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 niece's birthday, and everyone was curious about the unexpected cheddar twist. They disappeared quickly and became a family favorite for fall celebrations.
Ingredients
- Cake: 1½ 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.
- Mix the batter:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla.
- Combine ingredients:
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Fold in diced apple and shredded cheddar.
- Bake the cake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make the frosting:
- In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Form the cake pops:
- Crumble cooled cake into fine crumbs. Add frosting and mix until mixture holds together. Scoop 1-tbsp portions and roll into balls. Place on lined baking sheet. Chill in freezer for 15 minutes.
- Insert sticks:
- Insert a lollipop stick into each ball.
- Make caramel coating:
- Melt caramels with heavy cream in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip and decorate:
- Dip each cake pop into melted caramel to coat. Let excess drip off. Immediately sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles (and sea salt if using). Place upright in foam block or on parchment to set.
- Set and serve:
- Allow caramel to set before serving.
Save My family loves helping roll the cake balls and adding sprinkles. It's a fun kitchen project that brings everyone together in laughter and celebration.
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, eggs. May contain traces of nuts if sprinkles or other decorations are used. Always check labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 165. Total Fat: 7 g. Carbohydrates: 23 g. Protein: 3 g per cake pop.
Save Caramel apple cheddar cake pops turn any birthday into a flavor adventure! They make for stunning party treats and delicious conversation starters.
Recipe Questions
- → What kind of apple works best?
Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance sweetness and flavor in the cake pops.
- → Can I skip the cheddar cheese?
You can omit the cheddar, but it adds a savory note and pairs well with apple and caramel.
- → How do you keep pops from falling off the sticks?
Chilling the rolled cake balls before dipping ensures they hold firm and stay attached to the lollipop sticks.
- → Can I customize the decorations?
Absolutely! Use rainbow sprinkles, sea salt, or other edible toppings to suit party themes or personal taste.
- → How long do they stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best texture and flavor.
- → What is a good beverage pairing?
Apple cider or a dry sparkling wine complements the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.