No-Bake Pound Cake Bite

This simple no-bake pound cake bite recipe transforms store-bought pound cake into adorable, festive treats perfect for parties, potlucks, or when you need a quick sweet fix without turning on the oven. I created these when I needed something special for my daughter's school event but was short on time.

I first made these pound cake bites for a neighborhood block party when the temperature outside was too hot to bake. They disappeared faster than any other dessert, and now they're my go to when I need something that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Family Size Sara Lee All Butter Pound Cake: The density of this particular brand holds up well when cutting and dipping
• Vanilla Candiquik candy coating: Creates a smooth shell that sets nicely at room temperature
• Assorted sprinkles: Choose colors that match your party theme or seasonal celebration
• Small round cookie cutter: Approximately 2 inches in diameter works best for creating perfect bite sized portions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Ensure you have enough space for all 20 pound cake bites with room between each one.

Slice The Pound Cake:

Allow the frozen pound cake to thaw just slightly so it's firm but not too hard to cut. Use a serrated knife to create ten even slices about 1 to 1½ inches thick. The cake cuts more cleanly when still partially frozen.

Create The Rounds:

Press the cookie cutter firmly into each slice of pound cake, creating two rounds from each slice. Work quickly while the cake is still slightly firm for cleaner edges. Place each round on your prepared sheet tray.

Melt The Coating:

Follow the package directions for melting the Candiquik in a microwave safe bowl. For best results, melt in 30 second intervals, stirring between each until completely smooth. If using white chocolate chips, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to thin the coating for easier dipping.

Apply The Coating:

Spoon approximately one tablespoon of melted coating over each pound cake round. Use the back of the spoon to gently push the coating over the top and down the sides until the entire piece is covered. Don't worry if the coating pools around the base.

Add Decorations:

While the coating is still wet, sprinkle decorations over the top of each pound cake bite. Work quickly as the coating begins to set within minutes, especially if your kitchen is cool.

Allow To Set:

Let the pound cake bites rest undisturbed until the coating completely hardens, approximately 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature. You can speed this process by placing them in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes.

Clean Up The Edges:

Once fully set, use a sharp knife to carefully trim away any excess coating that pooled around the base of each bite, creating a cleaner, more professional appearance.

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I particularly love using premium sprinkles on these cake bites since they become the star of the show. My family has a tradition of making these with different colored coatings and sprinkles for holidays throughout the year, with red and green for Christmas being everyone's favorite combination.

Storage Suggestions

These pound cake bites keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your home is particularly warm, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. I find arranging them in a single layer with parchment paper between layers prevents any damage to the coating.

Flavor Variations

While the classic vanilla coating is delicious, you can easily customize these pound cake bites by using different flavored coatings. Try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even colored candy melts for themed events. Add a drop of peppermint extract to the coating during Christmas or orange extract for Halloween. You can also fill the center of each cake round with a small amount of jam or lemon curd before coating for a surprise filling.

Serving Ideas

These pound cake bites shine on a dessert table when arranged on a tiered cake stand. For special occasions, insert a decorative toothpick or lollipop stick into each bite before the coating sets to create cake pops. They also make adorable additions to dessert charcuterie boards alongside fresh fruit and other small sweets. I like to serve them alongside coffee or tea for afternoon gatherings.

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The perfect treat when you need something quick, festive, and delicious. These no-bake pound cake bites will become your go-to dessert for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade pound cake instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can substitute homemade pound cake for frozen, as long as it's firm and easy to cut into rounds.

→ What can I use instead of Candiquik candy coating?

You can use white chocolate chips, candy melts, or almond bark as a substitute for Candiquik.

→ How do I prevent the candy coating from pooling around the bites?

You can place the coated bites on a wire rack over parchment to minimize pooling, allowing excess coating to drip off.

→ Can I add flavors to the pound cake bites?

Absolutely! Try adding a layer of jam, peanut butter, or flavored frosting before coating with the candy.

→ How long do these treats take to set?

The candy coating typically sets in about 10-15 minutes at room temperature or faster in the refrigerator.

→ Can I prepare these treats in advance?

Yes, these can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.