Peppermint Cake Pops

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 30

Cooling and Coating Time: 1 20

Total Time: 2

Servings: balls

Calories: 160kcal

Author: Emily

Peppermint Cake Pops are an easy yet elegant Christmas dessert anyone can make for their holiday celebrations using a boxed cake mix!

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Equipment

1 medium mixing bowl
1 hand mixer
1 9x13 cake pan (or any pan to make a cake)
1-2 baking sheets
1-2 silicone mats (or wax paper)
1 rubber spatula or spoon
1 large mixing bowl
1 microwave-safe bowl
1 long-handled spoon (or regular spoon)

Ingredients

1 box cake mix (I used white)
water (to make the cake)
eggs (to make cake)
vegetable oil (to make the cake and add to candy coating)
¼ cup crushed peppermint candy (plus more for topping)
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
1 can frosting (I used vanilla)
12 ounces peppermint candy coating

Instructions

If you are using candy canes or peppermint candies, place them in a bag and crush them with something heavy like a rolling pin. To get smaller pieces, you can also grind the candy in a small grinder or food processor (see notes).
Make a boxed cake batter as directed adding in the peppermint extract as well. Fold in the peppermint candy. Bake the cake and allow the cake to cool completely.
Once the cake has cooled, break it into pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl. Break up the pieces with a spatula or spoon to get small crumbles.
Start by mixing half of the can of frosting into the cake crumbles. Add more, a spoonful at a time, only until the mixture holds together when you roll it into a ball. Cake mixes vary, so you may not need the whole can. The mixture will be between a batter and a dough.
Prepare a cookie sheet with a silicone mat or wax paper. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of cake mixture and roll it into a ball between your hands. Place each ball on the wax paper and continue to make balls with the rest of the mixture.
Place the cookie sheet in the freezer while preparing the candy coating (this step is optional but I feel like it makes the dipping process a little easier).
Melt the candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave according to the directions on the package. This will take about 2 minutes. Do not overcook the coating or it will burn.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or coconut oil) to the candy coating to thin it out for dipping.
Dip each ball into the melted coating and cover it completely. Tap off the excess coating and place the ball back on the wax paper. Immediately top the ball with crushed peppermint candy pieces so they stick before coating sets.
Allow the balls to set completely before enjoying them. You can speed up the process in the fridge, or if it's a really warm day, you should put them in the fridge so they are set.

Notes

Use Candy Canes or Hard Peppermint Candies

You can use candy canes or hard peppermint candies for this recipe. Either candy will need to be crushed into small pieces. You can also purchase pre-crushed peppermint candy.

I wanted small pieces to sprinkle on top so I used my coffee/spice grinder to pulse the candy pieces. Note that peppermint candy is sticky and will harden after crushing so place the pieces in a plastic bag until you are ready to use them.

When rolling the balls with your hands, lightly spray each hand with non-stick cooking spray to keep the dough from sticking.
Gently tap the spoon on the side of the bowl after dipping each ball in the candy coating to get off the excess. Otherwise, you will have a puddle of coating at the bottom of your ball.
Be careful not to get any water in your melted candy coating or it will seize and you will have to start over. Trust me, I've been there and it is not fun.
You can speed up the cake's cooling time by placing it in the refrigerator, be careful of the hot pan.
You can coat about 3 or 4 balls at a time before topping them with candy before the coating sets too much.
Cake bites will last 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container and can also be frozen for several weeks.

Nutrition