Introduction

These Grinch Cake Pops are festive, fun, and perfect for holiday celebrations. Bright green, sweet, and creamy, they make a delightful treat that’s easy to share with friends and family.

The image shows several cake pops arranged in rows on a white marbled surface. Each cake pop is round and covered in a smooth, bright green coating with thin, darker green lines wrapping horizontally around it, creating a layered striped effect. Small green sugar crystals are sprinkled lightly on the surface of the cake pops. Each pop is topped with a small red heart-shaped candy, and a long white stick is inserted centrally into the top of each cake pop, holding the candy upright. The overall look is colorful and festive with bright green and red colors standing out against the subtle background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

15.25 ounces red velvet cake mix
1 cup milk
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1½ cups powdered sugar
24 ounces green candy melts
Green sanding sugar
Candy hearts

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, milk, and melted butter. Mix on low speed until well blended, about 1 minute. Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to prevent browning. Let the cake cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack, then chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes while preparing the cream cheese mixture.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and salt on medium speed with a hand blender until light and fluffy. Lower the speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, and mix until smooth. Increase to high speed and beat for another minute until fluffy.
Step 4: Divide the cake in half. Crumble one half into a large bowl (save the other half for another use or freeze).
Step 5: Fold the cream cheese mixture into the crumbled cake until fully combined.
Step 6: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, form 33 even-sized balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Melt 18 ounces of the candy melts according to the package instructions in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip about ¼ inch of each cake pop stick into the melted candy, then insert the stick into a cake ball. Repeat for all balls.
Step 8: Dip each cake pop quickly into the melted candy, lift out, and gently shake off excess coating. Place the cake pop on a parchment-lined tray. Repeat with remaining cake pops.
Step 9: Once the coating hardens, melt the remaining candy melts and transfer to a piping bag. Snip the tip and drizzle swirls around each cake pop. Immediately sprinkle with green sanding sugar before the drizzle sets.
Step 10: Add a candy heart to each cake pop while the drizzle is still warm. Allow everything to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality cream cheese for the creamiest filling and best flavor.
Freeze leftover crumbled cake for quick cake pops or cake truffles later.
Customize the drizzle colors using red or white candy melts for a festive twist.
For easier dipping, warm the candy melts slightly before starting and stir often to prevent clumping.

Storage

Store the cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate holding nine round cake pops covered in smooth, bright green icing with fine horizontal ridges circling each pop. Each cake pop is topped with a small, shiny red heart-shaped decoration placed near the base of a straight, white stick protruding vertically from the center. The green icing is sprinkled lightly with small green sugar crystals, adding texture. The background is blurred but features scattered green candy pieces and a clear container on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake flavor for these pops?

Yes! Chocolate or vanilla cake mix works well, but red velvet gives the best contrast with the green coating for the classic Grinch look.

How do I keep the cake pops from falling off the sticks?

Dipping the stick tip into melted candy before inserting it into the cake ball helps secure it. Also, chilling the cake balls before dipping strengthens the coating and helps hold the stick in place.