Pumpkin Cake Pops Recipe

Spooky-Sweet Pumpkin Cake Pops Recipe for Festive Baking Fun

Sweet autumn memories dance through this delightful pumpkin cake pops creation that sparks joy in every bite.

Seasonal baking becomes magical when simple ingredients combine with creative techniques.

Small spheres of moist cake blend perfectly with creamy frosting and warm spices.

Delicate decorations transform ordinary treats into extraordinary seasonal delights.

Crafting these adorable desserts brings playful energy to kitchen adventures.

Each pop promises a burst of comforting flavor that connects you to cozy moments.

You’ll love how simple ingredients create something spectacularly festive and fun.

Why Pumpkin Cake Pops Make Any Table Shine

  • Whip Up Seasonal Delight: Capture the essence of autumn with these pumpkin-inspired cake pops that bring warmth and festive cheer to any gathering.
  • Craft No-Fuss Treats: Create delicious desserts without complex techniques, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to impress friends and family.
  • Customize with Creativity: Personalize each cake pop with unique decorations, making them ideal for Halloween parties, fall celebrations, or simply satisfying sweet cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Portability: Enjoy handheld treats that are easy to serve, transport, and share, making them a hit at potlucks, school events, or casual get-togethers.

Pumpkin Cake Pop Ingredients For Creative Fun

Cake Base:
  • Spice Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the foundational flavor and texture for the cake pops.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and rich pumpkin flavor to the cake base.
  • Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
  • Water: Helps create the right consistency for the cake batter.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
Spices:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: These warm spices enhance the pumpkin flavor and create a cozy autumn taste profile.
Coating and Decorations:
  • Orange Candy Melts, Green Candy Melts: Provide a colorful coating and decorative elements to create festive pumpkin-shaped cake pops.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: Helps bind the crumbled cake together and adds a creamy sweetness.
  • Lollipop Sticks: Allow for easy handling and a classic cake pop presentation.

Simple Pumpkin Cake Pop Instructions For Bakers

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven And Prep The Pan

Turn the oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of grease or line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Whip Together Cake Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, dump in the spice cake mix.

Add in the velvety pumpkin puree, cool water, farm-fresh eggs, and smooth vegetable oil.

Sprinkle in warm cinnamon, earthy nutmeg, and aromatic cloves.

Blend everything until the batter looks silky and uniform.

Step 3: Bake To Golden Perfection

Pour the rich batter into your prepared pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Once done, let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Transform Cake Into Delightful Balls

Crumble the cooled cake into tiny pieces in a large bowl.

Fold in creamy cream cheese frosting until the mixture sticks together perfectly.

Roll the mixture into adorable bite-sized balls.

Step 5: Attach Cake Pop Handles

Dunk the tips of lollipop sticks into melted orange candy coating.

Gently push each stick into the center of a cake ball.

Allow them to firm up at room temperature.

Step 6: Coat And Decorate With Flair

Dip each cake pop into warm orange candy melts, ensuring complete coverage.

Let excess coating drip off smoothly.

Once set, add playful details using green candy melts for cute stems or additional creative decorations.

Tips To Shape Perfect Pumpkin Cake Pops Easily

  • Add frosting gradually to control moisture, ensuring cake balls hold together without becoming too wet or falling apart.
  • Use slightly damp hands to roll cake balls, creating uniform, compact spheres that won’t crack during coating.
  • Chill cake balls for 15-20 minutes before dipping to help candy coating adhere smoothly and reduce potential cracking.
  • Gently tap dipped cake pop on bowl’s edge to remove excess candy melts, creating a clean, professional-looking finish.
  • Use a piping bag or toothpick to create delicate green stems, adding a creative touch to your pumpkin-themed cake pops.

Pumpkin Cake Pop Flavors You’ll Want To Try

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace spice cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Treats: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use vegan cream cheese frosting, and select dairy-free candy melts to create a plant-based version of these cake pops.
  • Nutmeg-Free Option: Remove nutmeg for those with allergies and replace with additional cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to maintain the warm, seasonal flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use a sugar-free cake mix, sugar-free frosting, and sugar-free candy melts to create a diabetic-friendly or low-carb version of these festive cake pops.

Serving Pumpkin Cake Pops For A Festive Touch

  • Cozy Fall Gathering Treats: Serve these adorable pumpkin cake pops at autumn parties and watch guests smile.
  • Seasonal Dessert Platter: Arrange cake pops on a rustic wooden board with small gourds, cinnamon sticks, and fall leaves for stunning presentation.
  • Halloween Party Favorite: Create spooky faces using black candy melts for eyes and additional decorative details to match the festive theme.
  • Kid-Friendly Baking Project: Let children help decorate cake pops with sprinkles, candy eyes, or drizzled chocolate for a fun family activity.

Storing Pumpkin Cake Pops Without Losing Softness

  • Store cake pops in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them chilled for up to 5 days, preventing moisture and maintaining texture.
  • Individually wrap each cake pop in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
  • Leave cake pops at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent candy coating from melting.
  • Remove frozen cake pops from freezer, unwrap, and let them gradually defrost in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before enjoying.

FAQs

  • What makes pumpkin cake pops different from regular cake pops?

Pumpkin cake pops use spice cake mix and pumpkin puree, adding a seasonal autumn flavor with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that create a unique taste profile.

  • Can I use homemade frosting instead of store-bought cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can use homemade cream cheese frosting. Just ensure it’s thick enough to bind the cake crumbs together so the cake balls maintain their shape when rolling.

  • How do I prevent cake pops from falling off the stick?

Dip the stick into melted candy coating before inserting into the cake ball, which helps create a strong bond and prevents the cake pop from sliding off during the dipping process.

Print
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Pumpkin Cake Pops Recipe

Pumpkin Cake Pops Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Homemade Pumpkin Cake Pops blend autumn’s warmest spices with creamy frosting and delicate chocolate coating. Delightful seasonal treats bring sweet comfort to gatherings, delighting friends and family with compact, irresistible dessert bites you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box (15.25 ounces/432 grams) spice cake mix
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) canned pumpkin puree
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil

Liquid and Moisture Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)

Spices and Decorative Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Orange candy melts or chocolate, melted
  • Green candy melts or chocolate, melted (for stems)
  • Lollipop sticks
  • Sprinkles or edible eyes for decoration (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by coating with non-stick spray or lining with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, water, eggs, and vegetable oil. Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until the batter achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
  3. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.
  4. Crumble the cooled cake into fine, uniform pieces in a spacious mixing bowl. Fold in cream cheese frosting, blending until the mixture can be easily molded into compact balls.
  5. Gently shape the cake mixture into uniform 1-inch spheres, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Melt orange candy coating and carefully dip each lollipop stick’s tip into the melted mixture before inserting into the center of each cake ball. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to stabilize.
  7. Submerge each cake pop entirely in the melted orange candy coating, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a cooling rack to set completely.
  8. Once hardened, embellish with green candy melt stems and optional decorative details to create a festive pumpkin-themed appearance.

Notes

  • Ensure cake is completely cool before crumbling to prevent moisture issues and maintain cake pop structure.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese frosting for easier mixing and smoother cake ball texture.
  • Chill cake balls in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before dipping to help them hold shape and prevent cracking during coating.
  • Create gluten-free version by using gluten-free spice cake mix and checking ingredient labels for candy melts.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 165 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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