Save A playful fusion dessert featuring moist Funfetti cake blended with a hint of spice, coated in creamy white chocolate, and finished with a crunchy pretzel topping. These cake pops are perfect for parties or anyone who loves a unique sweet and salty treat with a little kick.
I made these Funfetti Spicy Pretzel Cake Pops for my best friend's birthday party, and they were the first treats to disappear from the dessert table. Kids loved the colors, while adults raved about the unexpected touch of cayenne and the crunch of pretzels.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (190 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup (115 g)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Baking powder: 1 1/2 tsp
- Fine sea salt: 1/2 tsp
- Rainbow sprinkles: 1/2 cup (80 g), plus 1/4 cup (40 g) for decoration
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Ground cayenne pepper: 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
- Cream cheese, softened: 1/2 cup (120 g)
- White chocolate chips or melting wafers: 2 cups (340 g)
- Mini pretzel twists, crushed: 1 cup (40 g)
- Cake pop sticks: 24
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Batter:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) square cake pan. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in two parts, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Finish Batter & Bake:
- Fold in rainbow sprinkles gently. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make Filling:
- Crumble cooled cake into a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, cayenne, and cinnamon until smooth. Add spicy cream cheese mixture to cake crumbs. Mix until a dough forms that holds together when pressed.
- Form Cake Pops:
- Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Insert cake pop sticks halfway into each ball. Chill in freezer for at least 45 minutes.
- Coat & Decorate:
- Melt white chocolate in microwave or double boiler until smooth. Dip each cake pop in white chocolate, tapping off excess. Immediately sprinkle with crushed pretzels and extra rainbow sprinkles. Stand cake pops upright in styrofoam block or cup until set.
Save My nephew loves helping crush the pretzels and seeing the rainbow sprinkles inside and out makes these a family favorite at birthdays and reunions.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer, 8-inch (20 cm) cake pan, baking sheet, parchment paper, microwave or double boiler, cake pop sticks, and a styrofoam block or cup for setting pops upright.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and soy (if using certain white chocolates). Some ingredients may contain traces of nuts, so always check packaging for safe handling.
Nutritional Information
Each cake pop has about 190 calories, 9 g fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein, making them a decadent but portion-controlled treat.
Save Once set, these cake pops are ready to party—store leftovers in an airtight container for lasting freshness. Have fun decorating with extra sprinkles or drizzle more chocolate for extra flair!
Recipe FAQ
- → How spicy are these cake pops?
The level of spice depends on the amount of cayenne used. You can adjust to taste for mild or bold flavor.
- → Can I use different cake flavors?
Yes, you can swap Funfetti for chocolate, vanilla, or any preferred cake for variety in taste and color.
- → Which chocolate works best for coating?
White chocolate pairs well with spice and pretzel crunch, but dark or milk chocolate can bring new flavors.
- → How do I store the finished cake pops?
Place cake pops in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to four days after preparation.
- → Can the pops be made ahead for parties?
Absolutely! Prepare and chill cake pops in advance, then coat and decorate closer to serving for best texture.
- → Are there nut allergy concerns?
Check chocolate and pretzel packaging for potential traces of nuts to ensure allergen safety for guests.