How to Make Birthday Cake Pops at Home
Learn how to make birthday cake pops at home with this easy recipe. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or a fun treat!
Equipment
- Mixing bowls For combining cake crumbs and frosting.
- Baking sheet To chill the cake balls.
- Parchment paper Prevents sticking during preparation.
- Microwave-safe bowls For melting candy.
- Styrofoam block or cake pop stand To let the cake pops dry after dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 box Boxed cake mix (any flavor) Follow package instructions to bake.
- 1/2 cup Frosting (store-bought or homemade) Pick a flavor that complements the cake.
- 12 oz Candy melts or chocolate chips Choose colors to match your party theme.
- 20–25 sticks Lollipop sticks
- As desired Sprinkles or edible decorations
Instructions
- Step 1: Bake the CakeStart by baking the cake according to the instructions on the boxed mix. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely. This step is crucial because warm cake will not hold its shape when mixed with frosting.
- Step 2: Crumble the Cake and Add FrostingIn a large bowl, crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a fork. Add frosting a spoonful at a time, mixing until the texture becomes moldable. The mixture should hold together without being overly sticky.
- Step 3: Shape the Cake BallsRoll the cake mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes.
- Step 4: Insert the SticksMelt a bit of candy melts and dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy to help secure it. Insert the coated end into a cake ball, about halfway through. This helps secure the stick to the cake. Return the pops to the fridge to let the candy set.
- Step 5: Dip and DecorateMelt the remaining candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds to avoid overheating. Dip each cake pop into the melted candy, making sure it is completely coated. Gently tap off the excess coating and immediately sprinkle decorations while the coating is still wet.
- Step 6: Let Them SetInsert the cake pops into a Styrofoam block or cake pop stand to dry completely. Once the candy shell hardens, your cake pops are ready to serve or package.