I have spent years perfecting my skills in the kitchen, and one dessert that never fails to impress is the Strawberry Shortcake Cake Pops Recipe. These little treats are not just adorable but also bursting with flavor. Imagine the delightful combination of fluffy cake, rich frosting, and fresh strawberries all dipped in white chocolate. It’s no wonder they are a party favorite!
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cake Pops
Servings: 24 cake pops
Cake Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 cup strawberry frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoon powdered sugar for added sweetness
Dip Ingredients:
- 12 ounces white chocolate or candy melts
- Sprinkles or crushed graham crackers for decoration
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake Pops
Bake the Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add in flour, baking powder, milk, and salt until everything is combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to the next step.
Crumble the Cake
Once the cake is cooled, remove it from the pan and crumble it into a large mixing bowl. I find that using my hands makes this step much easier. The cake should be broken into fine crumbs. This allows the frosting to blend nicely for the next step.
Mixing the Cake and Frosting
Now it’s time to add the frosting. Start with about half a cup of the strawberry frosting and mix it into the crumbled cake. Add in the chopped fresh strawberries and blend everything with your hands. You want the mixture to hold together but not be overly wet. If it feels too dry, add in more frosting, a tablespoon at a time.
Forming the Cake Balls
Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into balls about 1 inch in size. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spaced out evenly. Once all cake pops are formed, place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape when dipping.
Melting the Chocolate
While your cake balls chill, melt the white chocolate. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals until smooth. Stir in between to ensure the chocolate doesn’t burn. If you want to add a splash of color or flavor, you can use colored candy melts or flavoring oils.
Making the Cake Pops
Once the cake balls are chilled, it’s time to assemble the pops. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted white chocolate, then insert it into the center of a cake ball. This helps the stick stay in place. Repeat this for all the cake balls. Be careful not to push all the way through.
Dipping the Cake Pops
With all the sticks in place, it’s time to coat your cake pops. Dip each cake pop into the melted white chocolate, ensuring they are fully covered. Gently shake off the excess chocolate. Work quickly to sprinkle graham cracker crumbs or sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Chilling the Cake Pops
Place the dipped cake pops upright in a foam block or return them to the parchment-lined tray to set. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens fully. Seeing them stand tall and firm is a beautiful sight!
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Shortcake Cake Pops
Presenting these cake pops is part of the fun. You can place them in a beautiful jar or vase. I love using colorful ribbons or decorative sticks to add an extra touch. They are perfect for birthday parties, bridal showers, or even a simple family gathering.
Storage Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Cake Pops
Cake pops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you plan to keep them longer, consider freezing them. You can freeze the uncoated cake balls, then thaw and dip them in chocolate when you’re ready to enjoy.
Variations of Strawberry Shortcake Cake Pops
- Use different flavored cakes, like lemon or vanilla, for a unique twist.
- Substitute the strawberry frosting with cream cheese frosting for a rich taste.
- Experiment with different coatings like milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
- Add a layer of crushed nuts for texture and flavor.
My journey with Strawberry Shortcake Cake Pops Recipe has been filled with fun and delicious moments. From birthday parties to family get-togethers, I cherish the smiles these treats bring. They are simple, tasty, and perfect for any occasion. I hope you try this recipe and make your own sweet memories with these delightful cake pops.