How to Make Cake Pops for the Perfect Bite-Size Treat

Katlyn Moncada
·2 min read

Have your cake and frosting in one sweet bite-size treat. A popular addition to your favorite coffee shop menus, cake pops are balls of cake and frosting dipped in creamy melted chocolate or candy melt. Here we'll set you up with everything you need to make cake pops and then show you exactly how to make cake pops. From there, you'll be able to use your new DIY cake pop skills to create delicious and vibrant cake pop variations for any holiday including cheesecake cake pops and a stunning bouquet of cake pop "flowers."

Blaine Moats

Step 1: Make a Cake

At first, cake pop ingredients are no different than baking a regular cake. Prepare your favorite classic cake or simply whip up a cake mix according to package directions. Any suggested pan size will do, as we'll be crumbling it in the next step. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack ($16, Target).

Blaine Moats

Step 2: Crumble Cake and Add the Frosting

Remove cooled cake from pan and crumble into a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of your favorite frosting. We chose a basic butter frosting, but any thick, creamy frosting will work.

Step 3: Mix and Form Cake Pops

With a large spoon or electric mixer ($35, Walmart), stir just until combined. Using a small cookie scoop, roll mix into 1½-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet ($5, Walmart) and freeze for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cake Pop Sticks and Chill

For cake pops, dip one end of each lollipop or cake pop stick into melted candy coating or chocolate and poke cake pop sticks into balls (this helps the balls stay on the sticks). Freeze for 30 to 60 minutes more or until balls are firm.

Karla Conrad

Step 5: Dip and Decorate Cake Pops

Working in batches, dip cake pops into melted candy coating or chocolate. Allow excess to drip off; place cake pops on clean waxed paper-lined trays or baking sheets. Decorate with sprinkles, nuts, candy—whatever you like.

Test Kitchen Tip: Don't feel like cake pops? Omit the stick and make cake truffles (aka cake balls) instead. Using a fork, simply dip the cake balls into the coating, allowing the excess to drip off. Freeze for 30 to 60 minutes more or until the truffles are firm.

Now that you've got our cake pop tips, you can skip that slice of cake and serve up a tray of cake pops at your next gathering. They're bite-size and party-ready. Plus, when you make your own DIY cake pops, there are so many ways to spice them up. Check out our roundup of favorite cake pop recipes including berry cheesecake cake pops, holiday cake pops, and more.