Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Cooled Spiced Cake (approx. 1 standard 9x13 layer), crumbled fine
  • 4 oz Full-fat Cream Cheese, softened
  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup Confectioner’s (Powdered) Sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/8 tsp Salt (optional)
  • 18 oz Candy Melts or White Chocolate (Autumn colors)
  • 2 Tbsp Shortening or Refined Coconut Oil (for thinning)
  • 24–30 Lollipop Sticks
  • Thanksgiving-themed sprinkles, crushed graham crackers, or edible gold dust (for decorating)

Instructions:

  1. Crumble the Cake: Place the completely cooled cake into a large mixing bowl. Break it down using your hands or a fork until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Ensure there are no large lumps.
  2. Prepare the Binder: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Combine and Knead: Add the cream cheese mixture to the cake crumbs. Start by mixing with a rubber spatula, then switch to clean hands to gently knead the mixture until it comes together like firm cookie dough.
  4. Roll the Pops: Roll the mixture into uniform balls (approx. 30–40 grams each). Place the rolled balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Chill Firmly: Refrigerate the cake balls for a minimum of 60 minutes. They must be firm and very cold before dipping.
  6. Melt the Coating: Place the candy melts or chocolate in a small, deep bowl. Melt slowly using a double boiler or 30-second bursts in the microwave. Stir in the shortening or coconut oil until the coating is perfectly smooth and has the consistency of thin paint (keep warm, ideally 90°–92°F / 32°–33°C).
  7. Anchor the Sticks: Dip the tip of a lollipop stick about 1/2 inch into the melted coating, then immediately insert that coated end halfway into a chilled cake ball.
  8. Final Chill (Mandatory): Return the pops (with the sticks inserted) to the fridge for 10–15 minutes to allow the 'anchor' chocolate to fully set.
  9. Dip the Pop: Remove the pops from the fridge a few at a time. Dip one pop straight down into the melted coating, ensuring the entire ball is submerged. Lift the pop straight out, holding it vertically, and gently tap the stick against the edge of the bowl to allow excess coating to drip away completely.
  10. Decorate and Set: While the coating is still wet, apply sprinkles, gold dust, or other desired decorations. Insert the finished pop into a Styrofoam block or stand to dry completely (this takes 15–20 minutes at room temperature).