Hello, Good News! Welcome to our article on how to make Thanksgiving cake pops. If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate this holiday, you’ve come to the right place. Cake pops are bite-sized treats that are easy to make and decorate, and they’re perfect for any occasion. In this article, we’ll show you everything you need to know about making Thanksgiving cake pops, from the ingredients and tools you’ll need, to the step-by-step instructions and tips for success. We’ll also share some creative ideas for decorating your cake pops with a Thanksgiving theme, and answer some frequently asked questions about cake pops. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to make your own delicious and adorable Thanksgiving cake pops that will impress your family and friends.
Thanksgiving cake pops are a great way to use up leftover cake or make a new batch of cake from scratch or a box mix. You can choose any flavor of cake and frosting you like, but we recommend using spice cake and cream cheese frosting for a seasonal twist. You’ll also need some candy melts or chocolate chips to coat your cake pops, and some lollipop sticks to hold them. To decorate your cake pops, you can use store-bought or homemade ingredients, such as candy corn, candy eyes, sprinkles, cookies, and licorice. The possibilities are endless, and you can have fun experimenting with different colors and shapes to create your own unique Thanksgiving cake pops.
What You’ll Need to Make Thanksgiving Cake Pops
Ingredients
To make about 24-36 Thanksgiving cake pops, depending on the size of your cake balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- One 15.25-ounce box spice cake mix, plus required ingredients (or use your favorite homemade spice cake recipe)
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting (or use your favorite homemade cream cheese frosting recipe)
- 20 ounces white candy melts or chocolate chips (you can also use different colors of candy melts for variety)
- Lollipop sticks (each about 6 inches long)
- Ginger snap cookies (we used Anna’s Swedish Ginger Thins)
- Candy corn
- Melted chocolate (optional)
- Candy eyeballs
- M&M’s
- Twizzlers
Tools
To make Thanksgiving cake pops, you’ll also need the following tools:
- A 9×13-inch baking pan
- A stand mixer or a large bowl and a wooden spoon
- A 3/4-ounce cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper
- A microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler
- A tall narrow glass or a small deep bowl
- A florist’s foam block or a styrofoam block
- A knife or scissors
How to Make Thanksgiving Cake Pops – Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake and Crumble the Cake
The first step to making Thanksgiving cake pops is to bake and crumble the cake. You can use any spice cake recipe you like, but we recommend using a box mix for convenience and consistency. Follow the package directions for a 9×13-inch pan, and bake the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before proceeding.
Once the cake is cool, break it into pieces and place it in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Using a paddle attachment or a wooden spoon, mix the cake until it forms fine crumbs. You can also use a food processor to crumble the cake, but be careful not to overprocess it.
Step 2: Add the Frosting and Form the Cake Balls
The next step is to add the frosting and form the cake balls. You can use any cream cheese frosting recipe you like, but we recommend using a store-bought one for convenience and consistency. Add about 1 cup of frosting to the crumbled cake and mix well until the mixture is moist and holds together when squeezed. If the mixture is too dry, add more frosting 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
Using a 3/4-ounce cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure, scoop out portions of the cake mixture and roll them into balls between your palms. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper, leaving some space between them. You should have about 24-36 cake balls, depending on the size of your scoop. Refrigerate the cake balls until firm, about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Melt the Candy and Insert the Sticks
The third step is to melt the candy and insert the sticks. You can use any candy melts or chocolate chips you like, but we recommend using white candy melts for a smooth and shiny coating. Place the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl and melt according to the package directions, stirring every 15-30 seconds until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler to melt the candy over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Dip about half an inch of the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted candy and then insert it halfway into a cake ball. Repeat with the remaining cake balls and sticks. Refrigerate the cake pops until set, about 5 minutes. This will help secure the sticks to the cake balls and prevent them from falling off when dipping.
Step 4: Dip and Decorate the Cake Pops
The final step is to dip and decorate the cake pops. Reheat the melted candy if necessary, and pour it into a tall narrow glass or a small deep bowl. This will make it easier to dip the cake pops without wasting too much candy. Working with one cake pop at a time, dip it into the melted candy, swirling to coat and tapping off any excess. Then press the chocolate-covered cake pop onto a ginger snap cookie to form the base of the turkey. Place the cake pop in a florist’s foam block or a styrofoam block so it can set upright.
Before the candy coating sets, decorate your cake pop with a Thanksgiving theme. You can use any ingredients you like, but here are some suggestions:
- Use three pieces of candy corn on the back of the cake pop for the turkey’s tail feathers.
- Use two candy eyeballs for the turkey’s eyes.
- Use an M&M for the turkey’s beak, and attach it with a dab of melted chocolate if needed.
- Use a small piece of Twizzler for the turkey’s snood, and attach it with a dab of melted chocolate if needed.
- Use sprinkles or other candies to add more details or colors to your turkey.
Repeat with the remaining cake pops until they are all dipped and decorated. Let them set completely before serving or storing.
Nutrition Facts of Thanksgiving Cake Pops
If you’re wondering how many calories and nutrients are in each Thanksgiving cake pop, here’s a breakdown based on our recipe:
| Nutrition Facts | Serving Size: 1 cake pop (38 g) | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 149 | – |
| Total Fat | 6.8 g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g | 6% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.4 g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 29 mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 102 mg | 4% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21 g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 16 g | – |
| Protein | 1.1 g | – |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% |
| Calcium | 24 mg | 2%FAQs About Thanksgiving Cake Pops
Here are some common questions and answers about Thanksgiving cake pops: How do I store Thanksgiving cake pops?You can store Thanksgiving cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, but make sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving. How do I transport Thanksgiving cake pops?If you want to bring Thanksgiving cake pops to a party or a potluck, you can use a cake pop stand or a cardboard box with holes to hold them upright. You can also wrap each cake pop in a small cellophane bag and tie it with a ribbon or a twist tie. Make sure to keep them in a cool and dry place, and avoid direct sunlight or heat sources. How do I make vegan or gluten-free Thanksgiving cake pops?You can easily make vegan or gluten-free Thanksgiving cake pops by using vegan or gluten-free ingredients. For example, you can use a vegan or gluten-free spice cake mix and frosting, vegan or dairy-free candy melts or chocolate chips, and vegan or gluten-free candies and cookies for decorating. Just make sure to check the labels of all the ingredients you use, and follow the same instructions as above. How do I make different flavors of Thanksgiving cake pops?You can make different flavors of Thanksgiving cake pops by using different flavors of cake and frosting. For example, you can use chocolate cake and chocolate frosting, vanilla cake and vanilla frosting, carrot cake and cream cheese frosting, pumpkin cake and cream cheese frosting, etc. You can also add some spices, extracts, or food coloring to the cake mixture or the candy coating to enhance the flavor and appearance of your cake pops. How do I make different shapes of Thanksgiving cake pops?You can make different shapes of Thanksgiving cake pops by molding the cake mixture into different shapes before dipping them in candy. For example, you can make pumpkin-shaped cake pops by flattening the cake balls slightly and making indentations with your fingers. You can also use cookie cutters or molds to shape the cake mixture into other forms, such as leaves, acorns, apples, etc. Just make sure to refrigerate the shaped cake balls until firm before dipping them in candy. How do I make Thanksgiving cake pops without candy melts?If you don’t have candy melts or chocolate chips, you can still make Thanksgiving cake pops by using other types of coating. For example, you can use peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, etc. You can also use canned frosting as a coating, but you’ll need to thin it out with some water or milk until it reaches a dipping consistency. You can also add some food coloring to the frosting to create different colors. How do I make Thanksgiving cake pops without lollipop sticks?If you don’t have lollipop sticks, you can still make Thanksgiving cake pops by using other types of sticks. For example, you can use wooden skewers, paper straws, pretzel sticks, etc. You can also skip the sticks altogether and make bite-sized cake balls instead. Just roll the cake mixture into balls and dip them in candy using a fork or a toothpick. If you don’t have a cookie scoop, you can still make Thanksgiving cake pops by using other tools. For example, you can use a tablespoon measure, an ice cream scoop, a melon baller, etc. You can also use your hands to form the cake balls, but make sure to wet your palms slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking. How do I make Thanksgiving cake pops without a florist’s foam block?If you don’t have a florist’s foam block or a styrofoam block, you can still make Thanksgiving cake pops by using other items. For example, you can use an egg carton, a cardboard box with holes, a colander, a muffin tin, etc. You can also place the dipped and decorated cake pops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper until they set. If you don’t have ginger snap cookies, you can still make Thanksgiving cake pops by using other cookies or crackers. For example, you can use vanilla wafers, graham crackers, oreos, etc. You can also use other ingredients, such as marshmallows, pretzels, nuts, etc. to create the base of the turkey. ConclusionThanksgiving cake pops are a fun and festive way to celebrate this holiday with your loved ones. They are easy to make and decorate, and they are perfect for any occasion. You can use any flavor of cake and frosting you like, and you can customize your cake pops with different colors and shapes. You can also use different ingredients and tools to make your cake pops according to your preferences and availability. We hope you enjoyed this article on how to make Thanksgiving cake pops, and we invite you to check out our other articles for more tips and ideas on baking and decorating. Happy Thanksgiving! |