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Cake Pops

Cake Pops Recipe

Cake pops are a fun, customizable dessert made by combining crumbled cake with frosting, shaping it into bite-sized balls, and coating them with chocolate or candy melts. Perfect for parties and gatherings, they’re easy to make and can be decorated to match any theme or occasion. This recipe guides you through baking the cake, forming the pops, inserting sticks, and decorating them with your favorite toppings for a delightful, mess-free treat everyone will love!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, French, Italian
Servings 12 People
Calories 6844 kcal

Equipment

  • Cake Pan(s)
  • Mixing Bowls:
  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
  • Spatula:
  • Cookie Scoop or Spoon
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
  • Baking Sheet or Tray
  • Lollipop Sticks
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl or Double Boiler
  • Foam Block or Styrofoam
  • Decorating Tools (Optional)

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk (any type)
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup (180ml) water or brewed coffee (for chocolate cake, optional)

For the Frosting

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cup (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) milk or cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coating and Decoration

  • 2 cups (350g) candy melts or melting chocolate (white, milk, or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil (to thin the chocolate if needed)
  • Sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorations (as desired)

Instructions
 

  • Bake the Cake:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan. Prepare the cake batter by mixing all dry ingredients in a bowl and gradually adding wet ingredients until smooth. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
  • Crumble and Mix:
    Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl. Add frosting a little at a time, mixing with a spoon or your hands until the mixture holds its shape when pressed. Avoid adding too much frosting to keep the consistency firm.
  • Shape the Cake Pops:
    Scoop portions of the cake mixture using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll each portion into a smooth ball using your hands. Place the cake balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to firm up.
  • Insert the Sticks and Dip:
    Melt the candy melts or chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each. Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it halfway into a cake ball. Once all sticks are inserted, dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let excess coating drip off by gently tapping the stick on the bowl's edge.
  • Decorate and Set:
    Immediately add sprinkles or decorations before the coating hardens. Insert the cake pops into a foam block or stand upright to set. Let the coating harden completely at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.

Notes

  1. Cool the Cake Completely: Ensure the cake is fully cooled before crumbling it. Warm cake will not mix well with frosting and may create a sticky or uneven texture.
  2. Don’t Overdo the Frosting: Add frosting gradually and mix until the cake mixture holds together. Using too much frosting can make the mixture too soft and difficult to shape.
  3. Chill the Cake Balls: Chilling the cake balls before inserting sticks and dipping is essential. This helps them firm up, making them easier to handle and less likely to fall apart during dipping.
  4. Thin the Coating if Needed: If the candy melts or chocolate coating is too thick, add a small amount of vegetable oil to achieve a smooth, dippable consistency.
  5. Work Quickly When Dipping: Dip one cake pop at a time and add decorations immediately, as the coating hardens quickly.
  6. Use a Foam Block for Drying: To keep the cake pops upright while the coating sets, use a foam block or a similar stand. This prevents smudging and ensures an even finish.
  7. Practice Patience: Allow the coating to fully set before serving or packaging the cake pops. Rushing this step can lead to smudged or uneven coatings.
  8. Experiment with Flavors and Decorations: Get creative by experimenting with different cake flavors, frostings, and decorative toppings to customize your cake pops for any occasion.
These tips will help ensure your cake pops turn out perfectly every time!
Keyword Cake Pops Recipe