If you’re searching for a showstopping treat that perfectly balances sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy in one charming little bite, Lemon Meringue Cake Pops absolutely take the cake! These pops deliver all the sunny flavor of a classic lemon meringue pie, but in a portable, irresistible package. With tender lemon cake, pockets of tangy lemon curd, a luscious cream cheese frosting, and a cloud of toasted meringue on top, you can expect each pop to be a symphony of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making them for a party, a special gift, or just to brighten your own day, these are pure lemony joy on a stick.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Lemon Meringue Cake Pops may be short, but each one plays a crucial role in creating these delightful treats. From baking the perfect base to adding pops of brightness and crunch, here’s what you’ll need and why.
- Lemon cake mix: Gives you that zesty, sunny cake base with minimal effort, ensuring every bite is fluffy and flavorful.
- Lemon curd: Brings a punchy, tangy brightness that ties the whole pop together like the best slice of lemon meringue pie.
- Cream cheese frosting: Adds moisture, creaminess, and a pleasantly tangy note that complements the lemon beautifully.
- White chocolate or candy melts: Forms the decadent, snappy outer shell that makes cake pops so irresistible and selfie-worthy.
- Graham cracker crumbs: A crunchy, buttery nod to classic pie crust, for just the right textural contrast.
- Egg whites: Whipped into billowy peaks, they deliver that signature meringue crown.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the meringue and helps it achieve ultimate glossy, marshmallowy peaks.
- Cream of tartar: This tiny amount stabilizes the egg whites so your meringue is cloud-like and never weeps.
- Vanilla extract: Adds those subtle fragrant notes that make your meringue pop.
- Lollipop sticks: The essential finishing touch to transform cake into adorable pops, making them party- and kid-friendly.
How to Make Lemon Meringue Cake Pops
Step 1: Bake the Lemon Cake
Begin by preparing your lemon cake mix according to the package directions—and don’t be afraid to dance while you do it! The scent of baking lemon cake is a treat itself. Let the cake cool completely before moving on, as this will help the crumbling process and prevent mushy pops later.
Step 2: Crumble the Cake
Once your cake is cool, crumble it into a large mixing bowl using your hands or a fork. You’re aiming for fine, sandy crumbs—the perfect texture for binding with frosting and curd. This step sets the foundation, so take your time getting rid of any big lumps.
Step 3: Mix in Lemon Curd and Frosting
Add in the lemon curd and cream cheese frosting. Now comes the fun part: mixing! Use a spatula or your hands to really blend everything together until the mixture holds together when pressed. The result is a plush, creamy blend that’s tangy, sweet, and heavenly. Test a small scoop—if it rolls easily without falling apart, you’re there!
Step 4: Shape & Chill the Pops
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Now, gently insert a lollipop stick into each sphere. The chilling step is a must—pop the tray in your freezer for at least 30–60 minutes until the balls are firm. This helps them hold up during dipping, so don’t skip it!
Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Melt the white chocolate or candy melts according to package instructions. Working one at a time, dip each chilled cake pop into the chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Let the excess drip off, then immediately sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs for that lovely crunch. Place your decorated pops back on the tray to set up—you’re almost done!
Step 6: Make the Meringue
While your pops set, whip up the meringue. In a spotlessly clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, beating on high until stiff, glossy peaks appear. Beat in the vanilla for the finishing touch. Your meringue should look like satin clouds.
Step 7: Top & Torch the Pops
Spoon or pipe a luscious swirl of meringue onto each cake pop. This is your showpiece moment! For that dramatic, golden finish, use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the meringue until gorgeously golden and toasty—think marshmallow campfire vibes, but lemony and elegant. Let cool—and done! Your Lemon Meringue Cake Pops are ready to shine.
How to Serve Lemon Meringue Cake Pops
Garnishes
Bring even more flair to your Lemon Meringue Cake Pops with optional toppings like a sprinkle of lemon zest, a tiny edible flower, or a glimmer of edible gold dust. Not only do these additions make your pops look extra-special, but they also add little hints of extra flavor and color that really pop on a dessert table.
Side Dishes
If you want to build a whole dessert spread around these pops, think about pairing them with light, fruity options. A bowl of fresh berries, tangy lemon sorbet, or a sparkling elderflower lemonade will keep the vibe refreshing and bright without overshadowing your main event. These little bites really do shine when surrounded by equally charming, citrusy treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your Lemon Meringue Cake Pops upright in a block of florist foam or a pretty cake stand, or cluster them in mason jars filled with lemon candies for a whimsical centerpiece. For a picnic, individually wrap each pop in cellophane and fasten it with a yellow ribbon for grab-and-go gifting that absolutely everyone will adore!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Lemon Meringue Cake Pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist, flavorful, and picture-perfect for up to three days. Be careful not to stack them on top of each other to prevent the delicate meringue from getting squished.
Freezing
You can freeze the undecorated pops (without chocolate and meringue) for up to two months! Layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge and decorate as usual. Freezing after the pops are dipped and topped isn’t recommended, as the meringue loses its lovely texture and the chocolate coating may crack.
Reheating
While you won’t need to reheat Lemon Meringue Cake Pops, you can bring them to room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before serving to soften the cake and intensify the flavors. Avoid microwaving, as this will melt the chocolate coating and ruin the meringue’s delicate structure.
FAQs
Can I use homemade lemon cake and lemon curd?
Definitely, both homemade lemon cake and lemon curd will elevate your Lemon Meringue Cake Pops even more! Just make sure the cake is completely cooled and that the curd isn’t so runny it makes the mixture hard to handle.
What’s the best way to get a smooth, glossy meringue?
Use spotlessly clean beaters and bowl, add the sugar gradually, and beat until the meringue is stiff and glossy. Cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites, so don’t skip it. And always add the vanilla last for best volume.
Can I make these cake pops without a kitchen torch?
Yes! If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can skip toasting and serve the meringue as is. It’ll still be delicious and pretty, though that golden touch does give it extra appeal.
How do I prevent the cake pops from falling off the stick?
Make sure the cake pop mixture is chilled and firm before dipping, and don’t make the balls too large. You can also dip the stick in a little melted chocolate before inserting it, which acts as glue and keeps everything in place.
Can I make Lemon Meringue Cake Pops in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Prep the cake pops up to the dipping stage and store in the fridge (or freeze them, undecorated) days ahead. Add the chocolate coating and meringue crown a few hours before serving for ultimate freshness and wow factor.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re out to impress guests, treat your family, or just bring a burst of sunshine to your week, Lemon Meringue Cake Pops are guaranteed to spark joy! Each bite is vibrant, playful, and packed with bright lemon flavor. Give them a try—you may just find a new favorite dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
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Lemon Meringue Cake Pops Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 cake pops 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy lemon, creamy meringue, and sweet cake with these irresistible Lemon Meringue Cake Pops. Perfect for parties or a fun dessert treat!
Ingredients
Lemon Cake Balls:
- 1 box lemon cake mix (plus ingredients to prepare)
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting
Coating and Meringue:
- 12 oz white chocolate or candy melts
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Lollipop sticks
Instructions
- Bake the Lemon Cake: Prepare and bake the lemon cake according to package directions. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare Cake Mixture: Crumble the cake into fine crumbs in a bowl. Mix in lemon curd and cream cheese frosting until well combined.
- Form Cake Balls: Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Insert lollipop sticks and freeze until firm.
- Coat Cake Balls: Melt white chocolate or candy melts. Dip each cake pop, tap off excess, sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, and let set on parchment paper.
- Make Meringue Topping: Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Top Cake Pops: Pipe meringue onto each cake pop and toast lightly with a kitchen torch.
Notes
- Store cake pops in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Enhance flavor by adding lemon zest to the cake crumb mixture.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake pop
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg