Cake Pops

Cake pops are fun, bite-sized treats that make any occasion feel special. People love them because they’re portable, colorful, and perfect for parties or cozy evenings at home. On a busy night, I often start by crumbling leftover cake while melting chocolate for coating, making the process easy and stress-free. These little treats are not just delicious—they’re a playful way to enjoy dessert, whether you’re serving family after dinner, packing a sweet snack for lunchboxes, or creating a charming centerpiece for a celebration.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This cake pops recipe is simple, flexible, and visually delightful. They’re quick to assemble, letting you use leftover cake or bake fresh, and they freeze beautifully, making them ideal for make-ahead treats. You can customize flavors, coatings, and decorations for a crowd-pleasing result. Cozy, budget-friendly, and creative, these cake pops are perfect for Pinterest-worthy presentations and casual indulgence alike. Their bite-sized form makes them easy to serve, easy to eat, and enjoyable for both kids and adults, ensuring a sweet treat everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use a dense, moist cake for the best texture that holds together.

  • 2 cups crumbled baked cake (any flavor)
  • 1/2 cup frosting (matching or complementary flavor)
  • 12 oz chocolate or candy melts
  • 2 tsp vegetable oil (optional, for thinning chocolate)
  • Sprinkles, nuts, or decorative toppings
  • 12–15 lollipop sticks
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Crumble the cake into fine pieces in a large bowl. Add frosting and mix gently until the mixture holds together but is still soft. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to place cake balls.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Roll the mixture into 1–1.5 inch balls using your hands. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Melt chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Add a teaspoon or two of oil if needed for a thinner coating. Prepare decorations on a separate plate.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Immediately add sprinkles or toppings while the coating is wet. Place on parchment paper and allow chocolate to set completely before serving.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Cake pops are perfect for busy schedules because you can make them ahead and freeze them. Preparing in batches saves time, and having them on hand means you always have a sweet treat ready to serve. They’re easy to transport, portion, and enjoy, making them a stress-free option for quick desserts or spontaneous gatherings.

Tips & Tricks

  • Cake texture: Use a slightly dense cake; too light or airy cake can crumble when forming balls.
  • Chocolate coating: Melt slowly and stir frequently to prevent burning; thin with a small amount of oil if necessary.
  • Decoration timing: Add sprinkles immediately after dipping, before chocolate sets, to ensure they stick.
  • Chilling: Don’t skip the fridge step; firming cake balls prevents cracking while dipping.

Variations

  • Chocolate lover: Use chocolate cake with chocolate ganache coating for an extra rich treat.
  • Fruit twist: Fold small dried fruit pieces into the cake mixture for added flavor and texture.
  • Flavor swap: Experiment with different frosting flavors, like cream cheese, peanut butter, or caramel.
  • Themed pops: Add colored candy melts or edible glitter for festive occasions or seasonal designs.

Serving Suggestions

  • Party platter: Arrange pops upright in a decorated container or jar for an eye-catching display.
  • Family snack: Serve on a plate for after-dinner fun or as a mid-afternoon treat.
  • Gift idea: Wrap individually in clear cellophane with ribbons for a homemade gift.
  • Pinterest-style presentation: Place pops on a white or pastel backdrop, highlighting colors and textures for photos.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days; chocolate coating prevents drying.
  • Reheating: Not necessary; serve cold or at room temperature for optimal texture.
  • Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Make-ahead tips: Prepare cake balls a day in advance; store uncoated balls in the fridge and dip in chocolate later.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes (using leftover or pre-baked cake)
  • Rest Time: 30 minutes (chilling cake balls)
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 180–220 per cake pop
Protein: 2–3g
Key nutrients: Carbohydrates, Calcium (from frosting and chocolate)
Values may vary based on cake, frosting, and chocolate type.

FAQs

Yes, cake balls can be formed and stored in the fridge or freezer before dipping.

Not chilling cake balls before dipping can cause cracks in chocolate coating.

Use any frosting or cake flavor; chocolate coating can be swapped with white or colored candy melts.

If cake balls crumble, add a bit more frosting to help bind the mixture.

Keep away from heat to prevent melting or condensation on the chocolate.

Conclusion

Cake pops are a playful, bite-sized dessert that’s perfect for family treats, parties, or cozy nights at home. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless customization options, they’re a fun way to enjoy homemade sweets. Whether decorated for an event or made for everyday indulgence, cake pops bring color, flavor, and joy to any table.

Cake Pops
Print

Cake Pops

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Cake Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

220

kcal

Cake pops are fun, bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties, family snacks, or cozy evenings at home. With a soft cake center coated in smooth chocolate and decorated with sprinkles or toppings, they’re easy to make, visually appealing, and enjoyable for both kids and adults.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups crumbled baked cake (any flavor)

  • 1/2 cup frosting (matching or complementary flavor)

  • 12 oz chocolate or candy melts

  • 2 tsp vegetable oil (optional, for thinning chocolate)

  • Sprinkles, nuts, or decorative toppings

  • 12–15 lollipop sticks

Directions

  • Preparation: Crumble the cake into a bowl and mix with frosting until it holds together. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Main Cooking Process: Roll mixture into 1–1.5 inch balls. Insert lollipop sticks and chill for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
  • Combining Ingredients: Melt chocolate or candy melts until smooth. Add a teaspoon of oil if needed. Prepare decorations on a separate plate.
  • Finishing: Dip chilled cake balls in chocolate, letting excess drip off. Add sprinkles or toppings immediately. Let chocolate set completely before serving.

Notes

  • Storage:
    Fridge: Airtight container up to 5 days.
    Reheating: Serve cold or room temperature.
    Freezing: Up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
    Make-ahead: Prepare cake balls in advance; dip later.

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