Cakesicles
These patriotic cakesicles are the ultimate no-fuss treat for summer celebrations. Made with leftover cake, creamy frosting, and dipped in smooth white chocolate, they’re dressed up in red, white, and blue for a festive twist that’s fun to decorate and even more fun to eat.
You can make them ahead, store them in the fridge or freezer, and pull them out when the party starts—whether it’s Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or just a sunny afternoon BBQ.
These cakesicles are a fun way to turn leftover cake and frosting into something completely party-ready. They’re great for 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any summer get-together when you want something easy but still festive. You don’t need any fancy tools—just a mold, some white chocolate melts, and a bit of creativity with the drizzle. You can also switch up the colors for birthdays, baby showers, or themed parties year-round.
Why you’ll love these Cakesicles
Red, White, and Yum!
I’ve always loved having a stash of cake scraps and frosting in the freezer for cake pops or truffles, but these cakesicles are a level up. They’re perfect for when you want something cute and creative without having to break out piping bags or bake a whole cake. Plus, my family goes mad for anything on a stick.
Ingredients Needed for 4th of July Cakesicles
- Vanilla cake – You can use any leftover cake, boxed mix cake, or homemade sponge. You just need enough to crumble and mix.
- Frosting – Store-bought or homemade buttercream both work.
- White candy melts – These form the smooth outer shell. Use good-quality ones so they melt evenly.
- Coconut oil or shortening – A small spoonful helps thin out the chocolate for smooth dipping.
- Red and blue food coloring – Gel or concentrated liquid color works best.
- Powdered sugar – For making the drizzle icing.
- Sprinkles or sugar pearls – Totally optional, but fun for adding a “star” effect.
- Popsicle sticks and cakesicle mold – Silicone molds make popping them out so much easier.
How to make 4th of July Cakesicles
**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**
Crumble the cake into a bowl, add the frosting, and mix until a dough forms.
Press the dough firmly into cakesicle molds and insert popsicle sticks.
Melt white candy melts (add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil if it is too thick) and dip each cakesicle fully in the melted chocolate.
Place on parchment paper and let them set.
Mix powdered sugar with food coloring and a splash of water until smooth and drizzle-able.
Transfer colored icing to zip-top bags and snip a tiny corner off.
Drizzle red and blue icing over each cakesicle and add sprinkles or sugar pearls if using. Let them dry fully before serving or storing.
Variations
- Chocolate cake base: Use chocolate cake and chocolate or dark candy melts for a deeper flavor and rich, fudgy center—great for chocolate lovers or a twist on the classic vanilla cakesicle.
- Seasonal colors: Swap red and blue for pastels in spring, green and red for Christmas, or team colors for birthdays and tailgates. These cakesicles work for any occasion with just a change of drizzle.
- Add flavoring: Stir a few drops of almond, lemon, or peppermint extract into the cake mix for a hint of flavor that matches your theme—lemon for summer, peppermint for winter, almond for weddings.
- Surprise center: Press a little Nutella, jam, peanut butter, or cookie butter into the middle of each cakesicle before molding. It adds a fun, gooey center and makes them extra memorable.
- Mix in texture: Fold in mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, rainbow sprinkles, or toffee bits for a little crunch and a fun surprise when you bite into the cake layer.
Serving Suggestions
- Party platter: Arrange on a tray with sparklers, mini flags, or themed napkins for a festive holiday dessert display.
- Wrapped favors: Wrap each cakesicle in cellophane with ribbon for party favors or hostess gifts—easy to prep ahead and always a hit.
- Cool-down dessert bar: Line the cakesicles up on a chilled baking sheet or platter over an ice pack tray—keeps them cold for longer during outdoor parties.
- Keep them chilled: Serve straight from the fridge on a warm day—they’re cool, creamy, and refreshing for outdoor BBQs.
- Pair with other treats: Add to a dessert board with chocolate-dipped strawberries, Cherry Pie Cookies, or Victoria Sponge Cake for a full red, white, and blue sweets spread.
Storage and Freezing
- How should I store Cakesicles?
Keep cakesicles in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking. - Can I freeze Cakesicles?
Wrap individually in plastic wrap or pop into freezer-safe bags. Store up to 1 month. - Thaw slowly: Let them thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture. Avoid microwaving or they’ll melt or crack.
Don’t forget to pin this for later!
Tips & Tricks
- Perfect dough texture: Mix just enough frosting to hold the cake together like soft dough—it should press easily into the mold but not be too sticky.
- Smooth dipping: Add 1–2 teaspoons of coconut oil to your melted candy melts for a thinner, glossier coating.
- Easy coating: Use a spoon to help coat each cakesicle and gently scrap off the excess along the side of the bowl—this keeps the shell even and smooth.
- Let it set: Make sure the white chocolate shell is fully set before adding colored drizzle to prevent smearing or sliding.
- Drizzle control: Thin your icing with a drop of water at a time and use zip-top bags for easy decorating without piping tips..
Recommended
More Fun Treats
FAQ
4th of July Cakesicles
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowls
- Zip-top bags or piping bags
Ingredients
- 3 cups crumbled cake about half of a 9×13 cake or ½ a boxed cake mix
- ½ cup vanilla frosting store-bought or homemade
- 2 cups white candy melts
- 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil optional, for thinning the coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 teaspoons water as needed for drizzle consistency
- Red and blue gel food coloring
Instructions
- Crumble the leftover cake into a large mixing bowl using your hands or a fork.
- Add the frosting and mix until it forms a dough-like consistency that holds together easily when pressed.
- Scoop the cake mixture into your cakesicle mold, pressing it in firmly and leveling the top.
- Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for about 30 minutes or until solid.
- Melt white candy melts in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Add coconut oil to thin, if needed.
- Carefully remove the chilled cakesicles from the mold and dip each one into the white coating, tapping off any excess.
- Set on parchment paper to firm up completely.
- Mix powdered sugar with a little water until smooth, then divide into bowls and tint with red and blue food coloring. Transfer each color to a zip-top bag and snip off a tiny corner for drizzling.
- Drizzle the red and blue over the cakesicles and add sugar pearl “stars” before the drizzle sets.
- Let everything cool and harden before serving, storing, or wrapping.
