Red, White & Blue Cake Pops

Red, White & Blue Cake Pops are festive bite-sized desserts made with crumbled cake and frosting, dipped in colorful candy melts, and decorated with patriotic flair. Perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or Labor Day celebrations, these sweet treats are easy to make ahead, fun to decorate, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any summer party or barbecue.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red, White & Blue Cake Pops are the perfect blend of fun, flavor, and festivity. They’re portable, mess-free, and ideal for parties and events. Kids and adults alike love the moist, rich cake centers and the sweet candy shell. These cake pops are also incredibly versatile—you can use any flavor of cake or frosting and get creative with decorations to suit the occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Baked cake (vanilla, funfetti, or your choice, cooled completely)
• Frosting (vanilla or cream cheese, room temperature)
• Red, white, and blue candy melts (or white chocolate + gel food coloring)
• Sprinkles (patriotic-themed or star-shaped)
• Lollipop sticks
• Vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional, for thinning melted coating)

Directions

1. Prepare the cake mixture:
   • Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl.
   • Add frosting a little at a time and mix until the mixture holds together like dough. You want it moist but not sticky.
2. Shape the pops:
   • Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or freeze for 20–30 minutes until firm.
3. Insert sticks:
   • Melt a small amount of candy coating. Dip one end of each stick into the melted coating, then insert it halfway into each cake ball.
   • Chill again for 10–15 minutes to secure the sticks.
4. Dip and decorate:
   • Melt candy melts (red, white, and blue) in separate bowls, adding a bit of shortening if needed for a smooth texture.
   • Dip each cake pop into the melted coating, gently tapping off excess.
   • Immediately add sprinkles before the coating sets.
   • Stick the pops into a foam block or stand upright in a cake pop stand to set completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cake pops.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 1.5 hours (total)
Assembly time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 2.5 hours

Variations

• Flavor Twist: Use chocolate or lemon cake for a different base flavor.
• No-Bake Option: Use pre-made cake and frosting for a shortcut version.
• Swirl Dip: Mix red and blue candy melts for a marble effect.
• Striped Coating: Drizzle alternate colors over the base for a layered patriotic look.
• Alcohol-Infused: Mix a splash of flavored liqueur into the cake crumbs for an adult version (refrigerate only).

storage/reheating

Store cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, freeze uncoated cake balls and coat just before serving.
Do not microwave or reheat—serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

FAQs

Can I use boxed cake mix?

Yes! Boxed cake mix works great and saves time—just be sure to cool it completely before crumbling.

Do I have to use candy melts?

No, you can use white chocolate or almond bark, but candy melts are more stable and come in pre-colored options.

How do I make smooth, crack-free cake pops?

Chill the cake balls, but don’t dip them frozen. Use thinned candy coating and tap gently to remove excess.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Cake pops can be made a few days ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer (uncoated).

How much frosting should I use?

Start with 1/3 cup and add more as needed. The mixture should hold its shape without being too wet.

What’s the best way to display cake pops?

Use a styrofoam block, cake pop stand, or festive mason jars filled with rice or beans.

Can I decorate with more than sprinkles?

Absolutely—try edible glitter, stars, colored sugar, or drizzle with contrasting candy melts.

Do I need a cake pop mold?

No mold is needed—hand-rolling gives you flexibility and works just as well.

Can I color white candy melts myself?

Yes, use oil-based gel food coloring (not water-based) to avoid seizing the chocolate.

How do I transport cake pops?

Keep them upright in a stand or individually wrap them in plastic and secure with a twist tie or ribbon.

Conclusion

Red, White & Blue Cake Pops are a fun, festive way to celebrate summer holidays with a treat that’s as cute as it is delicious. With just cake, frosting, and a few colorful toppings, you can create bite-sized desserts that add patriotic flair to any celebration. Easy to make, fun to decorate, and loved by all ages, these cake pops are a perfect way to sweeten your next July gathering.

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