Introduction
The traditional Christmas pudding, often steeped in brandy and steamed for hours, is the undisputed king of the festive dessert table. However, it’s not always the most practical choice for a modern holiday gathering. Enter the Christmas Pudding Cake Pop! These delightful, bite-sized treats capture the rich, spiced flavor and iconic look of the classic pudding but are ready in a fraction of the time. They require no steaming and make perfect party favors, stunning centerpiece decorations, or a simple, fun alternative to heavy desserts. They are incredibly popular because they blend the nostalgia of a traditional dessert with the playful convenience of a cake pop.
Ingredients
- For the Cake Base:
- 1 box (400g / 14 oz) spiced cake mix (or vanilla cake mix + 1 tsp mixed spice)
- Ingredients required per cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
- For the Frosting/Binder:
- 120g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 250g (2 cups) icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Coating and Decoration:
- 450g (16 oz) dark melting chocolate or candy melts
- 100g (3.5 oz) white melting chocolate or candy melts
- 30-40 cake pop sticks
- Small holly berry decorations (edible red balls/pearls and green icing leaves)
Step-by-step Preparation
- Bake and Crumble the Cake: Prepare the spiced cake according to the box instructions. Once baked, let it cool completely. Crumble the entire cake into a large bowl until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
*Tip: Using a food processor speeds up the crumbling process significantly. - Prepare the Binding Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar and vanilla extract until a thick cream cheese frosting forms.
- Mix and Chill: Add 2/3 of the frosting mixture to the cake crumbs (you may not need all of it). Mix thoroughly with your hands until the mixture holds together easily when squeezed. Roll the mixture into smooth, round balls, approximately 3 cm (1.2 inches) in diameter. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
*Tip: The mixture should be firm, not sticky. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar. - Dip and Coat: Melt the dark chocolate or candy melts according to package directions. Dip the tip of a cake pop stick into the melted chocolate and insert it halfway into a chilled cake ball. Let this set for five minutes. Dip the entire pop into the melted dark chocolate, tapping gently against the side of the bowl to remove excess. Place the pops upright in a styrofoam block to set.
- Decorate the “Custard”: Once the dark chocolate coating is completely set, melt the white chocolate. Drizzle the white chocolate over the top of the pops, allowing it to drip down the sides—this mimics the traditional brandy butter or custard sauce.
- Add the Holly: While the white chocolate is still wet, immediately place your edible holly berry decorations (one green leaf and three small red berries) on the top of the white drizzle. Allow the pops to set completely before serving.
*Tip: Ensure the dark coating is fully set before adding the white drizzle; otherwise, the colors will bleed.
Nutritional Information
These Christmas Pudding Cake Pops are an indulgent holiday treat. A single cake pop (approximately 40g/1.4 oz) contains an estimated 180–220 calories, largely dependent on the type of chocolate used for coating. They are high in sugar and saturated fats. While they offer minimal nutritional benefits, they provide the essential benefit of holiday cheer and deliciousness. Enjoy in moderation as part of your festive celebrations.
Storage
Store Christmas Pudding Cake Pops in an airtight container. If kept at room temperature (below 21°C / 70°F), they will last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 7 days. If refrigerated, allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture. They can also be frozen for up to one month, though freezing may sometimes cause condensation streaks on the chocolate coating when thawing.
Conclusion
These Christmas Pudding Cake Pops are a fantastic way to modernize a classic dessert while keeping the warm, spicy flavors we all love. Serve them upright on a tiered platter for a stunning visual effect, or wrap them individually in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful, homemade gifts. For an adult twist, substitute a teaspoon of the vanilla extract in the frosting with brandy or rum extract to truly elevate that traditional Christmas pudding flavor profile.