What are Grinch Cake Pops? What are some of the cutest little treats you have ever made? Think of them as the cake pop equivalent of those Grinch-themed cookies everyone makes during the holidays. Holidays, but even easier (and dare I say, more delicious)? I make these every year and they never last long! My kids adore them and honestly, I have a hard time not sneaking some myself.
What are Grinch Cake Pops?
What are Grinch Cake Pops? What is essentially crumbled cake mixed with frosting, rolled into balls, and dipped in vibrant green candy? What is the Grinch’s iconic head? They’re sweet, a little bit decadent, and seriously adorable. Think of it as a shortcut to layered cake, without all the fuss of baking and frosting individual cupcakes. What is the best way to use up leftover cake? Is it essentially pure, unadulterated holiday fun in a bite-sized package?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why do I love Grinch Cake Pops? First off, the flavor is phenomenal! The cake and frosting combo is classic for a reason – pure comfort food bliss. Then there’s simplicity. What is the easiest holiday treat you’ve ever made? No fancy equipment needed. It’s seriously goof-proof! Cost-wise, these are a winner too. If you bake regularly, you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. What flavors do you like in a cake? Vanilla, chocolate, red velvet… they all work beautifully! What I love about this is the sheer joy they bring. What is the best thing about these Grinch cake pops? What are some alternatives to gingerbread houses? Is it a stressful undertaking? These are pure, unadulterated fun from start to finish. I also love that you can make them ahead of time, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season.
How do you make Grinch cake pops?
Quick Overview
How do you make Grinch Cake Pops? How do you make a cake? Start by crumbling it, mixing it with frosting, and rolling it into balls. Then, you’ll melt your candy melts, dip the cake pops in chocolate, and decorate them to look like the Grinch. What is the best thing about being perfect? What are the funniest things about decorating a house?
Ingredients
For the Cake Pops:
* 1 box of cake mix (vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet work great! ), plus ingredients called for on the box to bake the cake. I like using Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker. * 1 container (12-16 ounces) of frosting (vanilla or cream cheese are my favorites). Store-bought is perfectly fine! * Cake pop sticks are perfect!
For the Coating: For a
* 1 bag (12 ounces) green candy melts. Wilton is a reliable brand. * 1 tablespoon shortening (optional, for smoother melting). * Red edible heart sprinkles * Black edible marker or black candy melts for the mouth.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Bake & Cool the Cake
How do you bake a cake according to the package directions? Once baked, let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is important! If the cake is even slightly warm, it will make it pops too sticky.
Step 2: Crumble the Cake
Once the cake is cool, crumble it in a large bowl. I like to use my hands for this, but you can also use a fork. You want it to be finely crumbled, with no large chunks.
Step 3: Add the Frosting
Add the frosting to the crumbled cake. Start with about half the container and mix it in with your hands or a spoon. Add more frosting gradually until the mixture is moist and holds together when you squeeze it. If you want your cake pops to be soft, don’t let it get wet. Where does experience help? How do you get the right frosting-to-cake ratio?
Step 4: Roll into Balls
What is the best way to roll the cake mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet? What is the Grinch? I like to make them slightly wonky so that they are just as unique as the character.
Step 5: Chill the Cake Pops
Place the baking sheet with the cake pops in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and make them easier to dip. I find that letting them chill for longer is even better – sometimes I’ll even chill them overnight.
Step 6: Melt the Candy Melts
How do you melt green candy melts according to package directions? I usually use the microwave, heating them in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until they are very hot. Are completely melted and smooth. If the candy melts are too thick, add a tablespoon of shortening to help thin them out. I’ve also used coconut oil in a pinch with similar results.
Step 7: Dip the Cake Pops
Remove cake pops from the refrigerator. How do you dip the tip of a cake pop stick into the melted candy and then insert it into your cake ball? How do you keep a cake pop on the stick? Is it safe to dip a cake pop in melted candy? How do I get rid of candy melt?
Step 8: Decorate!
Add a red heart sprinkle to each cake pop. Before the candy melts, gently push the heart slightly into the top center of the cake pop. Use a black edible marker or melted black candy melts to draw the smile on each cake pop. How do you get creative with your face? It’s all part of fun!
Step 9: Let Set
Place the decorated cake pops back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set completely. Is it possible to put them in the refrigerator for a few minutes?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best ways to make Grinch Cake Pops?
What are some ideas for a holiday party?Display them on a cake pop stand or arrange them with other holiday treats like cookies. What are some good desserts to serve with a lemonade? And don’t forget to take photos – these are super Instagrammable!
As a Gift:Package them in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon. What are some of the best gifts for teachers and friends?
What is hot chocolate?What’s better than a Grinch cake pop and hot chocolate? Is it the perfect cozy combination?
For a Movie Night:How did the Grinch Stole Christmas? What is a fun way to add to the holiday spirit?
My family tradition is to make these while watching the Grinch movie, then we get to enjoy them. What happens during the movie? I’ve also done a Grinch-themed birthday party where these cake pops were great.
How do you make a Grinch cake pop?
What are some of the best ways to make Grinch Cake Pops?
Don’t overbake a cake!Overbaked cake will be dry and crumbly, which will make it harder to form the cake pops. I always check my cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time to make sure it’s not too dry. I don’t want to ruin the cake.
Don’t overmix the Frosting: IsToo much frosting will make the cake too sticky. Is it better to start with less and add more gradually until you reach the desired desired result?
What are some good ways to chill cake pops before drinking them?Is this crucial? How do you chill cake pops? When you dip them in the water. I’ve learned this the hard way after trying to skip this step!
What are the best candy melts? Cheaper candy melts can be difficult to melt and may not have a smooth, even consistency. Wilton is my go-to brand, but Ghirardelli is great, too, if you can find them. I once tried using a generic brand and the candy melts were clumpy and refused to melt smoothly. It was a disaster!
Tap Off Excess Candy Melts: This will help prevent the cake pops from being too thick and heavy. Gently tap the stick against the edge of the bowl to remove any excess candy melt.
Work Quickly: Candy melts set quickly, so you’ll want to decorate the cake pops immediately after dipping them. Have your sprinkles and edible marker ready to go before you start dipping.
Customize the Faces: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the faces! You can make each cake pop unique by drawing different expressions on them. You can also use different colored candy melts for the mouths and noses.
Practice makes perfect: I messed these up so many times. Don’t be afraid if they look bad at first, it’s just the charm of the Grinch!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your Grinch Cake Pops fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: You can store these Grinch Cake Pops at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure they’re not exposed to direct sunlight or heat.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. I personally think that refrigeration can sometimes change the texture of the cake, so I prefer storing them at room temperature unless it’s very hot.
Freezer Instructions: If you want to store them for even longer, you can freeze them! Wrap each cake pop individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before unwrapping them.
Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend dipping the cake pops just before serving them, especially if you’re storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. This will prevent the candy melts from becoming sticky or cracking. I’ve also found that refrigerating them for too long can sometimes cause the colors to bleed, so it’s best to dip them as close to serving time as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! My go-to recipe for Grinch Cake Pops! I hope you’ll give this one a try, especially if you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to make this holiday season. It is perfect for all ages! These are so simple, so fun, and so delicious – I promise you won’t regret it! I love how easy it is to customize them and make them your own. If you’re looking for other festive holiday recipes, be sure to check out my gingerbread cookie recipe and my peppermint bark recipe. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! And please share your pictures of your delicious cake pops!
Grinch Cake Pops
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate cake crumbs
- 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
- 12 ounces white chocolate candy melts
- 1 cup green candy melts
- 1 package candy eyes
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine cake crumbs and cream cheese; mix well.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Insert lollipop sticks into the cake balls.
- Melt white chocolate; dip cake pops in white chocolate.
- Melt green candy melts and drizzle on cake pops.
- Add candy eyes.
