Easy to make and fun to decorate, cake pops make great edible gifts or party favors. They’re a cinch to customize with your favorite flavors and colors and are perfect for those moments when you just need a little taste of something sweet!
You can make cake pops with your favorite homemade cake recipe; however, there’s no shame in using a boxed cake mix here. Boxed cake mixtures produce a moist cake crumb that’s perfect for cake pops. You can also add in your favorite mix-ins to make it feel a little more “homemade” (we suggest mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for a confetti look).
So roll up those sleeves…let’s get poppin’!
Cake Pops Tips and Troubleshooting
How Far in Advance Can You Make Cake Pops?
Your mixture can be prepared a couple days in advance and kept in the fridge until ready to use. You can even form the cake balls a day ahead and let them chill in the fridge for easier dipping.
If you want to prep your cake balls and freeze them, store them in a large freezer bag and keep in the freezer for up to 6 weeks. Let your cake balls come to room temperature before dipping.
Why Are My Cake Pops Cracking?
If your candy shell is cracking, it’s mostly due to an extreme change in temperature (cold cake balls being dipped into hot candy). This can also happen with hot candy or chocolate being put into a cold refrigerator or freezer.
To avoid cracking, let your cake balls warm up to room temperature a bit before dipping in warm candy or chocolate. Once dipped, let your cake pops sit at room temperature for 5 to 7 minutes before placing in the fridge or freezer so the candy has time to cool.
Getting a Smooth Finish
To get that nice, smooth finish, try rolling your cake ball again to smooth out the sides before inserting the stick. We also suggest using EZ Thin to thin out your candy, making it the perfect consistency for dipping and dunking.
Why Do My Cake Pops Fall Off the Stick?
If your cake balls are falling off your treat stick, they could be too heavy due to size or adding too much frosting.
To help ensure your cake balls stay, be sure to dip the stick in melted candy before inserting it into the cake ball. This hardened candy coating acts as a glue to hold the stick in place.
If you think you’ve added too much frosting, add a little more cake to help even out the texture.
The Frosting to Cake Ratio
When it comes to adding frosting to your cake, you want just enough to moisten it. This is especially important to keep in mind if you’re using a boxed cake mix, which is already pretty moist. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
How to Store Cake Pops
Dipped cake pops decorated with Candy Melts candy can be stored at room temperature for a week. If you used melted chocolate or white chocolate to dip or decorate your cake pops, store them in the fridge so the chocolate doesn’t melt.
Can You Freeze Cake Pops?
Simply place your cake pops in a large reusable freezer bag. Cake pops will last in the freezer for up to 6 weeks.
Have Fun Experimenting with Flavor!
Not a fan of buttercream frosting? Try using cream cheese frosting instead! Cream cheese frosting is great for red velvet cake pops, or can be used with your favorite dark chocolate cake mix.
Easy Cake Pop Ideas & Recipes
Busy Bee Donut Pops
If you’re busy as a bee and don’t have time to make cake pops for your party – use store-bought donut holes instead! These adorable Busy Bee Donut Pops are great for baby showers or birthdays and all you need to do is dip and decorate.
School Spirit Cake Pops
Show off your pride with these Team Spirit Cake Pops. Made using two colors of cake and candy, these treats are great for any sport or school event!
Sprinkled Succulent Cake Pops
Grow your own edible garden with these cute Succulent Cake Pops.
Blue Marbled Cake Pops
A little swirl of blue makes these Marbled Cake Pops, well, pop!
What are some of your favorite cake pops that you’ve made? Share a picture of them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and tag us @wiltoncakes.
