The Ultimate Guide to Easy & Festive Thanksgiving Turkey Cake Pops
Get ready to add a burst of fun and flavor to your holiday table with this adorable Thanksgiving Cake Pops Recipe! These delightful turkey-themed cake pops are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making them the perfect centerpiece for any festive gathering. Both adults and children alike will be enchanted by these charming turkey pops, which bring a playful touch to your traditional Thanksgiving spread.
Cake pops are renowned for being both incredibly fun to make and wonderfully delicious to eat, and these Chocolate Covered Turkey Cake Pops are no exception. They offer a delightful combination of rich flavor and whimsical design, making them an ideal choice for Cute Thanksgiving Desserts for Kids. We’ve made these a cherished tradition in our family, bringing them out every single year alongside our classic Turkey Cake. This recipe promises a stress-free baking experience with results that are sure to impress!
At the heart of these irresistible treats is a rich, decadent spice cake base, perfectly blended with creamy cream cheese frosting. This mixture is then skillfully shaped into bite-sized cake balls, which are transformed into cute little turkeys through creative decoration. The smooth, vibrant candy coating not only adds a beautiful finish but also a delightful crunch, while the convenient lollipop stick makes them incredibly easy to handle and enjoy for guests of all ages.
Imagine these gorgeous cake pops artfully displayed on a cake pop stand, instantly becoming the star of your dessert table. Their charming appearance and delightful taste will undoubtedly spark conversations and smiles. Pair them with other holiday favorites like various Thanksgiving Cake Recipes or explore our extensive collection of 89 Thanksgiving Cheesecake Recipes for a truly magnificent holiday spread.
Table of Contents
- Why We Love This Recipe
- Ingredients for Thanksgiving Cake Pops
- Substitutions and Variations for Your Cake Pops
- How to Make Thanksgiving Cake Pops
- Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Pro Tips for Perfect Cake Pops
- FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
- More Delicious Cake Pop Recipes
- More Festive Thanksgiving Desserts
Why We Love This Recipe
There’s something truly magical about turning a simple cake into these charming turkey-themed bites, and it’s a project that brings immense joy. The creative process of dipping each cake ball into luscious chocolate candy melts is incredibly satisfying. Once coated, the real fun begins: decorating each one to bring these little turkeys to life! We use vibrant candy corn for the tail feathers, whimsical candy eyes to give them personality, and a variety of sprinkles to form their tiny beaks and snoods. Each small detail adds to the overall adorable outcome, making these cake pops a huge hit every time.
This recipe is not just about making a dessert; it’s about creating memories. Gathering the family, especially the kids, around the kitchen to decorate these cake pops becomes a cherished holiday activity. The individual nature of cake pops also makes them easy for guests to enjoy without the need for plates or forks, perfect for mingling during your Thanksgiving celebration.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Cake Pops
Crafting these delightful Thanksgiving cake pops requires just a few simple ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create these festive treats:
- Spice Cake Mix: A 15 oz box. Spice cake provides that quintessential fall flavor that perfectly complements the Thanksgiving theme. Remember to also have on hand the additional ingredients required to prepare the cake as directed on the back of the box (typically eggs, oil, and water).
- Cream Cheese Frosting: One 16 oz tub of pre-made cream cheese frosting. Using store-bought frosting saves time and effort, but if you prefer, you can certainly whip up a batch of Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe for an even richer flavor.
- Chocolate Candy Melts: A 16 oz bag of chocolate candy melts. These are specifically designed for melting smoothly and evenly, providing a perfect coating for your cake pops. They harden quickly and give a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Candy Corn: One bag. The iconic festive colors of candy corn are perfect for creating the turkey’s vibrant tail feathers.
- Candy Eyes: Approximately 48 individual candy eyeballs. These can typically be found in the baking or party supply section of most grocery stores or craft shops. They instantly give your turkeys personality!
- Red Heart Sprinkles: 24 pieces. These small heart-shaped sprinkles are ideal for creating the turkey’s characteristic red snood (the fleshy appendage hanging from its beak). If red hearts are hard to find, any small red candy or sprinkle could work as a substitute.
- Round Sprinkles: 24 pieces. Any color will suffice, but orange or yellow sprinkles are great for forming the turkey’s beak, adding another layer of charm.
- Cake Pop Sticks: 24 sturdy cake pop sticks. These are essential for holding your cake pops and ensuring they can be dipped and decorated with ease.
You can find the complete, detailed list of ingredients with exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Substitutions and Variations for Your Cake Pops
One of the best things about cake pops is how versatile they are! Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Cake Flavor: While spice cake is wonderfully seasonal, you can easily substitute it with any cake flavor you enjoy. Popular choices include classic chocolate, vanilla, yellow cake, funfetti for a colorful surprise, or even a rich red velvet. The possibilities are endless, so pick your favorite!
- Frosting Type: If cream cheese frosting isn’t your preference, don’t worry! Almost any frosting can be used to bind your cake crumbs. Cinnamon Buttercream would enhance the fall spice notes, while a simple vanilla buttercream or chocolate frosting would also work beautifully. Just ensure it’s thick enough to help bind the cake crumbs effectively.
- Candy Decorations: Get creative with your turkey’s “feathers” and facial features! Instead of traditional candy corn, try using Reese’s Pieces for colorful feathers or autumn mix candy corn which often includes more browns and yellows for a rustic look. Mini chocolate chips can be used for eyes if you don’t have candy eyes, and a small piece of orange fruit leather or an orange M&M can make a great beak. You could also use different fall-themed sprinkles for extra flair.
- Chocolate Coating: If candy melts aren’t readily available, good quality chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) can be substituted. You’ll need to temper them or add a small amount of coconut oil or vegetable shortening (as suggested in the pro tips) to achieve a smooth, dippable consistency that hardens well.
- Omit the Lollipop Stick: For a simpler, easier-to-store option, you can skip the lollipop sticks entirely and just make cake balls. These are still incredibly delicious and can be arranged beautifully on a platter or in mini cupcake liners.
- Add Flavor Extracts: Enhance the flavor by adding a touch of vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a hint of maple or rum extract to your cake crumb mixture before forming the balls.
How to Make Thanksgiving Cake Pops
Creating these delightful turkey cake pops is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps for perfect results:
- Step 1: Prepare the Cake. Begin by preparing your spice cake mix according to the package instructions. Bake it in a 9×13 inch pan. Once baked, allow the entire cake to cool completely at room temperature. This is crucial for achieving the right consistency for your cake pops.
Step 2: Crumble the Cake. Once the cake is fully cooled, remove it from the pan. Discard the outside, crusty layer of the cake as it can make your cake pops less smooth. Crumble the soft, remaining cake into a large mixing bowl, ensuring there are no large lumps.
Step 3: Combine with Frosting. Add the cream cheese frosting to the crumbled cake. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, thoroughly mix everything together until the cake crumbs are well combined with the frosting, forming a dough-like consistency that holds its shape.
Step 4: Form the Cake Balls. Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop (I prefer a 1-inch scoop for consistent sizing), shape the mixture into uniform cake balls. This ensures even cooking and dipping. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Insert Sticks and Chill. Melt a small amount of the chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until smooth. Dip the tip of each cake pop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it about halfway into each cake ball. This acts as “glue” to secure the stick. Place the baking sheet with the inserted sticks into the freezer for 10-15 minutes to chill the cake balls and set the chocolate “glue.” *Do not freeze for longer than 15 minutes to prevent cracking.*
Step 6: Coat the Cake Pops. Once chilled, melt the remaining chocolate candy melts (you may need to re-melt if it has solidified). Dip each cake pop into the melted candy, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently tap the stick against the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate, allowing it to drip back into the bowl for a smooth finish.
Step 7: Decorate Your Turkeys. Immediately after dipping (before the chocolate sets), place the cake pop sticks into a block of Styrofoam or a cake pop holder. This allows them to dry upright. Quickly attach three pieces of candy corn to the back of the cake pop for the tail feathers, two candy eyes on the front, a round sprinkle for the beak, and a red heart sprinkle for the snood. Hold each candy piece for a few seconds to ensure it adheres properly. Allow all the cake pops to fully set at room temperature until the coating is completely firm.
And there you have it! Your adorable and delicious Thanksgiving Turkey Cake Pops are ready to be served and enjoyed by everyone.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These Thanksgiving Cake Pops are not only fun to make but also convenient to store, making them perfect for preparing in advance for your holiday celebrations.
To keep your leftover cake pops fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their quality and delightful texture for up to 1 week. If your home is particularly warm, or if your frosting contains dairy that might spoil quickly, you can store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that these cake pops can easily be made ahead of time. Preparing them the day before you need them will significantly save time and reduce stress on Thanksgiving Day. This is especially helpful when hosting parties or preparing multiple dishes for a big holiday meal. Simply follow all the steps, allow them to set completely, then store them properly until you’re ready to display and serve them.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cake Pops
Achieving perfectly coated and beautifully decorated cake pops can be easy with a few insider tricks. Here are some professional tips to help you master this festive treat:
- Thin the Chocolate if Necessary: The consistency of your melted candy melts is key to a smooth finish. If your melted candy coating appears too thick or gloopy, it can be thinned out with a small amount of vegetable shortening (like Crisco) or coconut oil. Add just a teaspoon at a time, slowly stirring it into the melted chocolate until you reach a pourable, smooth consistency. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the coating too thin to adhere properly.
- Form Smooth Cake Balls: When rolling the cake and frosting mixture into balls, it can get a little sticky. To prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands, lightly spray your palms with nonstick cooking spray or dampen them slightly with water. This will help you achieve perfectly smooth, uniform cake balls effortlessly.
- Melt in Intervals: Whether you’re using a microwave or a double boiler, always melt your candy melts in short intervals. If using a microwave, heat for 30 seconds, stir, then continue heating in 15-20 second bursts, stirring well after each interval. This prevents the chocolate from burning or seizing, which can ruin its smooth texture.
- Secure the Candy Decorations: The small candy pieces can sometimes be tricky to get to stick. After dipping the cake pop, press each candy corn feather, candy eye, and sprinkle gently into the warm chocolate coating. Hold it in place for a few seconds until the chocolate begins to set around it. This “gluing” technique ensures your turkey’s features stay put.
- Line the Baking Sheet: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper before placing your formed cake balls on it. This simple step prevents the cake balls from sticking to the sheet, making them much easier to lift and minimizing cleanup.
- Use Tweezers to Decorate: Some of the candy pieces, like the small round sprinkles for the beak or the heart sprinkles for the snood, can be quite tiny. Using clean kitchen tweezers can be incredibly helpful for precise placement, ensuring your turkey faces are as neat and adorable as possible.
- Remove Excess Chocolate: After dipping each cake pop, gently tap the stick against the side of the bowl. This helps to shake off any excess melted chocolate, preventing drips and ensuring a clean, even coating. You can also use a toothpick or the tines of a fork to carefully remove any stubborn drips before the chocolate sets.
- Double Boiler Method: If you prefer not to use a microwave, a double boiler is an excellent alternative for melting chocolate. Place your candy melts in a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water (ensure the bowl doesn’t touch the water). The gentle, indirect heat will melt the chocolate slowly and smoothly, minimizing the risk of burning.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Thanksgiving Cake Pops to help you achieve the best results:
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your delicious Thanksgiving Cake Pops will stay fresh and enjoyable for up to 1 week. If you live in a warm climate or prefer extra freshness, they can be refrigerated, but remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.
Absolutely! These festive cake pops are perfect for preparing in advance. You can easily make them the day before your Thanksgiving celebration or party. This not only saves you valuable time and effort on the day of the event but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply prepare, decorate, and store them as directed, and they’ll be ready to impress when serving time comes.
Cracked candy coating is a common issue, often a result of freezing your cake balls for too long. The significant temperature difference between a very cold cake ball and warm melted chocolate can cause the coating to crack as it sets and the cake ball slightly expands or contracts. It is crucial to only chill your cake balls for the recommended 10-15 minutes in the freezer. Setting a timer is highly recommended to ensure you don’t get distracted and forget about them, helping to prevent this frustrating cracking.
Yes, you can certainly use homemade cake! Simply bake your favorite cake recipe and allow it to cool completely before crumbling. The key is to ensure the cake is completely cooled and a little denser, which helps with forming the balls. Adjust the amount of frosting as needed to achieve the right consistency for rolling.
This is usually due to the cake balls not being chilled enough, or the chocolate ‘glue’ not being set. Make sure to dip the tip of your stick in melted chocolate first, insert it into the cake ball halfway, and then freeze for the recommended 10-15 minutes. This creates a secure bond. Also, ensure your cake balls aren’t too large or too soft, as this can make them heavy and prone to falling off the stick.
More Delicious Cake Pop Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed making these Thanksgiving Turkey Cake Pops, you might love exploring other fun cake pop creations:
- Pumpkin Cake Pops: Perfect for fall, these capture the essence of pumpkin pie in a bite-sized treat.
- Cookie Dough Cake Pop Recipe: Indulge in the nostalgic taste of cookie dough, safely transformed into a delightful cake pop.
- Brownie Cake Pops: For chocolate lovers, these rich and fudgy brownie cake pops are an irresistible delight.
- Red Velvet Cake Pops: A classic favorite, these vibrant red velvet treats are perfect for any elegant occasion.
More Festive Thanksgiving Desserts
Looking to complete your Thanksgiving dessert table? Check out these other delightful holiday treats:
- Turkey Cupcake Recipe: Adorable and easy to make, these cupcakes are another kid-friendly favorite.
- Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats: A simple, no-bake option that brings festive pumpkin flavor to a classic treat.
- Turkey Cookies: Creative and fun, these cookie turkeys are perfect for little hands to help decorate.
- Pilgrim Cookies: Cute and historical, these cookies add a touch of tradition to your dessert lineup.
- Chocolate Acorns: Tiny, charming, and delicious, these chocolate acorns are a delightful nod to the autumn season.
- 45 Gluten Free Thanksgiving Desserts: A comprehensive list ensuring everyone can enjoy a sweet treat this holiday.
This Thanksgiving, gather your loved ones in the kitchen and embark on the joyous journey of making these charming little turkey cake pops together. It’s an activity that promises not only delicious results but also creates wonderful, lasting holiday memories. We adore making these every year, and they never fail to be a great dessert and a highlight of our holiday celebration. Don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating if you try this recipe!
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Thanksgiving Cake Pops Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box Spice Cake Mix 15 oz
- *Plus ingredients to prepare the cake on the back of the box
- 1/3 cup Cream Cheese Frosting I use pre-made
- 16 oz. Chocolate Candy Melts
- 1 bag Candy Corn
- 48 Candy Eyes
- 24 Red Heart Sprinkles
- 24 Round Sprinkles any color will work
- 24 Cake Pop Sticks
Instructions
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Make cake and bake according to box instructions in a 9X13 pan. Then let the cake cool at room temperature.
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Remove the cake from the pan. Remove the outside layer from the cake and throw it away. Crumble up the remaining cake into a large bowl.
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Add the cream cheese frosting to your crumbled cake and stir everything together until well combined.
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Shape mixture into about 24-36 cake balls (depending on their size) and place on a lined cookie sheet. I used a cookie scoop to ensure that each one is approximately the same size.
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Put the chocolate candy melts in a small microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Then continue to heat in 30 second intervals stirring between each one until the candy melts are fully melted and creamy.
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Dip each cake pop stick into the melted candy and then place them into the cake balls about halfway into the balls. Then place in the freezer for 10-15 minutes (do not freeze for longer than 15 minutes).
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After the cake pops have been chilled, dip each cake pop into the melted candy melts (you may need to re-melt it if it has solidified some). Make sure that the candy covers the cake pop completely. Allow the excess melted candy to drip off back into the bowl.
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Then place the stick of cake pops in a block of styrofoam.
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Before the cake pops, decorate them by adding 3 pieces of candy corn on the back for the tail, 2 candy eyes, a round sprinkle for the beak and a candy heart for the snood.
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Continue until all the cake pops have been covered in the chocolate and decorated.
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Let all the cake pops completely set and then they are ready to serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
*If the melted candy melt is too thick, thin it out with a small amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil. Add it slowly to the melted chocolate.
Nutrition Facts
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