The holiday season brings joy, warmth, and, of course, delicious treats that make every gathering special. Among the most delightful of these creations is the Christmas Tree Cake Pop. These festive bites not only embody the spirit of Christmas but are also a fun project to engage in with family and friends. With their bright green color, decorated designs, and bite-sized form, they are a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. Whether you are serving them at a party or gifting them to loved ones, these cake pops are sure to spread cheer.
Why We Love This Christmas Tree Cake Pops Recipe
There are countless reasons why Christmas Tree Cake Pops are a hit during the festive season. First and foremost, they’re incredibly versatile. You can play around with different flavors, colors, and decorations to make them uniquely yours. Imagine walking into a holiday gathering and showcasing a tray filled with these joyous treats, each one adorned with colorful sprinkles, and whimsical designs. You can’t help but smile!
Another reason this recipe strikes a chord is how simple it is to make. Even if you’re new to baking or cooking, this cake pop recipe is straightforward enough to follow. It allows you to dive deeper into your culinary skills while enjoying a creative outlet. The process of baking, crumbling, and decorating can be a delightful way to bond with loved ones. Whether you’re planning a holiday party or looking for a unique gift, these cake pops are sure to impress.
Finally, the taste! With moist cake, sweet and creamy buttercream, and a candy coating, each bite is utterly delectable. The rich chocolate and sweet candy melts complement the fluffy cake, providing a festive explosion of flavor that all ages will love.
Ingredients about Christmas Tree Cake Pops
To create your delightful Christmas Tree Cake Pops, gather the following ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 2 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- For the Buttercream:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1-3 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- For the Coating and Decoration:
- 3 cups dark green candy melts
- 2-3 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 1/4 cup red candy melts
- 1/4 cup blue candy melts
- 1/4 cup light green candy melts
- 1/4 cup yellow candy melts
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate
- Sprinkles (optional)
How to Make Christmas Tree Cake Pops Directions
Making your own Christmas Tree Cake Pops can be a delightful experience, and here’s how you can do it step by step:
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9″x13″ baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the sides. This will make it easier to remove the cake once baked.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp. of baking powder, and 1/4 tsp. of salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Take a separate, larger bowl and use an electric mixer to beat together the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take around 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in 2 1/2 tsp. of vanilla extract until everything is well blended.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Transfer your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Crumble: Allow the baked cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then, crumble the cooled cake into fine pieces using your hands or a fork.
- Make the Buttercream: While the cake is cooling, prepare your buttercream. In a mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 2 1/2 cups of confectioner’s sugar on low speed. Gradually add in the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a nice, smooth consistency with no lumps. Mix in 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract and 1/4 tsp. salt, ensuring that you scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Blend Cake with Buttercream: Add a few scoops of buttercream to the crumbled cake batter, mixing it in to form a pliable consistency. You may not need all the buttercream, so add it gradually until it holds together nicely.
- Mold the Cake Pops: Scoop the cake mixture into your desired mold, pressing it firmly to fill the entire mold. Scrape off any excess cake and insert cake pop sticks into the molds.
- Chill the Cake Pops: Place the molds in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, to let them firm up.
- Melt the Candy Coating: Once the cake pops are thoroughly chilled, melt your green candy melts in a tall, microwave-safe dish. You can add 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil to achieve a smoother consistency. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until completely melted.
- Dip the Cake Pops: One by one, gently dip each cake pop into the melted candy coating. Let any excess drip back into the bowl, and scrape the bottom of the cake pop against the edge of the dish.
- Decorate: Allow the green candy melts to set. Then, use the assorted colored candy melts to pipe on designs. Get creative and have fun with your decorations! Piping bags can help you achieve beautiful details.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Cake Pops
Serving Christmas Tree Cake Pops can be as fun as making them. Start by arranging your beautifully decorated cake pops on a festive plate or cake stand. You can mix and match various designs and colors to create an eye-catching display that will draw everyone’s attention.
For added holiday charm, consider placing the cake pops in a decorative container, like a rustic tin, or a clear vase filled with marshmallows or colorful candies, resembling snow. This not only keeps them upright but also adds to the festive atmosphere.
These cake pops make excellent gifts, so you might package a few in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. They’re perfect for neighbors, teachers, or anyone you want to spread some holiday cheer to. If you’re hosting a party, set them up at a dessert table or alongside other treats for guests to enjoy at their leisure.
Expert Tips: Christmas Tree Cake Pops
If you’re aiming for flawless Christmas Tree Cake Pops, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps with achieving a creamier batter.
- Don’t Rush the Chilling: Chilling the cake pops is essential for keeping their shape when you dip them in the candy coating. Don’t skip this step!
- Melting Candy Flo: Make sure to melt your candy melts at low temperatures and in short bursts. It prevents them from seizing or burning.
- Consistent Size: Try to keep the size of your cake pops consistent for even melting and a more polished presentation.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add flavor extracts or spices to the cake batter for an extra twist. Mint, almond, or even orange flavor could be delightful in this recipe.
How to Store Christmas Tree Cake Pops
Storing your delectable Christmas Tree Cake Pops is simple. Once they have set, place them in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
If stored properly, these cake pops can last for up to a week at room temperature. However, for longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Just be mindful that refrigeration might slightly alter the candy coating’s texture.
Variation of Christmas Tree Cake Pops
While the base recipe for Christmas Tree Cake Pops is already a holiday delight, there are many fun variations you could try:
- Flavor Infusions: Experiment with different cake flavors! Add cocoa powder for a chocolate cake pop, or use lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Alternative Coatings: Instead of green candy melts, try white chocolate colored with food-safe gel for a wintery snow effect or other vivid colors for a playful look.
- Different Decorations: Use edible glitter, crushed peppermint candies, or even edible sequins to change up the decorations.
FAQ
What are Christmas Tree Cake Pops?
Christmas Tree Cake Pops are festive dessert pops made from cake crumbled and mixed with buttercream, coated in candy melts, and decorated to resemble Christmas trees.
How do you make Christmas Tree Cake Pops?
To make Christmas Tree Cake Pops, bake a cake, crumble it, mix with buttercream, mold into tree shapes, chill, dip in candy melts, and finally decorate them with festive designs.
How long do Christmas Tree Cake Pops last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they can last up to a week. For extended storage, refrigerate them for about two weeks.
Christmas Tree Cake Pops
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter Room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 pieces eggs Room temperature
- 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk Room temperature
For the Buttercream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter Room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1-3 Tbsp heavy whipping cream Adjust for consistency
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Coating and Decoration
- 3 cups dark green candy melts
- 2-3 Tbsp coconut oil For smoothing
- 1/4 cup red candy melts For decoration
- 1/4 cup blue candy melts For decoration
- 1/4 cup light green candy melts For decoration
- 1/4 cup yellow candy melts For decoration
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate For decoration
- Sprinkles Optional for decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9"x13" baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a larger bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, for about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined.
Baking and Cooling
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then crumble the cooled cake into fine pieces.
Buttercream and Assembly
- Make the buttercream by beating together the butter and confectioner’s sugar on low speed. Gradually add heavy cream to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Blend a few scoops of buttercream with the crumbled cake until it holds together nicely.
- Press the cake mixture firmly into cake pop molds, insert sticks, and chill for at least 2 hours.
Coating and Decoration
- Melt green candy melts with coconut oil in a microwave-safe dish, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each cake pop into the melted candy coating, allowing excess to drip off.
- Decorate with assorted colored melts and sprinkles while the coating is still wet.
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