Pumpkin Cake Pops are an irresistible treat that combines the delightful flavors of pumpkin spice cake with smooth cream cheese frosting. These festive bites are perfect for a variety of occasions, from Thanksgiving gatherings to Halloween parties. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, Pumpkin Cake Pops stand out with their bright colors and delicious taste, making them a hit among both kids and adults.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flavors: Each bite bursts with the warm spices of pumpkin pie, making these cake pops perfect for the fall season.
Easy to Make: The simple ingredients and straightforward instructions ensure that even novice bakers can create these delicious treats.
Versatile Treats: Suitable for various occasions, from holiday parties to casual get-togethers, these cake pops are sure to impress.
Customizable Decorations: You can easily personalize your cake pops with different colors and toppings to match your event theme.
Perfect Portions: Each pop is a delightful single serving, making it easy to indulge without overdoing it.

Tools and Preparation

To make Pumpkin Cake Pops, having the right tools is essential. They not only streamline the process but also help achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Melting pot or microwave-safe bowl
Lollipop sticks

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when mixing the cake batter and frosting, ensuring a smooth consistency.
Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet allows even cooking of your cake mix, helping you achieve that perfect texture for your pops.

Ingredients

For the Cake Mixture

1 box Yellow Cake mix (15 oz)
1 can Pumpkin Puree (15 oz)
1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

For the Frosting

4 oz Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 ½ cup Powdered Sugar

For Coating

12 oz Orange Candy Melts
6 oz Chocolate Candy Melts
3 Tbsp Vegetable Shortening (divided)

How to Make Pumpkin Cake Pops

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and tools before you start. Pre-measuring will make the process smoother.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven according to package instructions for the yellow cake mix.
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and softened butter.
Mix until well combined using an electric mixer.
Pour the batter into a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake according to package directions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 4: Crumble the Cake

Once baked, let the cake cool completely.
Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl until there are no large pieces left.

Step 5: Combine Cake and Frosting

Add half of your frosting mixture to the crumbled cake.
Mix well until all crumbs are moistened; add more frosting if necessary.

Step 6: Form Cake Balls

Roll small portions of the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 7: Melt Candy Coatings

In separate bowls, melt orange candy melts and chocolate candy melts in a microwave or melting pot.
Stir in vegetable shortening as needed for smoothness.

Step 8: Dip Cake Pops

Dip one end of each lollipop stick into melted candy coating before inserting it into each cake ball.
Dip each ball into orange candy melts for coating; let excess drip off before placing back on parchment paper.

Step 9: Decorate

Once set, drizzle or dip remaining chocolate melts over some pops for added flair!

Enjoy your Pumpkin Cake Pops as they bring joy to every occasion!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cake Pops

Pumpkin cake pops are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their festive appearance and rich flavor make them perfect for any gathering, particularly during the fall season.

At Fall Gatherings

Serve them on a decorative platter for a colorful display.
Pair with apple cider or hot chocolate for a cozy drink option.

As Party Favors

Wrap each pop in clear cellophane and tie with a ribbon.
Personalize each favor with a cute tag for your guests.

For Dessert Buffets

Create a dessert table featuring pumpkin cake pops alongside other treats.
Use tiered stands to elevate the presentation and attract attention.

At Thanksgiving Dinner

Place them at each table setting as an edible decoration.
Offer them as a fun alternative to traditional pumpkin pie.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake Pops

Making pumpkin cake pops is simple, but attention to detail can elevate them even further. Here are some tips to ensure your cake pops turn out perfectly every time.

Use room temperature ingredients: This helps in achieving a smooth batter and frosting, resulting in better texture.
Chill before dipping: Allow the formed cake balls to chill before dipping in candy melts. This helps maintain their shape.
Melt candy slowly: Heat candy melts gradually. Stir often to prevent overheating and ensure a smooth consistency.
Add shortening for smooth coating: Adding vegetable shortening to melted candy will create a smoother coating that adheres better.
Experiment with toppings: Consider rolling the pops in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or coconut for an extra flair.
Store properly: Keep cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate if needed to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake Pops

Pairing side dishes with pumpkin cake pops can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavors well.

Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and sugar add a crunchy contrast.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses balances the sweetness of the cake pops beautifully.
Fruit Salad: Fresh seasonal fruits provide a refreshing touch alongside the rich cake flavors.
Pumpkin Soup: A warm, creamy soup echoes the pumpkin theme and adds savory depth.
Caramel Dip: This sweet dip pairs wonderfully with fresh apple slices served alongside the cake pops.
Mini Quiches: Savory mini quiches offer a delightful contrast to the sweet flavors of pumpkin cake pops.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin cake pops can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Using cold ingredients – Always ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter.
Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make your cake pops dense instead of fluffy.
Skipping chilling time – Don’t skip the chilling step after forming the balls. This helps them hold their shape when dipped in candy melts.
Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science. Use precise measurements for each ingredient for consistent results.
Ignoring candy melt instructions – Follow the melting instructions carefully. Overheating candy melts can cause them to seize, making it hard to coat your cake pops.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store pumpkin cake pops in an airtight container.
They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Cake Pops

Place cooled cake pops on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a container.
They will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Pumpkin Cake Pops

Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5 minutes. This method helps retain moisture.
Microwave – Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop – Place in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Pumpkin Cake Pops?

Pumpkin cake pops are delightful treats made from pumpkin-spiced cake mixed with frosting, shaped into balls, and coated with candy melts.

How long do Pumpkin Cake Pops last?

Properly stored in an airtight container, pumpkin cake pops can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I customize my Pumpkin Cake Pops?

Absolutely! You can add different flavors or colors of candy melts, sprinkle toppings like nuts or sprinkles, or even use flavored frosting.

How do I make my Pumpkin Cake Pops more festive?

Consider adding festive decorations like edible glitter or themed sprinkles that match holidays or events!

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cake pops are not only delicious but also versatile for any occasion. With their cozy flavors and customizable options, they make a perfect treat for gatherings or personal indulgence. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and make it your own!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pumpkin Cake Pops

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cara
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Pumpkin Cake Pops, the perfect autumn treat! These charming bite-sized desserts combine a moist pumpkin spice cake with creamy frosting, all coated in vibrant candy melts. Ideal for Thanksgiving celebrations, Halloween festivities, or casual gatherings, these pops are not only easy to make but also customizable to suit any occasion. With their festive appearance and warm flavors, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Bring joy to your dessert table with these delectable treats that capture the essence of fall!

Ingredients

Scale

1 box Yellow Cake mix (15 oz)
1 can Pumpkin Puree (15 oz)
1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 oz Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 ½ cup Powdered Sugar
12 oz Orange Candy Melts
6 oz Chocolate Candy Melts
3 Tbsp Vegetable Shortening (divided)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven and prepare the cake batter by mixing yellow cake mix, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and softened butter until smooth.
Pour the batter into a lined baking sheet and bake as directed until a toothpick comes out clean.
Once cooled, crumble the cake into a bowl and mix in half of the cream cheese frosting until combined.
Form small balls from the mixture and chill for about 30 minutes.
Melt candy melts with vegetable shortening until smooth, then dip each pop into the coating before decorating as desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American