Turn any celebration into a sweet occasion with Red Velvet Cake Pops, blending crumbled red velvet cake with tangy cream cheese frosting. After rolling and chilling, each pop gets dipped in smooth white chocolate for a festive finish. These handheld treats are perfect for parties, holidays, or just a fun kitchen project with kids.
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Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake Pops
For the cake pops
- Red Velvet Cake – Bake it ahead of time and let it cool completely. Homemade or store-bought works—just make sure it’s moist!
- Cream Cheese Frosting – The creamy binder that holds everything together. Use the whole can for the perfect texture.
For the coating
- White Chocolate Candy Melts – These melt smoothly and give that classic cake pop look.
- Vegetable Shortening – A little bit helps thin the chocolate for easy dipping.
For assembling
- Lollipop Sticks – Essential for holding your cake pops together. Go with the standard size for easy handling.
For decorating
- Sprinkles – This is where you can get creative! Use whatever colors or shapes make you happy.
Cook Time for Homemade Red Velvet Cake Pops
Like most no-bake festive bite-sized dessert recipes, the magic of these cake pops happens while they’re chilling.
While you won’t need the oven for this stage, patience is your secret ingredient for that perfect, firm texture.
You can absolutely get started on another project, like browsing my healthy no-bake desserts, while you wait.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Chill Time | 2 hours |
| Total Time | 2 hours 30 minutes |
How to Make Easy Red Velvet Cake Pops
Step 1: Create Your Cake Crumbs
First, take your completely cooled red velvet cake and crumble it into a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to break it down until you have fine, uniform crumbs with no large pieces left.
Step 2: Mix in the Frosting
Next, add that entire can of creamy cream cheese frosting to the bowl. Grab a wooden spoon and stir everything together with some heart until it’s fully combined and holds its shape when you press it together.
Step 3: Roll and Chill
Now, scoop portions of your mixture and roll them into 48 tightly packed, one-inch balls. Line them up on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the fridge for a good two-hour chill until they’re nice and firm.
Step 4: Melt Your Coating
For your easy homemade candy melt coated treats, combine the white chocolate candy melts and vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well each time, until you have a perfectly smooth and fluid mixture.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Push a lollipop stick about halfway into each chilled cake ball. Then, gently dip each one into the melted chocolate, swirling to coat it completely. Let any excess drip back into the bowl.
Step 6: Set and Serve
Immediately add your colorful sprinkles to these moist cake pops with colorful sprinkles before the coating sets. Stand them upright in a styrofoam block to dry completely for about 30 minutes.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make these Red Velvet Cake Pops truly foolproof. Here are my favorite ways to tweak the flavor, save time, and avoid any kitchen mishaps.
- Flavor Swap: For a fun twist, try using a chocolate cake base instead of red velvet. The kids absolutely love it, and it pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese.
- Diet Tweak: To lighten them up, use a sugar-free cake mix and a lower-fat cream cheese frosting. The result is still a deliciously indulgent-tasting treat.
- Texture Fix: If your cake pop mixture feels too wet and sticky, add a tablespoon of almond flour. Conversely, if it’s too dry, just mix in another spoonful of frosting.
- Storage Tip: These keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, they freeze perfectly for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge overnight. They’re a wonderful make-ahead option for your healthy Thanksgiving desserts spread.
Red Velvet Cake Pops
Ingredients
- 1 red velvet cake baked and cooled
- 1 16-ounce can cream cheese frosting
- 2 12-ounce packages white chocolate candy melts
- 2 tbsp vegetable shortening
- 48 lollipop sticks
- Sprinkles for decorating
Equipment
- Wooden spoon
- baking sheet
- microwave-safe bowl
- styrofoam block
Method
- Crumble the completely cooled red velvet cake into a large mixing bowl until it resembles fine crumbs with no large pieces.
- Add the entire can of cream cheese frosting to the bowl and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture is completely combined and holds together when pressed, forming a thick, paste-like dough.
- Roll the cake mixture into 48 tightly packed, 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until very firm.
- Melt the white chocolate candy melts and vegetable shortening together in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each, until the mixture is completely smooth and fluid.
- Insert a lollipop stick about halfway into each chilled cake ball, then dip it completely into the melted chocolate, swirling gently to coat. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off.
- Immediately decorate with sprinkles before the coating sets. Stand the cake pops upright in a styrofoam block to dry completely, about 30 minutes.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
While these easy red velvet cake pops are certainly a treat, it’s always helpful to know what you’re enjoying. I believe in mindful indulgence—understanding our food helps us appreciate it even more.
These homemade red velvet cake pops offer a delightful balance of flavor and texture. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness, while the red velvet base provides that classic, slightly cocoa-kissed taste we all love.
For those watching their intake, portion control is built right in with these festive bite-sized desserts. One pop satisfies your sweet craving without overdoing it. If you’re looking for even lighter options, my collection of high-protein desserts offers some wonderful alternatives for everyday enjoyment.
According to traditional baking wisdom shared in this traditional red velvet cake recipe, the combination of buttermilk and vinegar in red velvet cake actually helps create its distinctive texture and color. For more decadent cream cheese options, check out my red velvet cheesecake recipe too!
A Lighter Version of Red Velvet Cake Pops
I love creating variations that let everyone enjoy dessert, especially when we’re watching what we eat. These tweaks maintain that delicious red velvet flavor while lightening things up a bit.
Start with a sugar-free red velvet cake mix—they’ve come a long way in taste and texture. Pair it with a reduced-fat cream cheese frosting, and you’ll still get those creamy cake balls everyone adores.
For the coating, consider using sugar-free white chocolate chips melted with a teaspoon of coconut oil. They dip just as beautifully and set up with that same satisfying snap. The colorful sprinkles? Look for naturally-colored options made with vegetable dyes.
These moist cake pops with colorful sprinkles become a guilt-free pleasure perfect for any celebration. For more inspiration on healthier baking, browse through my healthy baking recipes collection. And if you love frozen treats, my frozen yogurt recipe makes a wonderful companion dessert!
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
Over years of cooking for family and friends with different dietary needs, I’ve learned that small adjustments can make all the difference. Whether you’re sugar-conscious or managing specific health considerations, these red velvet cake pops can still be part of your celebration.
For diabetic-friendly versions, I often use natural sweeteners like stevia or xylitol in both the cake and frosting. They provide sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels. You can find sugar-free cake mixes that work beautifully for this purpose.
Portion control is key for glycemic control—thankfully, these pops are perfectly portioned already. For those avoiding dairy, there are excellent vegan cream cheese alternatives that create that same creamy texture we love in these no-bake festive bite-sized dessert recipes.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cake Pops
I’ll never forget the first time I served these at my daughter’s birthday party—the children’s eyes widened as if I’d brought tiny magic wands to the table. There’s something truly special about presenting these elegant treats that makes any occasion feel celebratory.
For parties, I love arranging these easy homemade candy melt coated treats in a styrofoam block covered with decorative paper—it creates a beautiful edible centerpiece that guests can help themselves to throughout the event. They pair wonderfully with coffee for afternoon gatherings or milk for children’s parties.
During the holidays, I often include these on my dessert platter alongside other favorites like cherry cheesecake ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. For Valentine’s Day, try dipping them in pink chocolate and pairing with my healthy Valentine’s Day desserts for a romantic sweet table that everyone can enjoy.
Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve learned through plenty of trial and error that even the simplest recipes can have their pitfalls. When making these red velvet cake pops, there are a few common mistakes that can easily be avoided with just a little know-how.
First, don’t overmix your cake batter—this can lead to dense, tough cake pops instead of that light, tender texture we love. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined, and you’ll be rewarded with perfect moist cake pops with colorful sprinkles.
Another common error is adding too much frosting to your cake crumbs. This creates a sticky mixture that’s difficult to shape and can cause your cake balls to slide right off the sticks. Start with just half the frosting, then add more only if needed to reach that perfect consistency.
When dipping, make sure your chocolate or candy coating isn’t too hot—this can cause your cake pops to crack as they set. Let it cool slightly until it’s warm but still fluid. For more dipping techniques, check out these cream cheese frosting techniques that work beautifully with our recipe.
I’ll never forget the time I rushed the chilling process and ended up with a tray of lopsided cake pops—patience truly is key here! For more dessert inspiration, my healthy no-bake desserts collection offers wonderful alternatives when you’re short on time.
How to Store Red Velvet Cake Pops
When my daughter graduated from high school, I made three dozen of these homemade red velvet cake pops for her celebration. The party got postponed due to a sudden storm, and I learned exactly how to store them properly—they held up beautifully for three extra days!
These easy homemade candy melt coated treats keep best in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. The cool temperature helps maintain that perfect texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze your red velvet cake pops for up to three months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid first, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
If you’re planning a holiday gathering, these make-ahead options are perfect. They pair wonderfully with other festive treats like my healthy Thanksgiving desserts for a balanced dessert table. For morning events, consider serving them alongside these Christmas breakfast ideas for a sweet start to the day.
Try This Red Velvet Cake Pops Yourself
I still remember the first time I brought these to our community potluck—the way my neighbors’ faces lit up when they discovered these creamy cream cheese frosting cake balls made all the effort worthwhile. There’s something magical about sharing food that brings people joy.
These no-bake festive bite-sized dessert recipes have become my go-to for celebrations big and small. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply craving something sweet, these baked red velvet cake coated in white chocolate never disappoint.
I encourage you to try this red velvet cake pops recipe yourself—it’s easier than you might think! For more chocolate inspiration, check out my classic chocolate cake or this rich chocolate buttercream frosting that works wonderfully with so many desserts.
If you love easy treats, you’ll adore these cake mix peanut butter cookies and these simple easy cookie recipes oatmeal options. For something lighter, my cottage cheese strawberry mousse makes a delightful companion to these cake pops.
Remember, some of the best kitchen memories come from trying new things. I’d love to hear how your red velvet cake pops turn out—there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing I’ve helped create special moments in your kitchen too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is red velvet flavor?
Red velvet flavor combines subtle cocoa with a slight tang from buttermilk and vinegar, creating that distinctive taste we all love. It’s not just chocolate cake with red coloring—the unique combination of ingredients gives it that special character. The cream cheese frosting complements it perfectly, making it one of those holiday dessert ideas that always feels special.
What not to do when making cake pops?
Avoid overmixing your cake crumbs with frosting—this can make them too moist and difficult to shape. Don’t dip them while the coating is too hot, as this causes cracking. Most importantly, don’t skip the chilling step! Those few minutes in the refrigerator make all the difference for perfect red velvet cake pops.
What can I do with a box of red velvet cake mix?
Beyond these easy red velvet cake pops, you can create so many wonderful treats! Try making a layered trifle, cupcakes, or even red velvet cookies. The mix works beautifully in my cookies recipe with just a few adjustments—it’s perfect for when you want something quick but special.
What is the secret to a good red velvet cake?
The secret lies in balancing the cocoa with the acidic ingredients like buttermilk and vinegar. This creates that tender texture and distinctive flavor profile. Quality ingredients matter too—good cocoa powder and fresh cream cheese make all the difference in homemade red velvet cake pops that taste truly special.
More Festive Treats You’ll Love
If these red velvet cake pops sparked your baking creativity, you’ll adore these other celebration-worthy recipes that always bring smiles to my table.
- Red Velvet Cheesecake – A stunning layered dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with classic red velvet flavor.
- High Protein Desserts – Satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things balanced with these nutritious treats.
- Healthy Baking Recipes – Lighter versions of your favorites that don’t compromise on flavor or enjoyment.
- Healthy Valentine’s Day Desserts – Romantic sweets that everyone can feel good about enjoying.
- Frozen Yogurt Recipe – Creamy homemade frozen yogurt that’s perfect alongside cake pops or on its own.
- Cherry Cheesecake Ice Cream – A frozen twist on classic cheesecake that’s absolutely irresistible.
