Introduction

Cake pops are a fun and tasty treat that combines the softness of cake with a smooth candy coating. These bite-sized delights are perfect for parties, gifts, or a sweet snack any time. This easy DIY recipe helps you create colorful, customizable cake pops at home.

The image shows a group of cake pops arranged on a white plate with a white marbled texture underneath. There are two types of cake pops: one set is coated in smooth pink icing decorated with small white round sprinkles, while the other set is covered in white icing with colorful elongated sprinkles in red, green, blue, purple, orange, and yellow. One cake pop with white icing and colorful sprinkles is opened to show its crumbly, light brown cake inside. Each cake pop is attached to a white stick, and the overall look is bright and fun with a soft, smooth texture on the icing layers contrasting the rough cake inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

15.25 oz box cake mix (white cake mix recommended)
Ingredients listed on the back of the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
1/2 cup frosting (homemade or store bought, white frosting preferred)
12 oz candy melts (any color)
Lollipop sticks
Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and spray a 9×13 inch pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs following the box instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake according to the time recommended on the box.
Step 3: Once the cake comes out of the oven, carefully transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add ½ cup frosting and beat on low speed with an electric mixer until the mixture forms a dough-like texture.
Step 4: Use a tablespoon-sized scoop to form balls from the dough. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 2 hours. Refrigerating helps the cake balls stay firm for dipping and prevents the coating from cracking.
Step 5: After chilling, roll the cake balls again to smooth them out if needed. Keep them cold in the fridge while you melt the candy melts.
Step 6: Melt the candy melts in a microwave-safe 2-cup measuring cup. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
Step 7: Dip each lollipop stick about ½ inch into the melted candy, then insert it into the center of a cake ball halfway through. Dip the cake ball into the candy coating until fully covered, ensuring the coating covers the base where the stick meets the cake ball. Tap off excess coating and add sprinkles if desired. Place the cake pop upright in styrofoam or a box to set. Repeat, working with only a few cake balls at a time and keeping them cold during the process.

Tips & Variations

Use store-bought frosting for convenience or homemade frosting for a personalized flavor.
Choose candy melts in colors that match your occasion or theme for a festive touch.
Do not freeze cake balls before dipping to avoid cracking the coating.
Try rolling cake balls in crushed nuts or coconut flakes instead of sprinkles for a different texture.

Storage

Store finished cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. Avoid freezing finished cake pops to maintain coating quality.

How to Serve

The image shows a group of cake pops on white sticks arranged on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. Each cake pop has two main shell colors: some are coated with smooth white icing decorated with colorful, small round and long sprinkles in red, blue, yellow, green, orange, pink, and purple; others are coated with soft pink icing topped with small white round sprinkles. One cake pop is bitten, revealing a dense, soft golden cake inside. The cake pops have a glossy appearance, and the white sticks extend outward in various directions. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cake flavors?

Absolutely! Any boxed or homemade cake flavor works well. Just adjust your frosting and candy melt colors to complement the cake.

How do I keep the cake pops from falling off the sticks?

Make sure the cake balls are well chilled before dipping, and dip the sticks in melted candy first before inserting into the cake ball. This acts as glue and helps secure them.