Strawberry Shortcake Pops Delight

These Jam Girl Strawberry Shortcake Pops are bite sized confections with tender sponge cake wrapped around a bright homemade strawberry jam center and finished with a creamy shell of white chocolate. The playful shape and fruity surprise make them the star of birthday parties and bridal showers or just a sweet treat when you need a pick me up.

The first time I made these for my niece’s birthday she squealed when the jam oozed out and now making them together is tradition that marks the start of summer for us.

Ingredients

• Eggs: at room temperature create a fluffy sponge and help the cake rise light and tall
• Granulated sugar: balances tart berries and builds structure in the cake
• Vanilla extract: boosts cake’s aromatic sweetness so use pure for best flavor
• All purpose flour: gives structure and a soft crumb check that it is fresh and not compacted for best texture
• Baking powder: lifts the sponge for airy pops always use a newly opened tin if possible
• Pinch of salt: brings out the sweetness in both cake and jam
• Fresh strawberries: the heart of the jam pick firm berries with vibrant red color for the brightest flavor
• Lemon juice: highlights the berries and adds sparkle to the homemade jam
• White chocolate: melts smoothly for a creamy shell choose good quality chocolate for easiest dipping
• Coconut oil: makes the coating extra glossy and thin optional but recommended if your chocolate is thick
• Sprinkles or freeze dried strawberries: add color crunch or more fruity flavor
• Lollipop sticks: turn these into festive hand held treats and keep fingers clean

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Heat your oven to 350 F and line a square baking pan with parchment to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal

Make the Sponge Cake:

With an electric mixer beat eggs and sugar on high for a full five minutes until pale and tripled in volume then stir in vanilla for flavor

Fold Dry Ingredients:

Gently fold in the flour baking powder and salt with a spatula mixing just until no dry streaks remain to keep the sponge light

Bake the Sponge:

Pour the batter into your lined pan and gently smooth the surface bake for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and cake is golden and springy then cool completely

Cook the Strawberry Jam:

Combine diced strawberries sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat cook for about 10 to 12 minutes stirring often until berries break down and mixture is thick enough to leave a trail when you drag a spoon across the bottom let cool entirely

Make Cake Ball Mixture:

Crumble cooled sponge cake with your hands into a large bowl add a few tablespoons of cooled jam and mix until you can press mixture into a ball but it is not soggy

Shape the Pops:

Scoop out twenty even pieces about the size of a walnut roll into balls press a hollow into each with your thumb add a little more jam inside and pinch closed rolling gently back into a round shape

Chill the Balls:

Arrange balls on a parchment lined tray and freeze for twenty minutes this makes dipping easier and keeps the filling set

Melt Chocolate Coating:

Melt white chocolate and coconut oil together using a heatproof bowl over simmering water or microwave in short bursts until completely smooth

Assemble Pops:

Dip the tip of a lollipop stick in melted chocolate then push into a cake ball so it is secure dip each ball fully in melted chocolate turning to coat and let any extra drip off quickly add sprinkles or a dusting of freeze dried strawberries before the shell hardens

Set and Store:

Stand cake pops upright in a block or cup and let sit until chocolate is hard store chilled until you are ready to serve

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There is nothing I love more than splitting a cake pop and seeing that bright strawberry jewel inside it always reminds me of the first berries of spring and laughter in my kitchen with my little helpers dusted in flour and sugar

Storage Tips

Store finished cake pops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days For longer storage freeze them wrapped in wax paper and a zip bag for up to one month Let thaw in the refrigerator before serving If the coating picks up condensation blot gently with a paper towel before serving to keep them looking perfect

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use store bought sponge cake and strawberry jam in a pinch Milk or dark chocolate will also work for coating the pops Toasted coconut or crushed cookies make fun toppings if you do not have sprinkles For a citrus twist add orange or lime zest to the homemade jam

Serving Suggestions

Present pops standing up in a block of foam or a tall glass at parties for an eye catching dessert table Serve with sparkling rosé or fruity iced teas For a summer picnic pack in a cooler and enjoy outdoors These are always a conversation starter for baby showers and birthdays

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Cultural and Historical Context

Cake pops have roots in classic English cake truffles and the cake ball trend that swept baking blogs in the early 2000s By adding a homemade jam center and white chocolate shell this recipe tips its hat to nostalgic American strawberry shortcake merging whimsy with sophistication in one little bite

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the cake pops from falling off the sticks?

Dip the tip of each stick in melted chocolate before inserting it into each cake ball. This helps secure the stick as the chocolate sets, keeping the pops together.

→ Can I use store-bought jam for the filling?

Yes, store-bought strawberry jam adds convenience and works well if you are short on time, though homemade delivers a fresher taste.

→ Is it possible to substitute the white chocolate coating?

Absolutely! Swap in milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile and color. Each variation adds a unique touch to the pops.

→ How should I store finished cake pops?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days and can be made ahead for parties.

→ What other decorations can I use besides sprinkles?

Try freeze-dried strawberry pieces, colored sugar, or edible glitter for a creative and attractive finish that fits any occasion.

→ Are there any flavor variations for the jam?

Enhance the jam with a bit of orange zest or swap in raspberries for a flavorful twist. Adjust sugar to match your taste.