Name: Christmas Cakesicles
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 baked and cooled 9×13-inch cake (from one 15.25 oz box mix or a favorite recipe); 3 tablespoons (45g) prepared frosting; 12 ounces (340g) white, red, or green candy melts, divided; 8 cakesicle sticks; Christmas sprinkles, for decoration

Cakesicles are a fun twist on cake pops, made by shaping a mixture of cake crumbs and frosting in a popsicle mold. The outside is a hard chocolate shell that gives a satisfying snap when you bite into the soft cake center.

This recipe is a great holiday project that you can customize with different colors, sprinkles, and cake flavors. They take some time to assemble, but the steps are straightforward and the result is a festive treat for any Christmas gathering.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Crumbling the cake into fine, even pieces ensures the filling has a smooth, uniform texture without any large, dry lumps.
Using candy melts instead of chocolate chips creates a firm, snappy shell that sets quickly and is easy to color.
They are designed for coating and dipping.
Applying a thin, even layer of chocolate as the first coat creates a strong shell.
This prevents cracks and ensures the cakesicle looks neat when unmolded.

Ingredients You Need

Cake: A store-bought box mix is a convenient shortcut. Any flavor works, so choose your favorite. Make sure the cake is completely cool before crumbling.
Frosting: Canned frosting is the binder that holds the cake crumbs together. You only need a small amount to create a dough-like consistency.
Candy Melts: These are found in the baking aisle of most craft or grocery stores. They melt smoothly and harden without needing to be tempered.
Food Coloring: If you want to color white candy melts, be sure to use an oil-based or powder food coloring. Water-based coloring will cause the chocolate to seize.

Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.

How to Make It

Make the Cake Filling: First, prepare your cake filling. Crumble your cooled cake into a large bowl until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the frosting and mix it in thoroughly until a thick, pliable dough forms.

Create the Chocolate Shells: Next, create the outer shell. Melt most of your candy melts until smooth. Spoon the melted chocolate into your cakesicle molds and use a spoon or small brush to coat the bottom and all the sides. Chill the mold until the chocolate is completely firm.

Assemble the Cakesicles: Shape the cake filling into ovals and press them into the hardened chocolate shells. Insert the cakesicle sticks, then cover the exposed cake with another layer of melted chocolate to seal everything in. Return to the freezer to set completely.

Decorate and Serve: Once the cakesicles are solid, carefully pop them out of the molds. Melt the remaining candy melts to drizzle over the top, then immediately add your favorite Christmas sprinkles. Let them set one last time before serving.

Baking Tips

If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt the candy melts in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (a double boiler).
Feel free to mix and match cake and frosting flavors. Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting or chocolate cake with vanilla frosting are both great options.
Ensure the first chocolate layer fully covers the inside of the mold to prevent the cake filling from showing through or the shell from cracking.
Work quickly when adding sprinkles, as the drizzled chocolate will set fast on the cold cakesicles.

Serving Ideas

These cakesicles are a complete treat on their own, often served with hot cocoa or a glass of milk during the holidays.

Storing and Freezing

Store cakesicles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month; let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQ

Why did my chocolate shell crack?

The shell might have been too thin, or the temperature difference was too great when you added the filling. Make sure you have an even, solid coating of chocolate, and let the cake filling sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it’s very cold.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of candy melts?

You can, but the finish may be softer and less shiny. If using chocolate chips, adding 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening per cup of chips will help it melt smoothly and set better.

How do I get the cakesicles out of the mold without breaking them?

Be patient and make sure the chocolate is fully hardened. Gently pull the flexible silicone mold away from the edges of the cakesicle first, then carefully push from the bottom of the mold on the stick-end to release it.