Cheesy Jalapeño Sweet Tea Monster (Printable)
Rich cheddar, spicy jalapeño, and sweet tea blend in colorful, playful cake pops for a memorable dessert experience.
# Components:
→ Cake
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1/2 cup strong brewed sweet tea, cooled
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream
10 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
11 - 2 tablespoons jalapeños, finely diced and seeded
→ Frosting (binding and coating)
12 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
14 - 1 cup powdered sugar
15 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - 2 tablespoons brewed sweet tea
→ Decoration
17 - 2 cups white chocolate or candy melts, melted
18 - Food coloring (green, blue, purple or as preferred)
19 - Candy eyes
20 - Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or colored sugar
21 - 20 cake pop sticks
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a separate large bowl, cream softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
04 - Incorporate cooled brewed sweet tea and sour cream until the mixture is well combined.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
06 - Fold shredded sharp cheddar cheese and finely diced jalapeños into the batter.
07 - Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool fully.
08 - Once cooled, crumble the cake into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
09 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and brewed sweet tea; mix until creamy.
10 - Gradually fold frosting into cake crumbs until the mixture holds together but is not overly wet—avoid using all frosting unless necessary.
11 - Form mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and arrange on a parchment-lined tray. Chill for 30 minutes.
12 - Melt white chocolate or candy melts, then divide and tint with desired food coloring.
13 - Dip tip of each cake pop stick into melted coating and insert halfway into each chilled cake ball.
14 - Dip cake balls into colored chocolate or candy coating, turning to ensure even coverage. Tap gently to remove excess.
15 - Before coating sets, affix candy eyes and decorate with sprinkles, colored sugar, or mini chocolate chips for monster features. Stand pops upright in a styrofoam block to set.
16 - Allow pops to set completely before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Unexpected fusion of savory and sweet flavors
- Decorated to delight party guests with fun monster faces
02 -
- Let the baked cake cool fully before crumbling for best texture
- Monster decorations can be customized with your favorite candies
03 -
- Chilling shaped cake balls helps coating set evenly
- Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation