Cake Pops are all the rage these days and why not? They’re a delicious and versatile dessert that’s part cake and part candy. I’m not sure there could be anything better unless it’s the fact that you can choose to use both chocolate cake and chocolate candy.

Chocolate…yum. But I digress.

These “lollipop cakes” are easy to make and an ever popular alternative to cupcakes for children’s birthday parties, baby showers and anniversaries. Decorating cake pops is an absolute blast and an activity that’s only limited by your own creativity.

Creative bakers from around the globe have created Star Wars cake pops, Disney cake pops, Superhero cake pops along with seasonal cake pops for every holiday of the year. There’s just no end to the cake pops recipe collection available and decorating cake pops is an opportunity to let your imagination and culinary ambitions run wild.

The best part about cake pops is the reaction of friends and family who will always be impressed and maybe just a little jealous at your baking prowess. No one says you have to tell them how to make cake pops for themselves or just how easy it is.  That can be your little secret.

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How to Make Cake Pops

This cake pops recipe covers making a basic cake pop.  You’ll need the following supplies available at your local supermarket or crafts store:

• 1 box of cake mix
• 16 oz. can of frosting
• 14 oz bag of candy melts
• One bag of lollipop sticks
• 1 tbsp of vegetable oil or shortening (optional)
• Sprinkles
• Foam block (such as used in artificial flower arrangements)

Step 1 – Bake that Cake

Your first step in the process is to bake the cake. Nothing fancy required here, just follow the instructions.

Vanilla and yellow cake are delicious in any cake pops recipe, but feel free to be creative. Strawberry cake pops sound delicious. Chocolate is always a winner. Frankly, I’m not sure you can go wrong.

Once your cake is done, let it cool completely.

 

 

 

 Step 2 – Create Your Cake Pop Filling

The inside of a cake pop is made by combining cake and frosting together to a consistency that’s similar to cookie dough.

Just crumble your cake in a bowl and then add about 8 oz. (half a can) of your desired frosting. Here’s another opportunity to flex your culinary creativity.

The combination of cake mix and frosting is the root of the flavor experience. A dark chocolate cake with fudge frosting makes for deep and sinfully delicious treat.

Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting is a favorite of mine. Perhaps your Thanksgiving cake pops will be made with spice cake and butter cream frosting.

Experiment and have fun. After you’ve added the cake and frosting together, mix it in the bowl until its firm enough to shape into balls.

If the mixture is dry or still crumbling, add a little more frosting a few spoonfuls at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

 

Step 3 – Roll the Cake Balls

Next up, it’s time to form the cake pop filling into small balls about the size of one of those 25 cent gumballs. Keep them on the small side to make it easier to dip in the candy coating without losing. Plus, they’ll be even bigger with the candy coating, so keeping that in mind as your roll the cake balls.

A 1.5 teaspoon ice cream scoop makes a good size ball. For larger, more elaborate character cake pops I might use a 1 tablespoon scoop. No problem with just using your hands to grab some cake pop dough and roll it into a ball without measuring.

TIP: After you’ve mixed the cake pop filling, toss it in the fridge for an hour if you have time. It will be easier to work with if it’s chilled.

As you roll out the balls, place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all the balls are rolled out, toss them back in the refrigerator so you can get your candy coating started.

 

Step 4 – From Cake Ball to Cake Pop

Now it’s time to add the lollipop stick.  The secret here is to get the candy melts heated up first and use the candy as a bonding agent between the cake and the stick.  Dip the lollipop stick in the candy melts about ½”.  Insert that candy-coated end of the stick into the cake ball about ¾” deep.

Voila!  Cake pop!  Give every cake ball its own stick and then place the cake pops back in the fridge so they can set.

TIP: Some candy melts come in microwave packages and other recipes recommend using the microwave to heat up the candy melts. I prefer to use a double-boiler method. I fill my fondue pot with water and then heat up the candy melts in a large measuring cup. It keeps the candy melts at the same consistency throughout the “sticking” and “coating” processes and just makes it easier to work with.

 

Step 5 – Add a Delicious Candy Coating

Once your candy melts are melted and a smooth consistency, you’re ready to start dipping.  Coat the cake ball with the candy by moving it gently spinning the pop at angle.  Move it back and forth until the entire surface is covered.  Hold the pop over the candy coating to let the excess run off.

A thin layer of candy on the outside is preferred and makes them a little easier to eat.  If the candy melts are too thick, you might need to add 1-2 tbsp of vegetable oil or shortening.

TIP: Candy melts are available in just about every color of the rainbow but you may need to special order them. If you need to dye white chocolate candy melts, make sure you use an oil based dye. Regular old food coloring is water-based and won’t mix with the chocolate. Water and oil don’t mix. Trust me, I know. (I truly prefer to use white chocolate when I am making cake pops, which means I color most of my chocolate with the candy colorings, it’s not cost efficient, there is nothing wrong with candy melts, so if you got ‘em, use ‘em.

Step 6 – Decorate Cake Pops

While the outer chocolate shell is still drying, place some sprinkles in a small bowl.  Hold the cake pop by the stick and dip the top 1/3 of the pop into the sprinkles to give it a glimmering, sprinkle halo.  That’s a pretty traditional approach to a cake pop that’s perfect for a baby shower or anniversary party. Simple and elegant.

Of course you can throw on a pair of candy eyes, a red hot nose and sprinkles for hair and you have a cute little character.  Or you can use cake piping or edible pens to draw your own decorations.  On edible pens – look at the ingredients, if it says water, don’t waste your money on them. If you have a #2 tip and a plastic bag, you can use your cake decoration supplies and save some money. Edible pens with water in them will not dry on a cake pop…it will however turn your mouth very amusing colors.

TIP: Decorate under the chocolate…if you want your cake pop to be a specific shape, then turn your “dough” out between parchment sheets and use cookie cutters before you dip. You can also add candy pieces to your ball to add shape (good and fruity make excellent noses) – just an example.

Step 7 – Store and Display

For parties, I like to wrap each cake pop in a clear treat bag and tie with ribbon or twist ties. You can use foam to display the cake pops or place them in a vase, coffee cup or small basket to give as gifts. Again, this is an area where your imagination can be put to excellent use. Keep the cake pops in the fridge until they’re ready to be shared.  Avoid the freezer as it can discolor the candy coating and will make the candy covering crack.

TIP – marbles are excellent weights to help keep the sticks from moving around in the bottom of a vase, pot or mug.

Cake Pops are the New Cup Cakes

If you’re looking to impress your friends and family at your next get-together, you can call upon the power of the cake pop to create an remarkable sugary treat that’s sure to tickle their taste buds and leave them wanting more. And remember, no need to tell them how it’s done. The secret of how to make cake pops should be guarded carefully.