This easy cake pop recipe, inspired by the famous Starbucks recipe, have become a beloved treat at parties, birthdays, and gatherings of all kinds. They’re the perfect bite-sized indulgence, combining the best of both cake and frosting into one neat, flavorful package. Whether you’re hosting a fun celebration or just craving something sweet, cake pops offer a great way to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
I remember the first time I made cake pops, my kitchen was a mess, but the result was so rewarding! These little bites of cake covered in chocolate or candy coating are endlessly customizable, making them a fun treat for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this cake pop recipe will help you make them with ease. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover cake or frosting, minimizing waste while satisfying your sweet tooth.
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step, from baking the perfect cake pop base to decorating them like a pro. Let’s dive in!
Table of contents
Why this Cake Pop Recipe Works
This cake pop recipe is not only foolproof, but it also produces light, moist, and flavorful pops that stay together beautifully. Unlike some recipes that leave your cake pops crumbly or hard, this one ensures the cake is perfectly moist and holds up well when dipped in chocolate. By using a simple cake mix or homemade cake, we’re saving time without sacrificing flavor.
The key to perfect cake pops is the right balance of cake to frosting. Too much frosting can make them soggy, and too little will make them dry. This recipe strikes that balance, giving you the right texture and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth experience. The frosting is also easy to make and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Customization is where this recipe really shines. Whether you want to make them vegan, gluten-free, or even low-sugar, you can easily swap out ingredients to meet your dietary preferences. You can also change up the coatings and fillings—think colorful sprinkles, chocolate drizzles, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Recipe Card
Cake Pop Recipe
15
servings45
minutes30
minutes180
kcalThis cake pop recipe offers a simple way to create moist cake pops with a rich coating, similar to Starbucks cake pops, perfect for parties or gifts.
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Ingredients
1 boxed cake mix, prepared as directed (or 2 cups of homemade cake crumbs)
½ cup frosting (vanilla or chocolate)
1 ½ cups candy melts or white chocolate
Lollipop sticks
Sprinkles or toppings of choice
Directions
- Prepare the Cake: Bake the cake according to package instructions. Allow it to cool completely.
- Make Crumbs: Crumble the cake in a large bowl until it’s fine crumbs.
- Mix with Frosting: Add frosting a spoonful at a time until the mixture is moist enough to hold together but not too sticky.
- Shape and Chill: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball and freeze for about 20 minutes.
- Dip and Decorate: Melt candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip each cake pop in the melted candy, tapping off excess. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
- Set and Serve: Place cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or on a tray to set. Enjoy once the coating has hardened.
Notes
- Cake Variety: Vanilla or chocolate works best, but you can try red velvet or lemon for a twist.
- Frosting Amount: Use just enough to bind the crumbs without making them mushy.
- Set Time: Make sure they’re completely set before serving for the best presentation.
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Tips for the best Cake Pop Recipe
- Thin Coating: Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to the candy melts for a smoother coating.
- Secure Sticks: Dip sticks into melted candy before inserting them into the cake balls to help them stay in place.
- Chill the Cake Balls: After you’ve rolled the cake mixture into balls, make sure to chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the pops set and prevents them from falling apart when you dip them in coating. If you’re short on time, you can also pop them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
- Dip with Precision: When dipping your cake pops into the coating, make sure you only dip about halfway to avoid making a mess. For a smoother finish, you can tap the stick gently on the side of the bowl to remove any excess coating. If you’re using sprinkles or other decorations, sprinkle them immediately after dipping while the coating is still wet.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variants of the Cake Pop Recipe
1. Chocolate Cake Pops
For all the chocolate lovers out there, a rich, moist chocolate cake pop is a must-try. Simply use a chocolate cake mix or make your own chocolate cake from scratch, and pair it with chocolate frosting. To dip, use melted chocolate or dark chocolate candy melts. These pops are decadent and perfect for any celebration, from birthdays to chocolate-themed events.
2. Red Velvet Cake Pops
Red velvet cake pops are a showstopper with their striking color and velvety texture. The slight cocoa flavor paired with cream cheese frosting creates a sweet and tangy treat that’s irresistible. Use cream cheese frosting instead of regular buttercream for that classic red velvet taste. For the dip, you can use white chocolate or red candy melts for an extra pop of color!
3. Lemon Cake Pops
If you’re craving something light and zesty, lemon cake pops are the way to go. A lemon-flavored cake, paired with tangy lemon buttercream, offers a refreshing contrast to the usual sweetness of cake pops. Top them off with a light dusting of lemon zest for a bright and fragrant twist. Lemon cake pops are a fantastic choice for spring or summer parties!
4. Funfetti Cake Pops
For a colorful and festive twist, make funfetti cake pops! Use a vanilla cake mix and add colorful sprinkles to the batter before baking. Once baked, crumble the cake and mix it with a sweet vanilla frosting. Dip these pops in white or rainbow-colored candy melts for an added burst of color. Funfetti cake pops are always a hit at parties, especially for kids!
FAQs
Why are my cake pops falling off the stick?
Make sure to dip the stick in candy melts before inserting it into the cake ball and freeze the cake balls to secure the stick.
Yes, you can use melted chocolate chips with a small amount of coconut oil for a similar coating.
Substitute the cake mix, frosting, and coating with vegan versions, which are widely available.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or just a sweet craving, these cake pops add a fun touch to any occasion. Simple yet versatile, this cake pop recipe brings a taste of homemade warmth with a bakery-style finish. With endless flavors, colors, and decorations to try, each batch can be uniquely yours. Experiment with your favorite sprinkles or even chocolate drizzle for a personal touch. Enjoy the process of making and sharing these adorable treats!
For another fun treat, try our Apple Bread Recipe! It’s perfect for snack time, with warm spices and optional chocolate chips for added sweetness.
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