The Story & Intro
Every Christmas back in Crete, my grandmother used to crush candy with the back of a spoon while I stood on a chair beside her, trying not to make a mess. The kitchen always smelled like chocolate, vanilla, and something magical I could never quite describe. Years later, here in my own kitchen, I recreated that same joy with these Red Velvet Peppermint Bark Cake Pops. The first bite instantly took me back to those sweet holiday moments.
I love how Red Velvet Peppermint Bark Cake Pops bring together rich cocoa flavor with cool peppermint crunch. They feel festive, elegant, and playful all at once. These cake pops aren’t just dessert they’re tiny holiday memories on a stick. Every time I make Red Velvet Peppermint Bark Cake Pops, my kitchen turns into a joyful mess just like my grandmother’s did. And honestly? That’s exactly how I like it.
If you’ve never made cake pops before, don’t worry. I promise, Red Velvet Peppermint Bark Cake Pops are easier than they look. They’re perfect for Christmas parties, dessert tables, bake sales, or cozy nights at home with hot cocoa. Let’s make something beautiful together.
Ingredients
For the red velvet cake:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- Eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box
For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For coating and topping:
- 18 oz white chocolate or white candy melts
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candy or candy canes
- Cake pop sticks
Step-by-Step Instructions
Bake the Cake
Prepare your red velvet cake according to the package directions. Bake it in a 9×13-inch pan until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely. This step matters because warm cake will melt the frosting later.
Make the Frosting
Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla. Continue mixing until the frosting becomes fluffy and creamy.
Crumble and Mix
Once the cake is fully cooled, crumble it into a large mixing bowl using your hands. Add the frosting gradually and mix until the texture feels like soft dough. You don’t want it sticky just firm enough to hold its shape.
Shape the Cake Pops
Scoop the mixture into even portions using a tablespoon. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place on a lined baking sheet. Insert the cake pop sticks into each ball. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Melt the Chocolate
Melt the white chocolate in short 20-second bursts in the microwave, stirring between each round until smooth.
Dip and Decorate
Dip each chilled cake pop into the melted chocolate and gently tap off excess. Immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint before the coating sets.
Set and Serve
Place the finished cake pops upright or on parchment paper until the chocolate hardens. Once set, your Red Velvet Peppermint Bark Cake Pops are ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Red Velvet Peppermint Bark Cake Pops on a festive platter near your holiday dessert table. They pair beautifully with hot cocoa, peppermint lattes, or spiced tea. I also love using them as edible gifts just tie a small ribbon around the stick and place them in treat bags.
These cake pops also look stunning next to sugar cookies, gingerbread, and peppermint bark trays. If you’re hosting a Christmas party, make a dessert board with a mix of textures and colors. Guests always reach for the cake pops first.
🎄 Tip Card Recipe (With Emojis)
⏱ Time Cook
Prep: 25 minutes
Chill: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 25 minutes
🧺 Ingredients
Red velvet cake, cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, white chocolate, peppermint candy, cake pop sticks
🧑🍳 Instruction
Bake, crumble, mix with frosting, roll into balls, insert sticks, chill, dip in chocolate, sprinkle peppermint
📝 Note
Chilling is the secret to smooth dipping and perfect coating
🥗 Nutrition (Approx Per Pop)
Calories: 180
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 9g
Protein: 2g
100-Word Short Version
These Red Velvet Peppermint Bark Cake Pops combine rich red velvet cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy peppermint in one festive bite. After baking and crumbling the cake, mix it with cream cheese frosting, roll into balls, chill, and dip in melted white chocolate. Finish with crushed peppermint for a holiday-perfect touch. They’re easy to make, beautiful to serve, and full of cozy Christmas flavor. Whether for parties, gifts, or family gatherings, these cake pops always bring smiles and sweet memories to the table.
Conclusion
For me, baking is never just about food it’s about connection, memories, and small moments of happiness. These Red Velvet Peppermint Bark Cake Pops bring back the joy of standing beside my grandmother in her warm, busy kitchen, learning with sticky fingers and wide eyes. I hope this recipe brings that same warmth into your home.
Whether you make them for a holiday party, as a gift, or just because you love peppermint and chocolate, I promise they’ll feel special. Cooking doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes the mess is the magic. And I’m so happy to be baking with you.