Festive ornament ball display

A festive and eye-catching dessert featuring cake pops decorated as colorful holiday ornaments, perfect for parties and celebrations.

This recipe became a favorite at our holiday gatherings and always impresses guests with its fun look and delicious taste.

Ingredients

• Cake: 1 box (about 400 g) vanilla or chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients per package)
• Frosting: 1/2 cup (120 g) cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream
• Decoration & Coating: 500 g white chocolate or candy melts (assorted colors), 2 tbsp (25 g) vegetable shortening (optional for smoother coating), assorted sprinkles edible glitter and small candies, 24 mini pretzel loops or candy-coated chocolate pieces (for ornament tops), edible gold or silver luster dust (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:

Bake the cake according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely.

Step 2:

Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3:

Add frosting gradually, mixing until the mixture holds together and can be shaped.

Step 4:

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 5:

Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 6:

Melt the chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Stir in shortening if needed for a thinner consistency.

Step 7:

Dip one end of a lollipop stick into the melted coating, then insert halfway into a cake ball. Repeat for all balls and chill again for 10 minutes to set.

Step 8:

Dip each cake pop fully into the melted coating, gently tapping off excess.

Step 9:

Before the coating sets, decorate each pop with sprinkles glitter or candies to resemble ornament balls. Attach a mini pretzel loop or candy at the top for the ornament hook.

Step 10:

Stand pops upright in a foam block or cake pop stand to set fully.

Step 11:

Dust with edible luster dust for a shimmering effect if desired.

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Our family loves gathering around the table to decorate these cake pops and share smiles during the holiday season.

Required Tools

Stand mixer or large mixing bowl, baking pan, parchment paper, microwave-safe bowls, lollipop sticks, styrofoam block or cake pop stand

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) eggs milk soy (in candy melts) and possibly nuts (depending on decorations). Check all labels carefully if serving to those with allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories 180 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 27 g Protein 2 g per serving

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This recipe brings festive cheer and delightfully sweet moments to any celebration.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I get a smooth coating on the ornament balls?

Melting the candy melts gently and adding vegetable shortening helps achieve a thin, even coating that sets smoothly.

→ What’s the best way to keep the balls firm during decorating?

Chill the shaped balls before and after inserting sticks, allowing the coating to set firmly for easier decoration.

→ Can I use different cake flavors for variety?

Yes, both vanilla and chocolate cake mixes work well and can be combined or alternated for diverse flavors.

→ How do I create the ornament hooks on top?

Attach mini pretzel loops or candy-coated chocolates at the top before the coating sets to mimic ornament hooks.

→ What’s a good way to display these for parties?

Stand the finished balls upright in a Styrofoam block or dedicated stand to showcase their colors and decorations beautifully.