Save A playful fusion of Southern sweet tea cake, spicy Flamin Hot crumble, and whimsical monster decorations makes these cake pops perfect for parties with a kick.
I first made these Flamin Hot Sweet Tea Monster Cake Pops for a birthday party, and they quickly disappeared. The spicy crumble adds a surprising twist to the classic, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- Eggs: 3 large
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 1 ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Sweet tea: ½ cup strong brewed, cooled
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon
- Prepared sweet tea cake: 1 ½ cups, crumbled
- Cream cheese: ⅓ cup, softened
- Powdered sugar: 2 tbsp
- White chocolate or candy melts: 12 oz
- Flamin Hot chips: ½ cup, finely crushed
- Candy eyes: as needed
- Colored sprinkles: as needed
- Cake pop sticks: 24
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry:
- Gradually add flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with sweet tea. Mix in vanilla and lemon zest.
- Bake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 27–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make cake pop mixture:
- Crumble cooled cake into a large bowl. Add cream cheese and powdered sugar; mix until a pliable dough forms.
- Shape cake pops:
- Roll mixture into 24 balls. Place on a lined baking sheet. Freeze for 20 minutes.
- Melt chocolate:
- Melt white chocolate or candy melts according to package instructions.
- Insert sticks:
- Dip the tip of each cake pop stick in melted chocolate, then insert halfway into each cake ball.
- Decorate:
- Dip cake pops into melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Immediately sprinkle with crushed Flamin Hot chips and add candy eyes and sprinkles for monster features.
- Set and serve:
- Stand cake pops upright in a foam block or cake pop stand. Let set until chocolate hardens.
Save Sharing these cake pops at our family reunion was a highlight—everyone loved comparing their monster designs.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer, 8-inch square baking pan, baking sheet, parchment paper, microwave-safe bowl, cake pop sticks, styrofoam block or cake pop stand.
Allergen Information
Contains milk, eggs, wheat (gluten), and possibly soy (if using candy melts). Flamin Hot chips may contain milk and additional allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 180, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 2 g.
Save These Flamin Hot Sweet Tea Monster Cake Pops are a creative, delicious way to spice up any celebration. Just let your imagination run wild with the monster faces!
Cooking Guide
- → Can I use other chips instead of Flamin Hot?
Yes, swap Flamin Hot chips for other spicy or flavored options to customize the heat and profile.
- → Is it possible to make these without cream cheese?
For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese or buttercream to bind the cake crumbs.
- → How do I avoid cracks in the chocolate coating?
Allow cake pops to reach room temperature before dipping to prevent temperature shock and cracking.
- → What chocolate works best for coating?
White chocolate or candy melts provide a smooth canvas, but milk or dark chocolate adds extra depth.
- → Can I prepare cake pops ahead of time?
Yes, fully coated and decorated pops keep well in the fridge for several days; store airtight for freshness.