change frosting flavor. Try cream cheese frosting for a tangy kick.
- Use different candy melt colors. Gold, white, or rainbow colors can work for other themes.
- Add small candies or edible glitter to the coating for shine.
- Make mini pops for bite-sized treats or larger ones for adults.
- For a minty pop, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the frosting before shaping.
These changes are easy and keep the base method the same. You can use seasonal sprinkles or themed toppers to match any holiday. This recipe is flexible and lets you try new ideas.
FAQs
Q: How long do cake pops last at room temperature?
A: At room temperature, cake pops will last a few hours. If it is cool and dry, they can stay out for up to one day. For best quality, keep them in the fridge.
Q: Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?
A: Yes. Homemade cake works well. Make sure it is fully cooled before you crumble it. Use the same steps to mix with frosting and shape.
Q: Why did my coating crack after dipping?
A: Coating can crack if the cake balls are too warm or if the candy melt is too cold. Chill the cake balls well and keep the candy melt at a smooth, even temperature. Dip quickly and let them set at room temperature or in the fridge.
Q: What is the best way to store pops for a party?
A: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. If you need them room temperature, take them out about 30 minutes before serving so they soften slightly.
Q: Can I use chocolate chips instead of candy melts?
A: Yes, you can use white or milk chocolate chips. Add a little vegetable oil to thin the chocolate so it is easier to dip.
Q: How do I keep the sticks from falling out?
A: Dip the stick tip in a bit of melted candy before inserting it into the cake ball. Freeze the balls first so they are firm. Insert the stick and let the candy set before dipping fully.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops
You can make the cake base one or two days ahead. After you bake and crumble the cake and mix with frosting, form the balls and freeze them on a tray. Once they are firm, move them to a covered container. Keep them frozen or in the fridge until you are ready to dip.
If you need to save time on the day of the event, prepare the sticks and candy melts in advance. Melt the candy just before dipping. You can also pre-measure sprinkles and set them in small bowls for quick decorating. For other easy make-ahead casseroles and bakes that save time, consider ideas like a simple spinach ricotta pancake bake for a different meal plan.
Tips recap: chill your cake balls well, use a little frosting to bind crumbs, and dip when the coating is smooth. With a little planning, you can make a tray of bright, festive St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops that look great and taste even better.
St. Patrick's Day Cake Pops
Ingredients
Method
- Bake the cake according to box instructions and let it cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl.
- Mix in the frosting until combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Freeze the balls for about 15-30 minutes.
- Melt the green candy melts in a microwave or double boiler.
- Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate and insert it into a cake ball.
- Dip the entire cake ball into the melted chocolate and let any excess drip off.
- Decorate with sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.
- Allow the pops to cool and set completely before serving.