Save A wild, sweet-and-savory treat that combines the tang of dill pickles, the subtle sweetness of sweet potato, and a spicy Flamin Hot crunch, all in playful cake pop form—perfect for adventurous snackers and party fun.
When I first tested these monster cake pops, my family couldn't stop laughing at the goofy faces—then went back for seconds after tasting the surprising mix of dill pickle, sweet potato, and spicy crunch. It's a dessert that turns heads and sparks conversation every time.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
- Baking powder: 1/2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Mashed cooked sweet potato: 1 cup (about 1 medium sweet potato)
- Unsalted butter, melted: 1/2 cup
- Large eggs: 2
- Buttermilk: 1/4 cup (plus 2–3 tbsp for binding cake crumbs)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Finely chopped dill pickles (patted dry): 1/2 cup
- Dill weed: 1/2 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
- Flamin Hot Cheetos, finely crushed: 1/4 cup (plus more for coating)
- White chocolate or candy melts, melted: 10 oz
- Candy eyes or small round candies: for decorating monster faces
- Cake pop sticks: 18
Instructions
- Prepare pan and oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine mixtures:
- Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Add mix-ins:
- Stir in dill pickles, dill weed, garlic powder, and 1/4 cup crushed Flamin Hot Cheetos.
- Bake the cake:
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Crumble and bind:
- Cool cake completely, then crumble into fine crumbs. Add 2–3 tbsp buttermilk until mixture holds together when pressed.
- Form cake balls:
- Roll mixture into 1.5-inch balls, place on lined sheet. Chill in freezer for 20 minutes.
- Melt coating:
- Melt white chocolate or candy melts following package instructions.
- Insert sticks:
- Dip cake pop stick tip in melted chocolate, insert into ball, freeze for 5 minutes.
- Coat cake pops:
- Dip each pop in melted chocolate, let excess drip off.
- Decorate:
- Roll or sprinkle pops with crushed Flamin Hot Cheetos. Attach candy eyes to create monster faces while coating is wet.
- Set the pops:
- Stand pops upright in styrofoam block or stand until set.
Save The night we made these as a family, kids loved rolling each cake pop in spicy crumbs and designing wild monster faces together—turning dessert prep into laughter-filled teamwork.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, 8-inch baking pan, whisk or electric mixer, parchment paper, spatula, cake pop sticks, microwave-safe bowl, styrofoam block or cake pop stand.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 170. Total fat: 7 g. Carbohydrates: 24 g. Protein: 2 g.
Variations & Pairings
Swap Flamin Hot Cheetos for other spicy chips, add a teaspoon of pickle juice for more tang, or enjoy cake pops with milk or citrus soda.
Save Serve Flamin Hot Dill Pickle Monster Cake Pops fresh and keep extras chilled for party snacking. Enjoy the wild, tangy kick!
Common Questions
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and check Cheetos packaging for gluten information.
- → What if I don't have Flamin Hot Cheetos?
Other spicy chips like Takis or spicy cheese puffs work as a flavorful coating alternative.
- → Is there a dairy-free option?
Use plant-based butter and non-dairy white chocolate for the coating to make the pops dairy-free. Verify decorations as well.
- → How do I get the pops to hold their shape?
Mix in buttermilk until the mixture sticks together, roll into balls, and chill before dipping in chocolate for firmness.
- → Can I refrigerate or freeze leftovers?
Store finished pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to a month.
- → What pairs well with these pops?
Serve with cold milk, citrusy soda, or a tangy yogurt dip for complementary flavors and a refreshing contrast.