Save A whimsical, savory-sweet cake pop blending sharp cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and the subtle flavor of sweet tea, all decorated as playful monster faces—perfect for a unique party treat.
The first time I made these monster cake pops, my friends were amazed by the playful decorations and bold flavors. Combining cheddar, jalapeños, and sweet tea was a leap of faith, but everyone loved the unique twist!
Ingredients
- Cake: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, ½ cup strong brewed sweet tea (cooled), ½ cup sour cream, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), 2 tbsp finely diced jalapeños (seeded for milder heat)
- Frosting (for binding and coating): 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp brewed sweet tea
- Decoration: 2 cups white chocolate or candy melts (melted), food coloring (green, blue, purple, or as desired), candy eyes, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or colored sugar, 20 cake pop sticks
Instructions
- Prepare baking pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
- Combine liquids:
- Mix in sweet tea and sour cream until well combined.
- Combine mixtures:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until incorporated.
- Add cheese and jalapeños:
- Fold in cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños.
- Bake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Crumble cake:
- Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl.
- Make frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and sweet tea; mix until creamy.
- Bind cake pops:
- Add frosting gradually to the cake crumbs, mixing until the mixture holds together but isnt too wet (you may not need all the frosting).
- Shape cake balls:
- Roll mixture into 1½-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray; chill for 30 minutes.
- Melt coating:
- Melt white chocolate or candy melts. Divide and tint with food coloring as desired.
- Insert sticks:
- Dip the tip of each cake pop stick into melted chocolate, then insert halfway into each chilled cake ball.
- Coat and decorate:
- Dip each pop into the colored chocolate, turning to coat. Gently tap off excess. Before the coating sets, decorate with candy eyes and other monster features. Place upright in a styrofoam block to set.
- Set and serve:
- Let cake pops set completely before serving.
Save Making these cake pops with my niece turned into a giggle-filled decorating session. Each monster face was a new creation, and the mix of cheesy and spicy flavors made them a fun surprise for the whole family!
Required Tools
8-inch square baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer, parchment paper, cake pop sticks, styrofoam block or stand for setting
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter, cheese, cream cheese), eggs, wheat (gluten). May contain soy if using candy melts. Always check ingredient labels for possible allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per cake pop: Calories: 170, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 22 g, Protein: 3 g
Save Serve these cake pops at your next party for smiles and surprises. They are sure to be the conversation starter at your dessert table!
Recipe FAQ
- → How spicy are these cake pops?
Spiciness depends on the jalapeño quantity and whether seeds are included. Seeded jalapeños provide a mild kick, while using more or keeping some seeds will intensify the heat.
- → Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour and confirm all ingredients are gluten-free by checking labels.
- → What is the benefit of adding sweet tea?
Sweet tea infuses the cake with a subtle, aromatic flavor and moisture, complementing both the cheddar's richness and jalapeño heat.
- → How do I decorate the monster faces?
Dip cake balls in colored candy melt, then use candy eyes, sprinkles, and mini chips to create expressive, playful monster features before the coating sets.
- → Are the cake pops vegetarian?
Yes, these cake pops use vegetarian ingredients, including dairy and eggs. Always verify candy melts are free from gelatin or animal byproducts.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store finished cake pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days for best texture and flavor.