Amazing Easy Homemade Cake Pops
Amazing Easy Homemade Cake Pops
Introduction
Welcome to the wonderful world of homemade treats! These Amazing Easy Homemade Cake Pops are not just delicious, they're a delightful experience to create and share. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because, these bite-sized wonders are incredibly moist, perfectly sweet, and so much fun to decorate. Say goodbye to store-bought and hello to the joy of making your own custom cake pops!
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (any flavor), plus ingredients to prepare cake as per box directions (eggs, oil, water)
- 1 can (16 oz) prepared vanilla or cream cheese frosting
- 1-2 lbs candy melts (your preferred colors)
- 50-60 lollipop sticks (4-inch)
- Assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorative candies (optional)
- Paramount crystals or a tablespoon of shortening (optional, for thinning candy melts)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bake and Cool the Cake
Prepare and bake the cake mix according to the package directions in a 9x13 inch pan. Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for the cake pops' texture. - Step 2: Crumble the Cake
Once fully cooled, crumble the entire cake into a large mixing bowl. Make sure there are no large lumps; it should resemble fine crumbs. - Step 3: Add Frosting and Mix
Add about 3/4 of the can of frosting to the crumbled cake. Using your hands (or a sturdy spoon), mix the frosting into the cake crumbs until well combined. The mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape when pressed together, but not sticky or greasy. If it's too dry, add a little more frosting, one tablespoon at a time. - Step 4: Roll the Cake Balls
Scoop out portions of the cake mixture (about 1.5 tablespoons or 1 ounce) and roll them into smooth, compact balls. Place the rolled cake balls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used. - Step 5: Chill the Cake Balls
Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling helps them firm up, preventing them from falling apart during dipping. - Step 6: Melt the Candy Melts
Melt the candy melts according to package directions. This is typically done in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth. If the candy melts are too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon of paramount crystals or shortening at a time until the desired dipping consistency is reached. - Step 7: Dip the Sticks
Take the chilled cake balls out of the refrigerator. Dip the tip of a lollipop stick about 1/2 inch into the melted candy, then immediately insert the candy-coated end into the center of a cake ball, pushing it about halfway through. This acts as "glue" for the stick. - Step 8: Dip the Cake Pops
Working with one cake pop at a time, fully immerse the cake ball into the melted candy. Gently tap the stick against the edge of the bowl to allow excess coating to drip off. Rotate the pop slowly to ensure an even, smooth finish. - Step 9: Decorate and Set
Immediately after dipping, while the candy coating is still wet, decorate with sprinkles or other toppings. Stand the cake pop upright in a foam block or a piece of Styrofoam to allow the candy coating to set completely. Repeat with the remaining cake pops. - Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Once the candy coating is firm, your amazing cake pops are ready to be served!
Pro Tips & Notes
- The Chill Factor: Don't skip chilling the cake balls! It's crucial for preventing them from crumbling or sliding off the sticks when dipped.
- Thinning Candy Melts: If your candy melts are too thick for a smooth coating, add a little paramount crystals or shortening (not water or oil!) to thin them. Start with a small amount and add more gradually.
- Tapping Technique: After dipping, gently tap the stick against the side of the bowl. This helps remove excess coating, preventing drips and creating a smoother finish.
- Temperature Control: Keep your melted candy melts at a consistent, warm temperature. If they start to thicken, reheat gently.
- Storage: Store finished cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why are my cake pops cracking after dipping? A: Cracking often occurs due to a sudden temperature change (very cold cake balls dipped into very warm candy melts), or if the candy coating is too thick. Ensure cake balls are chilled but not frozen, and candy melts are warm but not scorching hot, and thinned to the right consistency.
- Q: Can I make the cake balls ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare and roll the cake balls up to 3-4 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Dip them when you're ready to decorate.
- Q: How do I get a perfectly smooth coating? A: Ensure your candy melts are thinned properly (using paramount crystals or shortening, not water). Dip quickly and smoothly, tapping off excess, and avoid over-handling the pop once dipped.
- Q: What if my cake balls are too crumbly to roll? A: This means you need more frosting. Add it one tablespoon at a time until the mixture is moist enough to form a compact ball without crumbling.