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Get ready to make everyone's heart grow three sizes with these adorable Grinch Cake Pops! I started making these when my kids begged for something special for their holiday party, and now they've become our most treasured Christmas tradition. That bright green coating and tiny red heart just capture all the magic of the season, and trust me, they disappear faster than the Grinch can steal Christmas!
Why These Are Pure Magic
What makes these pops so special isn't just how cute they look, it's how much fun they are to make. Every time I bring them to a party, people can't stop smiling at those little green balls with their sweet red hearts. My kitchen turns into Whoville with everyone wanting to help decorate and, of course, taste test.
What You'll Need
- Red Velvet Cake Mix: 1 box, for a rich and festive red base.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: ½ cup, prepared with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt for moldable sweetness.
- Green Candy Melts: 12 ounces, for the signature Grinchy coating.
- Vegetable Shortening: 1 tablespoon, to ensure a smooth dipping consistency.
- Red Candy Hearts: Decorative, representing the Grinch's heart.
- Eggs, Oil, & Water: As required by the cake mix package for baking.
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Let's Make Some Magic
- Prepare the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake red velvet cake according to package instructions. Let it cool completely before proceeding.
- Mix the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
- Create the Cake Balls
- Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs. Gradually mix in the cream cheese frosting until the mixture is moldable. Roll into 1-tablespoon balls and chill for 10–30 minutes.
- Dip and Decorate
- Melt green candy melts with vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip cake pop sticks into the melted candy and insert into chilled cake balls. Freeze for 10–15 minutes. Coat cake pops fully in the melted candy, tap off excess, and decorate with red candy hearts. Let set fully before serving.
My Secret Tips
After making hundreds of these, I've learned a few tricks. Patience is key—let that cake cool completely or you'll end up with a sticky mess. Work in small batches when dipping so the balls stay firm. And here's my favorite tip: keep a cup of hot water nearby to warm your spoon—it makes rolling the balls so much easier.
Mix It Up
While I love the classic red velvet base, sometimes I switch things up. Last year, I tried chocolate cake with a hint of peppermint extract and it was amazing. The green coating is non-negotiable—it's what makes them Grinchy—but feel free to play with different sprinkles or decorations alongside that signature red heart.
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Keep Them Fresh
These little Grinch pops stay perfect in the fridge for about a week—just layer them carefully with parchment paper. For longer storage, wrap them individually and pop them in the freezer. Just let them thaw completely before serving—the taste and texture stay absolutely perfect.
Make Them Shine
Presentation is everything with these festive treats! I love displaying them upright in a decorated styrofoam block covered in holiday paper. For gifts, I wrap each pop in clear cellophane and tie with red and green ribbons. Sometimes I'll even attach little Grinch quotes—it makes everyone smile.
Why You'll Love These
These Grinch Cake Pops aren't just treats—they're little bites of holiday joy. They're perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or just making the season a bit more magical. Every time I make them, I'm reminded why Christmas is my favorite time of year—watching faces light up when they spot those tiny red hearts is pure holiday magic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why chill the cake balls?
Chilling helps them hold shape and prevents crumbling when dipped in candy coating.
- → Why add shortening to candy melts?
Makes coating thinner and easier to dip, creating smoother finish on cake pops.
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, store finished pops in airtight container up to 1 week or freeze up to 1 month.
- → Why test mixture in palm?
Helps determine if consistency is right - should hold shape without being too sticky.
- → Can I use different cake flavors?
Yes, though red velvet provides festive color when bits show through coating.
Conclusion
Holiday-themed cake pops combining red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, covered in bright green candy coating. Perfect for Christmas parties.