Jamaican Black Cake Pops Recipe

JERK TAVERNDecember 7, 2023

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Jamaican Black Cake is a beloved traditional dessert, known for its rich flavors and moist texture. Now, imagine taking that delectable cake and transforming it into bite-sized, adorable, and irresistible treats. Transforming the beloved Jamaican Black Cake into delightful cake pops is a fun and creative way to enjoy this traditional dessert. By following these steps, you’ll be able to create irresistibly delicious treats that are perfect for any occasion.

The Roots of Jamaican Black Cake

To understand the history of Jamaican Black Cake Pops, we need to delve into the roots of the traditional Jamaican Black Cake itself. This cake, also known as Jamaican Christmas Cake or Jamaican Fruit Cake, has a long-standing history deeply intertwined with Jamaican culture and heritage.

African Influence

The origins of Jamaican Black Cake can be traced back to the African slave trade era. African slaves brought with them their culinary traditions, including the use of dried fruits, spices, and rum in their cakes. These ingredients formed the foundation of what we now know as Jamaican Black Cake.

British Influence

The British colonization of Jamaica further influenced the development of Jamaican Black Cake. British culinary practices, such as using alcohol-soaked fruits and incorporating spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, merged with the African traditions. This fusion resulted in the creation of a distinctively Jamaican dessert.

Christmas Tradition

Jamaican Black Cake is deeply associated with Christmas celebrations in Jamaica. The cake is prepared weeks in advance, allowing the flavors to mature and intensify over time. Families come together to bake and share this special cake during the festive season, making it a cherished part of Jamaican Christmas traditions.

Transformation into Cake Pops

The concept of transforming Jamaican Black Cake into cake pops emerged as a creative adaptation of the classic dessert. Cake pops gained popularity worldwide in the early 2000s, and the idea of incorporating the rich flavors of Jamaican Black Cake into these bite-sized treats was a natural progression.

Modern Twist and Popularity

The introduction of Jamaican Black Cake Pops brought a modern twist to the traditional dessert, making it more accessible and visually appealing. The combination of the dense and flavorful cake, paired with a chocolate coating and decorative toppings, captivated the taste buds and imaginations of people worldwide.

Ingredients for Jamaican Black Cake Pops

Jamaican Black Cake
White chocolate melts
Sprinkles

How to Make Jamaican Black Cake Pops

Prepare the Jamaican Black Cake:
Start by baking a Jamaican Black Cake according to your favorite recipe. This dense and flavorful cake is traditionally made with soaked dried fruits, aromatic spices, and a generous splash of rum. The cake should be fully cooled before moving on to the next step.
Crumble the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, crumble it into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor. The crumbs should be small and uniform in size. This step helps create a smooth texture for your cake pops.
Shape the Cake Pops
Using your hands, roll the cake mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Place the shaped cake pops onto a lined baking sheet or a tray. If desired, you can insert lollipop sticks into each cake pop to make them easier to handle and more visually appealing.

Chill the Cake Pops

Once you’ve shaped all the cake pops, place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up. Chilling the cake pops will make them easier to dip in chocolate and prevent them from falling apart.
Coat with Chocolate
Melt your favorite chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate, in a microwave or using a double boiler. Dip each chilled cake pop into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Gently tap off any excess chocolate and place the coated cake pops back onto the lined baking sheet or tray.
Decorate and Garnish
While the chocolate is still wet, you can decorate the cake pops with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or edible gold dust to add a touch of elegance and personalization. Alternatively, you can drizzle a contrasting color of melted chocolate over the cake pops for a beautiful marbled effect.
Let Them Set
Allow the chocolate coating to set completely before serving or packaging the cake pops. You can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chocolate coating has hardened, your Jamaican Black Cake Pops are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at parties, and gatherings, or even gift them to loved ones. These bite-sized treats will surely impress with their luscious flavors and adorable appearance.

Cake Pop Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use candy melts for cake pops?

Candy Melts is great to use when making your cake pops. Melt it using a melting pot or a double boiler its your preference and what’s easier for you.

What do you stick cake pops in to dry?

The best way to allow the coating to dry and set it to place them right-side-up in a large styrofoam block, box, or cake pop holder. Using one of these keeps it from ruining the shape of the cake pop.

Should cake pops be cold when you dip them?

Avoid cracking by letting your cake balls warm up to room temperature a bit before dipping them in warm candy or chocolate. Once dipped, let your cake pops sit at room temperature for 5 to 7 minutes before placing them in the fridge or freezer so the candy has time to cool.

How do you dip cake pops without them falling off the stick?

Dipping the end of each stick into candy melts and then inserting it into the chilled balls will act as a binding agent. Be sure, to insert the stick about halfway into the cake ball (pushing it in too far can make it poke a hole at the top).

Why are my cake pops cracking after dipping?

Simply, the coating is hot and the cake balls are too cold, the cake ball expands, and now you have cracks.

Why are my cake pops oozing oil?

Using a dense cake that calls for a lot of eggs or oil tends to be wet and this oozes out oil.

How long do you have to refrigerate cake pops before dipping?

Let them firm up in the fridge covered with plastic wrap for at least 30-60 minutes so they can firm up.

How to Store Cake Pops

Place finished cake pops in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Store in the fridge for up to a week. Also covering them with a cake pop wrap is perfect.

Tips when making cake pops?

Crumble the cake into fine crumbs. Use a hand mixer to get even crumbs.
To ensure the cake ball stays secure on the stick, dip about the top 1/2 inch of the stick into the coating first. Then stick into the center of the cake ball.
The best way to allow the coating to dry and set is to place them right-side-up in a large styrofoam block, cake pop holders, or even a box.

“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.” Psalms 33:18-19 NKJV

Wisdom

What a mighty God we serve. He loves us all so much. For He is good and His mercy endures forever. Us who believe in the Most High YAH and His son Jesus have hope. We hope for life after death. We hope in His mercy when we die. Hope when we stand before Him we hear “Well done my good and faithful servant”. He is always watching us. Always protecting us, always defending us.

To deliver us from the evil one, that devil Satan, and our souls from death. He will never leave us, or forsake us. When the world is going through all these terrible plagues, and thousands fall by our side, it shall not come near our dwelling. He will keep us alive in famine for the righteous will never beg bread. He keeps us filled with that bread from heaven. Jesus Christ, and fills us with His Holy Spirit. Fear God and keep His commandments, for that is our whole duty. Hope in Jesus and His mercy on our souls.