Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Cost estimate: $8–12 | Serves: 20

Alright, mama, let’s talk cake pops! These little bites of sugary bliss are perfect for everything from school bake sales to fancy-schmancy birthday parties. And listen, I know what you’re thinking: “Another Pinterest fail waiting to happen?” Nope! This recipe is so simple, even my toddler can “help” (read: make a delightful mess). Get ready to roll up your sleeves and create cake pops that are seriously addictive. I promise, they’ll be gone before you can say, “Who ate all the sprinkles?!” Let’s turn your kitchen into a cake pop factory of fun!

Why You’ll Love These

Trust me, these aren’t your average, dry-as-dust cake pops. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

• Kid-approved: They’re bite-sized and customizable, making them a guaranteed hit with the little ones.
• Budget-friendly: Use a box cake mix (shhh, we won’t tell!) or leftover cake to save some serious dough.
• Beginner-friendly: The instructions are so clear, even a newbie baker can nail it on the first try.
• Perfect for parties: Skip the store-bought sweets and impress your guests with these adorable homemade treats.
• Totally customizable: Mix and match cake flavors, frosting, and decorations to create your own signature cake pops.

Ingredients

Grab these simple ingredients and let’s get this cake pop party started!

• One 9×13-inch baked cake: Use your favorite boxed mix (vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet are all great), or a homemade recipe. Let it cool completely!
• ½ cup frosting: Buttercream or cream cheese frosting works best, either store-bought or homemade.
• 16 ounces candy melts: Choose your favorite colors—white, dark, pink, it’s up to you!
• 20–30 lollipop sticks: Depending on how many cake pops you make, of course.
• Sprinkles: Optional, but highly encouraged! Get creative with colors and shapes.
• 1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Only if needed, to thin the candy coating for easier dipping.

How to Make

Ready to turn that cake into adorable pops of deliciousness? Follow these super-easy steps:

1. 
   

   Bake and Cool the Cake

   
   

   Bake your 9×13-inch cake. You can use a store-bought mix or a homemade recipe. Vanilla, chocolate, or white cake are fantastic options. Let the cake cool completely. A warm cake will make the dough too soggy. Trust me, patience is key here!

   
   
2. 
   

   Crumble the Cake

   
   

   Break the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl. You can do this by hand (therapeutic, right?) or with a stand mixer if you’re feeling fancy. Make sure to remove any hard edges or crusts for the softest, most delectable cake pops.

   
   
3. 
   

   Mix with Frosting

   
   

   Add ¼ cup of frosting to the cake crumbs and mix well. Gradually add more frosting, up to ½ cup, until the mixture holds together like dough. Be careful not to add too much frosting, or your cake pops will be too soft and won’t hold their shape. Nobody wants a cake pop puddle!

   
   

   Tip: Roll a small ball to test the texture. If it holds its shape without cracking, you’re good to go!

   
   
4. 
   

   Shape the Cake Balls

   
   

   Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough. Roll each portion into a 1-inch ball and place on a parchment-lined baking tray. Uniform sizes are important here, folks, for even dipping later. Now, chill the balls in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours or the freezer for 15–20 minutes to firm them up. This step is crucial—don’t skip it!

   
   
5. 
   

   Melt the Candy Coating

   
   

   In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 16 ounces of candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable oil if the coating is too thick. The melted chocolate should be smooth and pourable for easy dipping. Don’t overheat the candy melts! Burnt chocolate is a sad, sad thing.

   
   
6. 
   

   Dip the Cake Pops

   
   

   Push a lollipop stick halfway into each cooled cake ball. Pro tip: Dip the tip of the stick in melted candy coating first. This acts like “glue” and helps the stick stay put. Now, fully dip each ball into the candy melts, gently tapping off any excess coating. Work quickly but carefully to avoid crumbling. It’s a delicate dance, but you can do it!

   
   
7. 
   

   Decorate and Set

   
   

   While the coating is still wet, add your sprinkles or other decorations. Go wild! Place the cake pop upright in a styrofoam block or cardboard box to let the chocolate set. This takes about 30–60 minutes at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating during this step, as it can cause condensation and ruin the finish. Nobody wants sad, sweaty cake pops.

   
   

Tips & Tricks

Want to take your cake pops from “meh” to “magnificent”? These tips are your secret weapon: