Easy Apple Cake Pops Recipe
Craving a fun fall treat? Learn to make delicious apple cake pops! Our easy recipe offers solutions for moist, spiced, and perfectly portable delights.
Imagine biting into a perfectly spiced, moist apple cake that’s been transformed into an adorable, bite-sized treat on a stick. These apple cake pops combine the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples in a fun, portable format that’s impossible to resist.
Unlike traditional apple pie that requires rolling dough and lengthy baking times, these delightful pops come together in under two hours and are perfect for fall parties, school events, or simply satisfying your autumn cravings.
They’re reminiscent of our popular pumpkin spice cake balls but with a fresh apple twist that celebrates the season’s best flavors.
Table of Contents
What are Apple Cake Pops?
Ever wondered why these delightful treats are called “cake pops”? It’s quite simple – they’re literally cake on a pop! These ingenious little desserts take crumbled cake mixed with frosting, roll it into perfect spheres, then dip them in chocolate or candy coating before inserting a stick.
It’s like having your cake and eating it too, but in the most adorable way possible. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these apple cake pops are sure to win over hearts of all ages. Ready to create some magic in your kitchen?
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake Pops Recipe
Perfect Fall Flavors in Every Bite
These apple cake pops capture the essence of autumn with real apple pieces, warm cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. The combination creates a tender, flavorful interior that tastes like apple pie in cake form. Each bite delivers that comforting, spiced apple flavor that makes fall baking so special.
Budget-Friendly Homemade Treats
Making apple cake pops at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at specialty bakeries or coffee shops. With simple pantry ingredients and fresh apples, you can create dozens of these gourmet-looking treats for the price of just a few store-bought ones. Plus, you control the quality of ingredients and can customize flavors to your family’s preferences.
Endless Decorating Possibilities
The beauty of cake pops lies in their versatility. Dip them in white chocolate and drizzle with caramel, coat them in milk chocolate and roll in chopped pecans, or go festive with orange-colored coating and autumn sprinkles. They’re like edible canvases that let your creativity shine. Similar to our chocolate chip cookie dough bites, these treats are perfect for customizing and make excellent gifts or party favors.
How to Make Apple Cake Pops
Quick Overview
These apple cake pops are surprisingly simple to make and deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. The process involves baking a moist apple spice cake, crumbling it with cream cheese frosting, forming perfect spheres, and coating them in your choice of chocolate or candy melts.
Prep Time: 45 minutes Baking Time: 25-30 minutes Chilling Time: 2 hours Decorating Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes Yield: 36-40 cake pops
Key Ingredients for Apple Cake Pops
For the Apple Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Assembly and Coating:
- 8 oz cream cheese frosting (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 lbs white chocolate candy melts or coating chocolate
- 36-40 cake pop sticks
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles or chopped nuts for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Apple Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
Step 3: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour.
Step 5: Crumble and Mix
Once cooled, crumble the entire cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor. Add ¾ cup of cream cheese frosting and mix until the mixture holds together when squeezed but isn’t overly wet.
Step 6: Form the Cake Balls
Roll the mixture into 1½-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or freeze for 15 minutes until firm.
Step 7: Prepare for Dipping
Melt the candy coating according to package directions. Dip each cake pop stick about ½ inch into the melted coating, then insert it into a cake ball. This helps secure the stick.
Step 8: Dip and Decorate
Dip each cake pop into the melted coating, allowing excess to drip off. Tap gently on the bowl’s edge to remove excess coating. Add sprinkles or decorations while the coating is still wet, then place in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to dry.
What to Serve Apple Cake Pops With
Apple cake pops are versatile treats that complement many beverages and occasions. Serve them alongside hot apple cider or spiced chai tea for the ultimate fall experience. They’re perfect with coffee during afternoon gatherings or paired with vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert presentation.
For parties, create a dessert table featuring these cake pops alongside caramel apples, pumpkin cookies, and hot chocolate. They also make excellent additions to fall picnics when served with thermoses of warm beverages and other finger foods.
Top Tips for Perfecting Apple Cake Pops
Choose the Right Apples
Granny Smith apples work best because their tartness balances the sweet coating and their firm texture holds up during baking. Avoid overly soft apples that might make your cake soggy.
Don’t Over-Mix the Cake Mixture
When combining crumbled cake with frosting, start with less frosting than you think you need. The mixture should hold together when squeezed but not feel wet or sticky. Too much frosting makes rolling difficult and can cause cracking.
Temperature Matters
Ensure your cake balls are properly chilled before dipping. Warm cake balls will fall off the stick or cause the coating to crack. If your coating becomes too thick, add a small amount of coconut oil to thin it.
Dipping Technique
When dipping cake pops, work quickly but gently. Swirl rather than stir to avoid creating air bubbles. Tap the stick on the bowl’s edge to remove excess coating, then allow gravity to help create a smooth finish.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature Storage: Apple cake pops can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Place them in a single layer with parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep cake pops in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing Instructions: Uncoated cake balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw completely before coating. Finished cake pops can also be frozen for up to 1 month in airtight containers.
Gift Packaging: Wrap individual cake pops in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gifting. They’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days and make beautiful homemade presents.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Cake Pop |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sugar | 22g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 125mg |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a boxed cake mix instead of homemade?
Yes! A spice cake or vanilla cake mix works perfectly. Add ½ cup of finely diced apples and extra cinnamon to enhance the apple flavor.
Why are my cake pops cracking?
Cracking usually occurs when there’s a temperature difference between the cake ball and coating. Ensure your cake balls are well-chilled and your coating isn’t too hot.
How do I prevent cake pops from falling off the stick?
Always dip the stick in melted coating before inserting it into the cake ball. This acts as “glue” and helps secure the connection.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cake balls can be made 2-3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Dip them in coating the day you plan to serve them for the best appearance.
What’s the best way to melt candy coating?
Use 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each interval. Alternatively, use a double boiler for more controlled melting.
Can I use regular chocolate instead of candy melts?
Yes, but temper the chocolate properly or add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil per 8 oz of chocolate to help with consistency and prevent cracking.
Creative Variations and Extra Tips
Caramel Apple Version: Drizzle finished cake pops with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt for a gourmet touch.
Candy Apple Style: Use red candy melts and roll in crushed cinnamon candies for a candy apple appearance.
Healthy Swap: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar by ¼ cup for a slightly healthier version.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for those with dietary restrictions.
Mini Version: Make smaller 1-inch balls for bite-sized treats perfect for large gatherings or as appetizer-style desserts.
These apple cake pops combine the best of fall flavors with the fun of cake pops, creating treats that are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re planning a fall party, looking for a fun weekend baking project, or want to surprise someone special, these apple cake pops deliver both impressive presentation and incredible taste that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
