Save A playful twist on classic cake pops, featuring tender apple cake, sharp cheddar, and a rich caramel coating—perfect for festive celebrations.
I first made these cake pops for my cousin's autumn birthday party; everyone was surprised by the cheddar and apple pairing and loved the caramel finish.
Ingredients
- Cake: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, ¼ tsp salt, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, ½ cup buttermilk, 1 cup peeled finely diced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (finely shredded)
- Frosting/Binder: 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup powdered sugar, ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- Caramel Coating: 12 oz soft caramels (unwrapped), 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Decoration: ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles, 24 lollipop sticks, optional flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla. Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Fold in diced apple and shredded cheddar. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make Frosting/Binder:
- In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Form Cake Pops:
- Crumble cooled cake into fine crumbs. Add frosting and mix until the mixture holds together. Scoop 1-tbsp portions and roll into balls. Place on a lined baking sheet. Chill in freezer for 15 minutes.
- Insert Sticks:
- Insert a lollipop stick into each chilled cake ball.
- Make Caramel Coating:
- Melt caramels with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip and Decorate:
- Dip each cake pop into the melted caramel to coat. Let excess drip off. Immediately sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles and sea salt if using. Place upright in a foam block or on parchment to set. Allow caramel to set before serving.
Save My little nephew loved helping decorate the cake pops, carefully sprinkling rainbow colors and proudly serving them to the family.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer, 8-inch square baking pan, baking parchment, small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, lollipop sticks, microwave-safe bowl, baking sheet, styrofoam block for drying
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs. May contain traces of nuts if using certain decorations. Always check product labels for allergen warnings.
Nutritional Information
Each cake pop contains approximately 165 calories, 7 g total fat, 23 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save Serve these festive cake pops with apple cider for a perfect party treat. Enjoy their sweet, salty finish for any celebration.
Recipe Guide
- → What kind of apples work best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp create a flavor contrast and keep the pops moist.
- → Can I add nuts for texture?
Yes, stir in finely chopped toasted pecans with the cake mixture for extra crunch and depth.
- → How do I prevent caramel from sliding off?
Chill the pops before coating—cold surfaces help caramel adhere and set up smoothly.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all listed ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Check toppings for hidden animal products.
- → How should I store finished pops?
Place in an airtight container and refrigerate up to three days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- → Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely! Pops can be prepared a day in advance and kept chilled until ready to serve.