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Perfect Cake Pops

A delightful confectionery treat combining moist cake and creamy frosting, these cake pops are enrobed in smooth chocolate and adorned with sprinkles. Ideal for parties or celebrations, they're surprisingly simple once mastered.
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Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours

Ingredients

  • **For the Cake**
  • * 1 box vanilla or white cake mix to yield an 8-inch/20cm cake plus required ingredients as per packaging: typically eggs, oil or butter, and milk
  • * ¼ cup 52g canola oil – *only if using a boxed cake mix*
  • **For the Frosting**
  • * ½ cup 113g unsalted butter, softened
  • * 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • * 1 tsp milk
  • * 1 cup 120g icing sugar (confectioners’/powdered sugar)
  • **Additional Components**
  • * 3½ cups candy/chocolate melts – dark milk, white, or any combination thereof
  • * 40 cake pop sticks
  • * 1 pack decorative sprinkles or other toppings of choice

Instructions

  • **Prepare the Cake**
  • Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the cake mix, incorporating the canola oil if applicable. Bake the cake and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Carefully run a thin knife around the tin’s edge to release, then invert into a large bowl. Break the cake apart by hand into fine crumbs and leave to cool fully.
  • **Make the Frosting**
  • In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, icing sugar, vanilla, and milk. Beat on medium speed for 4 minutes using a hand or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, until the mixture is light and airy.
  • **Combine and Form Cake Balls**
  • Add three-quarters of the frosting to the crumbled cake. Mix gently until just incorporated. Test the texture – if it's firm enough to roll, do not add more frosting; otherwise, incorporate the remainder. Take tablespoon portions and roll into smooth balls, placing them on a lined tray. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes or refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll each ball again for a smoother finish and chill once more – 30 minutes in the freezer or 1 hour 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  • **Dip and Decorate**
  • Melt half the chocolate in a microwave-safe mug using 20-second bursts, stirring in between, or melt via a double boiler. Transfer to a deep cup. Dip the end of a cake pop stick into the chocolate and insert halfway into a cake ball. Repeat for all.
  • Dip each pop into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Gently tap off the excess and swirl to finish. Decorate promptly with sprinkles before the coating sets. Stand upright in a stable holder such as styrofoam or a box with holes.
  • **Repeat and Finish**
  • Continue with remaining cake pops. Monitor the chocolate's consistency – reheat as needed – and maintain the cold temperature of the cake balls. If they begin to soften, briefly return them to the freezer or fridge.
  • Let all cake pops set completely before serving.

Notes

* For best results, use gram measurements when available.
* Maintain a smooth, melted chocolate consistency and chilled cake balls for easier dipping and cleaner results.
Would you like a version with chocolate cake instead of vanilla?