4th of July Cakesicles

Celebrate Independence Day with these festive 4th of July Cakesicles. These charming, handheld treats combine moist cake and creamy frosting inside a smooth chocolate shell, decorated in patriotic red, white, and blue. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a fun dessert-making activity, cakesicles offer both visual appeal and delightful flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Celebrations: These cakesicles add a bright, festive touch to your 4th of July spread.
• Kid-Friendly and Fun to Make: Easy enough for kids to help with, making them a great family kitchen project.
• Customizable: Use your favorite cake and frosting flavors to make them your own.
• Make-Ahead Option: These can be prepared ahead of time, saving you time on the holiday.
• Visually Impressive: The colorful drizzle and sprinkles make for a beautiful and patriotic presentation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Crumbled vanilla cake (homemade or store-bought)
• Vanilla frosting
• White candy melts
• Refined coconut oil (optional, for thinning candy coating)
• Powdered sugar
• Water
• Red and blue gel food coloring
• Patriotic sprinkles or sugar pearls (optional)
• Popsicle sticks
• Cakesicle molds

Directions

1. Make the Cake Mixture: Crumble the vanilla cake into a bowl. Add vanilla frosting and mix until it forms a soft, dough-like consistency.
2. Mold the Cakesicles: Press the mixture into cakesicle molds, inserting a popsicle stick into each. Smooth the backs.
3. Freeze: Freeze for about 30 minutes or until firm enough to coat.
4. Melt the Candy Coating: Melt the white candy melts in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add coconut oil if needed for a smoother texture.
5. Coat the Cakesicles: Carefully remove cakesicles from the molds and dip each one into the melted coating, allowing excess to drip off.
6. Decorate: Mix powdered sugar with water to form a drizzle. Tint portions with red and blue food coloring. Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle over the cakesicles. Add sprinkles while the coating is still wet.
7. Set and Serve: Allow to set at room temperature or refrigerate until the coating hardens.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes approximately 8 cakesicles
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 50 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Version: Use chocolate cake and chocolate melts for a rich twist.
• Lemon Berry: Swap vanilla cake for lemon cake and use blueberry or raspberry-flavored frosting.
• Colorful Center: Add red and blue sprinkles to the cake mixture for a surprise inside.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cake, frosting, and vegan chocolate coating.

Storage/Reheating

Store cakesicles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to one month. If frozen, let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. Do not reheat, as they are meant to be served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make cakesicles?

You can prepare cakesicles up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

Can I use store-bought cake and frosting?

Yes, store-bought cake and frosting work perfectly and save time.

What if I don’t have a cakesicle mold?

You can shape the mixture by hand or use silicone molds of similar size and shape.

How do I prevent the candy coating from cracking?

Make sure the cakesicles are not too cold before dipping to avoid temperature shock.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of candy melts?

Yes, but candy melts are better suited for coating as they harden with a smooth finish.

Do I need to use coconut oil?

No, it’s optional. It helps thin the candy coating but can be omitted.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely, just use a gluten-free cake and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I get vibrant red and blue colors?

Use gel food coloring for the most vivid hues without watering down your icing.

Are cakesicles supposed to be eaten cold?

They are best slightly chilled or at room temperature, not warm.

Can I use other holiday themes?

Yes, change the colors and sprinkles for any holiday or celebration.

Conclusion

4th of July Cakesicles are a delightful and creative way to celebrate America’s birthday. With their patriotic colors and crowd-pleasing flavor, they make a fun addition to your dessert table and are easy to customize to suit your preferences. Whether you’re hosting a big party or a small family gathering, these festive treats are sure to impress and satisfy.

Print