The Story & Intro
I still remember the first time I made Red Velvet Candy Cane Cake Pops during the holidays it was one of those messy, joyful kitchen days that I secretly love the most. Back on the beautiful island of Crete, even though candy canes weren’t part of our tradition, the spirit of celebration always was. My grandmother used to say that desserts carry emotions, and every time I mix cake crumbs and frosting with my hands, I feel that truth come alive all over again.
When I first introduced Red Velvet Candy Cane Cake Pops to my family, their reactions were priceless. The bright red centers, the snowy white coating, and that refreshing peppermint crunch instantly made everyone smile. These cake pops quickly became a holiday favorite, especially among the women in my family who love sharing sweet treats and laughter in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a festive dessert that feels both cozy and exciting, Red Velvet Candy Cane Cake Pops are the answer. And yes don’t worry if your kitchen gets messy like mine… that’s part of the fun!
Why Everyone Loves These Cake Pops
There’s something magical about the combination of rich red velvet and cool peppermint. The flavors feel luxurious, yet nostalgic. These cake pops are:
- Perfectly portioned
- Easy to serve at parties
- Beautiful enough for gift boxes
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved
- Ideal for Christmas, winter birthdays, and dessert tables
Plus, they look like tiny edible ornaments who doesn’t love that?
What You’ll Need for Red Velvet Candy Cane Cake Pops
Here’s everything you need to create these festive bites of joy:
For the cake:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, water)
For the frosting:
- ½ cup cream cheese frosting or vanilla frosting
For coating & decoration:
- 2–3 cups white chocolate melting wafers or candy melts
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
- Lollipop sticks
- Styrofoam block or cake pop stand
Optional extras:
- Red food coloring (for brighter coating)
- Holiday sprinkles
- Edible glitter for sparkle
Step-by-Step Instructions (Easy & Fun!)
Bake the Cake
Prepare the red velvet cake according to the package directions. Bake it in a 9×13 pan and allow it to cool completely. This part is important warm cake will ruin the texture of the pops.
Crumble the Cake
Once fully cooled, crumble the cake into fine crumbs using clean hands or a fork. Make sure there are no large chunks left.
Mix in the Frosting
Add the frosting to the cake crumbs a little at a time. Mix until the texture is moist and dough-like but not sticky. You should be able to roll it into balls easily.
Roll into Cake Balls
Using a small scoop or spoon, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
Chill for Stability
Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 1 hour or freeze for 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape when dipping.
Melt the Chocolate
Melt the white chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each. The texture should be smooth and pourable.
Insert the Sticks
Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into melted chocolate, then insert it halfway into a cake ball. This acts like glue. Chill again for 10 minutes.
Dip and Decorate
Dip each cake pop into the melted white chocolate, gently tapping off excess. Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes and any extra decorations.
Let Them Set
Place the finished cake pops upright in a Styrofoam block until the coating hardens completely.
Serving Ideas That Wow
These Red Velvet Candy Cane Cake Pops look stunning displayed:
- In mason jars filled with sugar
- On holiday dessert tables
- Wrapped individually as edible gifts
- Placed in cupcake liners for party favors
Serve them with:
- Hot cocoa
- Peppermint mocha
- Spiced tea
- Vanilla milk for kids
They disappear fast so always make extras!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm cake (it melts the frosting)
- Adding too much frosting (causes slipping)
- Overheating chocolate (it thickens)
- Not chilling before dipping (they fall apart)
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Store finished pops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days
- Freeze without decoration for up to 1 month
- Let thaw in the fridge before dipping
🎄 Recipe Card Red Velvet Candy Cane Cake Pops
⏱️ Time Cook
Prep: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
🧺 Ingredients
- Red velvet cake mix
- Eggs, oil, water
- ½ cup frosting
- White candy melts
- Crushed candy canes
- Lollipop sticks
📝 Instructions
Bake, crumble, mix with frosting, roll into balls, chill, dip sticks, coat in chocolate, decorate with candy canes, and let set.
📌 Note
Always chill between steps for best results.
🥗 Nutrition (Per Pop – Approx.)
Calories: 180
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 26g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 2g
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Candy Cane Cake Pops are everything the holidays should be sweet, festive, joyful, and shared with people you love. Whether you’re making them for your family, a school party, or a holiday dessert table, they bring instant smiles. For me, they represent everything I believe about cooking: warmth, togetherness, and fun—even when the kitchen gets messy. I hope you enjoy making these just as much as I do, and that they become part of your holiday memories too.
100-Word Short Version for Sharing
These Red Velvet Candy Cane Cake Pops are festive, delicious, and perfect for the holidays. Moist red velvet cake mixed with creamy frosting, dipped in silky white chocolate, and topped with crunchy candy canes creates a dessert that’s beautiful and irresistible. They’re easy to make, fun for kids to help with, and ideal for parties or edible gifts. Whether you’re serving them with hot cocoa or wrapping them for friends, these cake pops bring holiday cheer in every bite. Sweet, simple, and guaranteed to impress!