There’s something about red velvet cake pops that just feels like love in edible form. Maybe it’s their bite-sized sweetness or that hint of cocoa wrapped in creamy frosting. Either way, they’re a joy to make and even more fun to share especially around Valentine’s Day, when every kitchen could use a little extra red and white magic.
Table of Contents
Red Velvet Cake Pops Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 36 cake pops
Difficulty Level: Easy
Flavor: Sweet with mild cocoa flavor and creamy frosting
Texture: Moist interior, crisp outer shell
These red velvet cake pops start with boxed cake mix, so there’s no need to fuss. You’ll mix, crumble, roll, dip, and decorate all before they disappear faster than you can set them upright to dry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- ½ cup canned cream cheese frosting
- 1 (12 oz) bag white candy melts
- 1 tsp Crisco shortening
- Sprinkles (optional)
How to Make Red Velvet Cake Pops
Bake and Cool the Cake
Bake your red velvet cake as directed on the box. Once baked, let it cool completely. The cooling step matters because a warm cake can turn mushy when mixed with frosting.
Crumble and Mix with Frosting
In a large bowl, crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs. Add the cream cheese frosting and mix until the texture feels moldable soft, not sticky. It should hold together easily when pressed.
Shape and Chill the Cake Balls
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 15 minutes to help them firm up. If you freeze too long, they’ll crack when dipped, so keep an eye on the clock.
Melt the Candy Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine candy melts with Crisco. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval until smooth. If the coating feels thick, add a tiny bit more shortening.
Insert Sticks and Dip the Cake Pops
Dip one end of each stick into the melted coating, then push it halfway into a cake ball. This helps the stick stay in place. Now, dip the entire cake pop into the melted candy, letting the excess drip off. Add sprinkles if you’re feeling festive. Stand them upright in a styrofoam block or a cup until set.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Cake Pops
- Chill but don’t freeze solid before dipping it prevents cracking.
- Stir candy melts often so they stay silky smooth.
- Work in batches to keep cake balls firm while dipping.
- For extra shine, store dipped pops at room temperature instead of the fridge.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use homemade red velvet cake or frosting if you prefer scratch baking.
- Swap white candy melts for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Try pastel candy melts for spring holidays or pink ones for Valentine’s Day.
- Replace red velvet with chocolate or strawberry cake mix for new flavor twists.
You can even serve them with a chilled glass of whipped pink lemonade for romantic celebrations or pair them beside chocolate-covered cherry pie bites for Valentine’s Day.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Store the cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for a week. For make-ahead prep, you can freeze uncoated cake balls for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flavor is red velvet?
Red velvet has a mild cocoa flavor balanced by tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s rich yet not too sweet, making it a crowd favorite.
Is a cake pop a snack?
Yes! Cake pops are handheld dessert snacks small, portable, and perfect for parties or quick treats.
Is red velvet cake romantic?
Absolutely. Its deep red color and smooth, creamy flavor make it a symbol of love, which is why it’s so popular on Valentine’s Day.
What frosting to use for red velvet cake pops?
Cream cheese frosting pairs best. Its slight tang enhances the cocoa flavor without overpowering it.
More Such Recipes
- Cherry delight layered dessert
- Peppermint bark brownies for festive gifting
- Mini sweet potato pies for cozy holiday treats
- Summer berry and peach cheesecake
- Easy cherry syrup for homemade drinks and desserts

Final Thoughts
These red velvet cake pops are pure fun no fancy tools, no stress, just sweet bites of joy. Perfect for gifting, parties, or your own cozy evening, they’re proof that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. You can also find more Valentine’s ideas on Pinterest or connect with me on Facebook for new recipes each week.
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Red Velvet Cake Pops – Easy, Sweet & Irresistible Treats
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 cake pops 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, bite-sized red velvet cake pops dipped in white candy coating — perfect for Valentine’s Day or any sweet occasion. Moist, cocoa-rich cake meets creamy frosting and a crisp shell for a fun, festive dessert.
Ingredients
1 box red velvet cake mix
1/2 cup canned cream cheese frosting
1 (12 oz) bag white candy melts
1 tsp Crisco shortening
Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
1. Bake the cake mix as directed and allow it to fully cool.
2. Crumble the cooled cake into fine pieces in a large bowl.
3. Add the cream cheese frosting and mix until well blended and moldable.
4. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Freeze for 15 minutes to firm up.
6. Melt the candy melts with Crisco in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
7. Dip one end of a lollipop stick into melted candy and insert it halfway into a cake ball.
8. Dip the cake pop into the candy coating and let excess drip off.
9. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
10. Place upright in a styrofoam block or cup to set.
Notes
For easier coating, make sure cake balls are chilled but not frozen solid.
If the candy coating is too thick, add a little more shortening to thin it out.
Store cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Valentine’s Day Recipes
- Method: Baked and dipped
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake pop
- Calories: 154
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 92mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
