Cake Pops Recipe
Cake Pops
Delicious, bite-sized treats that combine moist cake with creamy frosting and a chocolate coating. Cake pops are perfect for parties, gifts, or a fun dessert project. Decorate them with sprinkles, drizzles, or colored chocolate for a festive touch.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
-
1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (any flavor)
-
Ingredients called for on cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
For the Frosting:
-
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
-
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
2–3 tbsp milk
For Coating:
-
12 oz (340 g) chocolate or candy melts, for dipping
-
Sprinkles or decorative toppings (optional)
-
20–24 lollipop sticks
Instructions
-
Bake the Cake:
Prepare the cake according to box instructions. Bake, cool completely, and crumble into a large bowl. -
Make Frosting:
Beat butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk together until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed. -
Mix Cake and Frosting:
Combine crumbled cake with frosting, 2–3 tablespoons at a time, until mixture holds together when rolled into a ball. -
Form Cake Balls:
Roll mixture into 1–1.5 inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for at least 1 hour or freeze 15–20 minutes until firm. -
Prepare Coating:
Melt chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. -
Insert Sticks:
Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into melted chocolate, then insert into each cake ball. This helps secure the stick. -
Dip and Decorate:
Dip cake pops into melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Decorate with sprinkles or drizzles while coating is still wet. -
Set Cake Pops:
Place dipped cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand until chocolate sets. -
Serve:
Enjoy as a fun dessert or gift them to friends and family.
Equipment
-
Mixing bowls
-
Electric mixer or hand whisk
-
Baking sheet
-
Parchment paper
-
Microwave-safe bowl
-
Lollipop sticks
-
Styrofoam block or cake pop stand
-
Measuring cups and spoons
Timing
-
Prep Time: 30 minutes
-
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes (for cake)
-
Chill/Set Time: 1 hour
-
Total Time: 2 hours
Serving Size
Makes 20–24 cake pops (serves 10–12)
Cake Pops
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Lollipop sticks
- Styrofoam block or cake pop stand
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 box 15.25 oz cake mix (any flavor)
- Ingredients called for on cake mix box usually eggs, oil, water
- For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 –3 tbsp milk
- For Coating:
- 12 oz 340 g chocolate or candy melts, for dipping
- Sprinkles or decorative toppings optional
- 20 –24 lollipop sticks
Instructions
- Bake the Cake:
- Prepare the cake according to box instructions. Bake, cool completely, and crumble into a large bowl.
- Make Frosting:
- Beat butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk together until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Mix Cake and Frosting:
- Combine crumbled cake with frosting, 2–3 tablespoons at a time, until mixture holds together when rolled into a ball.
- Form Cake Balls:
- Roll mixture into 1–1.5 inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for at least 1 hour or freeze 15–20 minutes until firm.
- Prepare Coating:
- Melt chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Insert Sticks:
- Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into melted chocolate, then insert into each cake ball. This helps secure the stick.
- Dip and Decorate:
- Dip cake pops into melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Decorate with sprinkles or drizzles while coating is still wet.
- Set Cake Pops:
- Place dipped cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand until chocolate sets.
- Serve:
- Enjoy as a fun dessert or gift them to friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make cake pops ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble and decorate them a day or two in advance. Store properly to keep them fresh.
Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?
Absolutely. Any flavor of homemade or store-bought cake works. Just ensure it is fully cooled before crumbling.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients, including frosting and candy melts, are gluten-free.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives and use dairy-free chocolate for coating.
How do I keep the cake pops from falling off the sticks?
Dip the tip of the stick in melted chocolate before inserting into the cake ball. Chill the balls before dipping to make them firmer.
Can I freeze cake pops?
Yes. Freeze uncoated cake pops in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Dip in chocolate after thawing.
Can I use different coatings?
Yes. Try white chocolate, dark chocolate, candy melts, or colored coatings for variety.
How do I make them festive for parties?
Decorate with sprinkles, colored chocolate drizzles, edible glitter, or themed toppers.
Can I make mini cake pops?
Yes. Roll smaller balls and adjust stick size accordingly. Bake or chill as usual.
Can I reheat cake pops?
No need to reheat. Serve at room temperature. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for best taste.
How To Store Cake Pops
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. Keep them upright to prevent damage to the coating.
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Freezer:
Freeze uncoated or coated cake pops in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Tips:
Display cake pops upright in a stand or styrofoam block for an attractive presentation. Decorate just before serving to maintain freshness and appearance.
