Introduction
Fall is the perfect season for fun baking projects, and these adorable pumpkin cake pops are a delightful treat for any gathering. Combining the classic flavor of Oreos with vibrant orange candy melts, these cake pops are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into the ingredients and directions to create this festive treat.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 family-size package of regular Oreos (not double-stuffed)
8 ounces of full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
16 ounces of orange candy melts
36 butterscotch chips (for stems)
Green icing (for vines)
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 36 cake pops
Directions
1. Prepare the Oreo Mixture:
– Place the Oreos in a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs.
– Add the softened cream cheese to the crumbs and blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Form the Cake Balls:
– Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into 36 evenly sized balls.
– Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Chill the Cake Balls:
– Refrigerate the tray of cake balls for about 25 minutes to firm them up.
4. Prepare the Candy Coating:
– Melt the orange candy melts according to the package instructions, stirring until smooth.
5. Insert the Sticks:
– Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted candy, then insert it into a cake ball.
– Repeat for all cake balls and refrigerate for an additional 5 minutes to set.
6. Coat the Cake Pops:
– Dip each cake pop into the melted orange candy, ensuring it’s fully coated.
– Gently tap off any excess coating.
7. Add the Stems:
– Before the coating sets, place a butterscotch chip on top of each cake pop to resemble a pumpkin stem.
8. Decorate with Vines:
– Once the coating has hardened, use green icing to pipe vines or leaves around the stem for added decoration.
9. Set and Serve:
– Allow the cake pops to set completely before serving.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Enjoy making and sharing these delightful pumpkin cake pops at your next autumn celebration!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Oreo Mixture:
Place the Oreos in a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs. Add the softened cream cheese to the crumbs and blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Form the Cake Balls:
Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into 36 evenly sized balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill the Cake Balls:
Refrigerate the tray of cake balls for about 25 minutes to firm them up.
Prepare the Candy Coating:
Melt the orange candy melts according to the package instructions, stirring until smooth.
Insert the Sticks:
Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted candy, then insert it into a cake ball. Repeat for all cake balls and refrigerate for an additional 5 minutes to set.
Coat the Cake Pops:
Dip each cake pop into the melted orange candy, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently tap off any excess coating.
Add the Stems:
Before the coating sets, place a butterscotch chip on top of each cake pop to resemble a pumpkin stem.
Decorate with Vines:
Once the coating has hardened, use green icing to pipe vines or leaves around the stem for added decoration.
Set and Serve:
Allow the cake pops to set completely before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. If you want a smoother coating, you can add a small amount of vegetable oil to the melted candy melts. Make sure to place the cake pops back in the refrigerator briefly if the coating begins to melt while decorating.
Cook techniques
Preparing Oreo Mixture
Using a food processor allows you to quickly turn the Oreos into fine crumbs, which helps create a smooth texture when combined with cream cheese.
Forming Cake Balls
Shape the mixture into evenly sized balls for uniform baking and presentation. A cookie scoop can help ensure consistency in size.
Chilling Cake Balls
Refrigerating the cake balls firms them up, making it easier to coat them later. This step prevents them from falling apart during the dipping process.
Preparing Candy Coating
Melting the candy melts should be done slowly, often in short bursts in the microwave to avoid burning. Stirring until smooth ensures a perfect coating consistency.
Inserting Sticks
Dipping the end of the lollipop stick in melted candy before inserting it helps secure it in the cake ball, preventing it from falling out.
Coating Cake Pops
Ensuring each cake pop is fully coated with candy melt creates a smooth finishing look. Tapping off excess coating helps avoid drips and keeps the presentation neat.
Adding Stems
Placing a butterscotch chip on top of the candy-coated cake pops gives a realistic pumpkin stem effect. Timing is key to ensure it adheres properly before the coating hardens.
Decorating with Vines
Using green icing to create vines adds an artistic touch. Piping should be done carefully to keep the design neat.
Setting and Serving
Allowing the cake pops to set completely ensures they hold their shape and coating well. Proper storage in an airtight container in the refrigerator preserves freshness.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cookie instead of Oreos?
Yes, you can experiment with other cookies, but the flavor and texture may vary, affecting the final outcome.
What if I can’t find orange candy melts?
You can substitute with white chocolate or other colored candy melts. Just be mindful of the flavor profile.
How long can I store these cake pops?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these cake pops typically last up to a week.
Can I freeze cake pops?
Yes, you can freeze them; however, it’s best to do so before coating them. Thaw them in the refrigerator before coating and decorating.
Can I use candy melts in other colors for decoration?
Absolutely! Different colors can be used for various occasions, and they can be combined to create fun designs.
How can I ensure my cake pops stay on the sticks?
Make sure the cake balls are well-chilled before inserting the sticks, and ensure the melted candy coating is thick enough to hold them securely.
Conclusion
These delightful pumpkin cake pops, made from a combination of Oreos and cream cheese, offer a fun and festive treat for any occasion, especially during the fall season. Their charming appearance and delicious flavor make them a hit at parties, while the easy-to-follow recipe ensures that even novice bakers can create these sweet treats. With just a few steps, you can impress your friends and family with these adorable and tasty cake pops.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Mint Chocolate Cake Pops
Substitute the orange candy melts with green chocolate melts and add peppermint extract to the Oreo mixture for a refreshing mint flavor.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cake Pops
Use crushed chocolate wafers instead of Oreos for the base and dip in melted red candy melts, decorating with a drizzle of white chocolate.
Peanut Butter Oreo Cake Pops
Mix crushed Oreos with peanut butter instead of cream cheese, and coat with chocolate melts for a rich and nutty treat.
Cookies and Cream Cake Pops
Combine crushed Oreo cookies with a vanilla frosting instead of cream cheese for a classic cookies and cream flavor, and dip in white chocolate melts.
Caramel Apple Cake Pops
Mix crushed vanilla wafers with cream cheese and add a dash of cinnamon; dip in caramel candy coating and sprinkle with crushed nuts for a fall-inspired treat.
