Thanksgiving is a time when even the smallest details on the table feel special. While pies and big cakes usually steal the spotlight, sometimes it’s the playful little desserts that people remember most.
Cake pops shaped like turkeys are one of those treats that instantly bring smiles. They’re fun, colorful, and easy to hold—kids love them, and adults can’t help but reach for one too.
These Thanksgiving Cake Pops don’t just look festive; they taste just as good as they look. Soft, moist cake inside, coated with smooth chocolate on the outside, decorated with candy corn feathers and tiny candy faces.
They’re the kind of dessert that makes guests pause to say, “Oh, those are so cute!” before taking a bite. And the best part?
You don’t need fancy skills to pull them off—just a bit of patience and a love for making food that feels playful.
Thanksgiving Cake Pops Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 baked cake (vanilla or chocolate, about 9×13 inch)
- ½ cup buttercream or cream cheese frosting
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate (chopped or chips)
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (for smooth coating)
- 1 bag candy corn (for feathers and decoration)
- Candy eyeballs (ready-made, small size)
- Orange candy melts or orange fondant (for beaks)
- 20–25 lollipop sticks
- 1 block of styrofoam (for drying pops)
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Base:
- Bake your cake and allow it to cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake finely in a large mixing bowl, making sure there are no large lumps.
- Add buttercream frosting, a spoonful at a time, and mix with your hands until the mixture is moist enough to hold its shape when pressed (you may not need all the frosting).
Shape the Cake Balls:
- Scoop out small portions (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into smooth balls.
- Place all cake balls on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or in the freezer for 20 minutes until firm.
Melt the Chocolate Coating:
- Place semisweet chocolate and vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl.
- Melt using a microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and glossy.
Insert the Sticks:
- Dip the tip of each lollipop stick about ½ inch into the melted chocolate.
- Immediately insert the dipped end into a cake ball, pushing it halfway through. This helps secure the stick.
- Chill for 10 minutes to set.
Coat the Cake Pops:
- Dip each cake pop fully into the melted chocolate, turning gently to coat evenly.
- Let the excess drip off by tapping lightly on the side of the bowl.
- Stand each coated pop upright in the styrofoam block to set.
Add the Turkey Feathers:
- Before the chocolate coating sets completely, press 5–6 candy corn pieces around the top edge of the cake pop in a fan shape to look like feathers.
- Allow them to set firmly so they hold in place.
Attach the Eyes and Beak:
- Use a dab of melted chocolate to attach two candy eyeballs near the center.
- For the beak, cut small triangles from orange fondant or use melted orange candy to pipe small beaks. Stick them below the eyes.
Finishing Touches:
- Let the cake pops rest at room temperature until the coating and decorations are completely set.
- Display in a jar or container filled with extra candy corn for a festive look.
How Do You Decorate Cake Pops To Look Like Turkeys?
This is the fun part where cake pops turn into cute little birds.
- Candy corn feathers: Press them on top before chocolate sets.
- Candy eyes: Stick them at the front for expression.
- Small orange beak: Use fondant or colored candy melts.
- Red detail: Add a tiny red sprinkle or fondant for the wattle.
Can I Make Thanksgiving Cake Pops Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead, and they will still taste fresh on the big day.
- Make cake balls in advance: Shape and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before dipping.
- Coat before serving day: Dip in chocolate 1 day before for best results.
- Keep them covered: Store in an airtight container to protect flavor and texture.
How Do You Keep Cake Pops From Falling Apart?
The right balance of cake and frosting is the secret.
- Correct mixture: Don’t add too much frosting or the cake will be too soft.
- Chill before dipping: Cold, firm cake balls hold together better in chocolate.
- Dip stick in chocolate: Before inserting the stick, dip it in melted chocolate to act as glue.
- Gentle tapping: Remove excess coating slowly, don’t shake too hard.
What Kind Of Chocolate Is Best For Dipping Cake Pops?
Smooth and good-quality chocolate gives the cleanest finish.
- Couverture chocolate: Melts silky and coats evenly.
- Candy melts: Easy to use, available in many colors.
- Real chocolate with oil: Add a little vegetable oil to regular chocolate chips for a thinner coating.
Can Thanksgiving Cake Pops Be Made Without Candy Corn?
Yes, you can decorate turkeys in many other ways.
- Colored fondant: Shape feathers in different autumn shades.
- Mini chocolate buttons: Arrange them in a fan at the back.
- Sprinkles: Use fall-colored sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Colored wafer sticks: Cut into small pieces and place as feathers.
Do I Need a Cake Pop Maker To Prepare Them?
No special machine is required.
- By hand: Bake a cake, crumble it, and mix with frosting to shape balls.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate before dipping in chocolate.
- Simple tools: Only lollipop sticks and a bowl of melted chocolate are enough.
What Is The Easiest Way To Attach Candy Eyes And Beaks?
A little melted chocolate works like glue.
- Use melted chocolate: Dab a tiny spot where you want the eye or beak.
- Press gently: Hold the candy in place for a few seconds to set.
- Work one by one: Attach each piece while the coating is still soft.
Can I Make Thanksgiving Cake Pops Without Eggs?
Yes, you can use other ingredients to bind the cake.
- Yogurt: Keeps cake soft and moist.
- Mashed banana: Adds sweetness and texture.
- Applesauce: Works well in place of eggs for structure.
How Do You Transport Cake Pops Safely?
Proper packing keeps them from breaking or smudging.
- Use a cake pop stand: Holds them upright and separate.
- Wrap individually: Use plastic wrap or small bags.
- Place in a box: Line with tissue paper so they don’t move around.
- Keep cool: Avoid heat so chocolate doesn’t melt.
How Do You Store Thanksgiving Cake Pops Overnight?
Overnight storage is simple if done correctly.
- Airtight container: Keeps them fresh and prevents drying.
- Cool room or fridge: Store in a cool spot or in the fridge if your home is warm.
- Separate layers: Use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Can I Freeze Thanksgiving Cake Pops?
Yes, freezing is possible for longer storage.
- Freeze uncoated balls: Wrap well and store for up to 6 weeks.
- Coat after thawing: Dip in chocolate only after defrosting.
- Thaw slowly: Leave in the fridge overnight before decorating.