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I remember when my niece, Lily, declared she only wanted green desserts for her birthday party. Challenge accepted! Key lime pie immediately sprang to mind, but I wanted something more playful than slices of pie. That’s when the idea of Key Lime Pie Cake Pops bubbled up – a perfect blend of tangy and sweet, all wrapped up in a fun, easy-to-eat package. They were a smash hit, even with the adults. It just goes to show, a little creativity can turn a classic into something truly special and rememberable.
What makes these cake pops so special? For starters, they capture the unmistakable zesty flavor of Key lime pie. The creamy filling, infused with fresh Key lime juice and zest, provides a burst of sunshine in every bite. Then there's the coating – a crisp, sweet shell that complements the tartness inside. And let's not forget the graham cracker crumbs, adding a delightful crunch that ties everything together, its just amazing.
Required Equipments
9x13 inch baking pan
Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Cake pop sticks
Key Lime Pie Cake Pops: A Tangy Twist on a Classic Treat: Frequently Asked Questions
Key Lime Pie Cake Pops: A Tangy Twist on a Classic Treat
Indulge in the tangy delight of Key Lime Pie Cake Pops, a fun and flavorful twist on the classic dessert. These bite-sized treats combine the creamy, tart flavor of Key lime pie with the convenience and charm of cake pops, making them perfect for parties, gifts, or a special treat for yourself!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:24 servings
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a box of white cake mix according to package directions, or use your favorite white cake recipe. Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Crumble the Cake: Once the cake is cool, crumble it into a large bowl using your hands or a fork. Ensure there are no large chunks remaining.
Make the Key Lime Filling: In a separate bowl, combine 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup of Key lime juice, and 2 teaspoons of Key lime zest. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the lime juice or zest according to your preference – some like it extra tangy!
Combine Cake and Filling: Add the Key lime filling to the crumbled cake. Mix well until the cake is evenly moistened and holds together when pressed. This mixture is what will form the base of your cake pops, so make sure it's well combined.
Shape the Cake Pops: Roll the cake mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If the mixture is too soft to handle, refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Pro Tip: Using a small cookie scoop can help you achieve uniform sizes.
Chill the Cake Pops: Place the baking sheet with the cake balls in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This will help them hold their shape when you dip them in the melted coating. Don't skip this step!
Melt the Coating: While the cake pops are chilling, melt your white candy melts or white chocolate chips according to package directions. You can use a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. If the coating is too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil to thin it out.
Prepare the Sticks: Dip the tip of each cake pop stick into the melted coating and insert it halfway into a cake ball. This helps the stick adhere to the cake pop. Return the cake pops to the freezer for another 5 minutes to set the coating around the stick.
Dip the Cake Pops: Remove the cake pops from the freezer. Dip each cake pop into the melted coating, swirling to ensure it's completely covered. Gently tap off any excess coating. Work quickly, as the coating will start to set.
Decorate the Cake Pops: Immediately sprinkle the cake pops with graham cracker crumbs and a pinch of Key lime zest while the coating is still wet. Get creative with your decorations! You can also use edible glitter, colored sprinkles, or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Let Set: Place the decorated cake pops back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow the coating to set completely, about 15-20 minutes. You can speed this up by placing them in the refrigerator.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the coating is set, your Key Lime Pie Cake Pops are ready to serve! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
📝 Notes
For a brighter green color, add a drop or two of green food coloring to the cake batter or the melted coating.
If you can't find Key limes, regular limes can be substituted, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Store cake pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.