Cake Pop Recipe with Box Cake: The Easiest & Most Delicious Way!

Cake pops! Those adorable, bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties, holidays, or just a little something sweet. They look impressive, but the truth is, making them at home can be surprisingly simple, especially when you leverage the convenience of a box cake mix. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen – this recipe will guide you through creating perfect, irresistible cake pops using a box cake, saving you time and effort without sacrificing taste. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these easy-to-make and delightful treats!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is designed for simplicity and success, even for beginner bakers. Here’s why it’s so effective:

• Box Cake Simplicity: We start with a box cake mix, eliminating the need to measure out numerous dry ingredients. This dramatically reduces prep time and potential for errors.
• Foolproof Frosting Ratio: The key to perfect cake pop consistency is the right ratio of cake to frosting. We provide a tried-and-true ratio that ensures your cake pops are moist, hold their shape, and aren’t overly sweet.
• Easy Dipping Technique: We break down the dipping process into manageable steps, offering tips to prevent cracking and ensure a smooth, even coating.
• Customizable Flavors: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt the flavors of the cake, frosting, and candy coating to create endless variations.
• Minimal Equipment: You don’t need fancy equipment to make these cake pops. Just a few basic kitchen tools are all you need.

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 oz) Cake Mix: Any flavor you like! Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, funfetti – the possibilities are endless. Be sure to grab any additional ingredients the box cake mix calls for (usually eggs, oil, and water).
• 1 can (12-16 oz) Frosting: Choose a frosting flavor that complements your cake. Cream cheese frosting with red velvet cake, vanilla frosting with chocolate cake, or even a funfetti frosting with funfetti cake are all great options.
• Candy Melts or Chocolate: About 12-16 ounces, depending on how many cake pops you’re making. Candy melts are specifically designed for dipping and come in a wide variety of colors. Chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) can also be used, but you may need to add a tablespoon of shortening or coconut oil to help them melt smoothly.
• Lollipop Sticks: 4-inch or 6-inch lollipop sticks work well. You’ll need one for each cake pop.
• Sprinkles or Decorations (Optional): Get creative! Sprinkles, edible glitter, mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or anything else you like to decorate your cake pops.
• Vegetable Shortening or Coconut Oil (Optional): If using chocolate chips instead of candy melts, adding a tablespoon of shortening or coconut oil will help the chocolate melt smoothly and prevent it from seizing.

Instructions

1. Bake the Cake: Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. Bake in a 9×13 inch pan or as directed on the box. Let the cake cool completely. This is crucial! Trying to crumble warm cake will result in a sticky mess.
2. Crumble the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, crumble it into a large bowl. You can use your hands or a fork. The cake should be finely crumbled with no large chunks remaining.
3. Add the Frosting: Add the frosting to the crumbled cake. Start with about ¾ of the can and mix well with your hands or a spatula. The mixture should be moist and hold its shape when squeezed, but not overly sticky. Add more frosting, a little at a time, if needed.
4. Roll into Balls: Roll the cake mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This will prevent them from sticking.
5. Chill the Cake Balls: Place the baking sheet with the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even better, in the freezer for 15 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to dip.
6. Melt the Candy Melts or Chocolate: Melt the candy melts or chocolate according to the package directions. If using chocolate chips, add a tablespoon of shortening or coconut oil to help them melt smoothly. Stir frequently to prevent burning. You can melt them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or in a double boiler.
7. Prepare the Lollipop Sticks: Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted candy or chocolate and insert it about halfway into a chilled cake ball. This helps secure the stick and prevents the cake pop from falling off.
8. Dip the Cake Pops: Hold the cake pop by the stick and dip it into the melted candy or chocolate, coating it completely. Gently tap off any excess coating.
9. Decorate (Optional): Immediately sprinkle the cake pop with sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorations before the coating sets.
10. Let Set: Place the decorated cake pops in a styrofoam block or on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set completely. You can speed up the setting process by placing them in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overbake the Cake: Overbaked cake will be dry and crumbly, making it difficult to form into balls.
• Chill the Cake Balls Thoroughly: This is essential for preventing the cake pops from falling off the sticks during dipping.
• Melt the Candy Melts or Chocolate Carefully: Avoid overheating, which can cause the candy melts or chocolate to seize up. Stir frequently and melt in short intervals.
• Thin the Coating (If Necessary): If the melted candy melts or chocolate is too thick, add a small amount of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to thin it out.
• Tap Off Excess Coating: Tapping off the excess coating will prevent drips and create a smoother finish.
• Use a Styrofoam Block: A styrofoam block is ideal for holding the cake pops upright while they set. If you don’t have one, you can use a cardboard box with holes punched in it.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first few cake pops aren’t perfect. With a little practice, you’ll be making beautiful and delicious cake pops in no time!
• Consider using a double boiler if you are new to melting chocolate. This will help prevent burning.

Storage Instructions

Store cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To prevent them from sticking together, wrap each cake pop individually in plastic wrap before freezing.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix?

A: Absolutely! Any cake mix will work, just be sure to follow the package directions for baking.

Q: Can I use homemade frosting?

A: Yes, homemade frosting will work just as well. Just make sure it’s a relatively firm frosting, not too runny.

Q: My cake pops are falling off the sticks. What am I doing wrong?

A: This is usually caused by the cake balls not being chilled enough or the candy melts/chocolate not being thick enough. Make sure the cake balls are thoroughly chilled and that you’ve dipped the tip of the lollipop stick into the melted coating before inserting it into the cake ball.

Q: My candy melts/chocolate is seizing up. What can I do?

A: This is usually caused by overheating or getting water into the melted coating. Try adding a small amount of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to help smooth it out. Be very careful not to get any water into the mixture.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes, cake pops can be made a day or two ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a simple, straightforward recipe for creating delicious and impressive cake pops using a box cake mix. With a little practice and creativity, you’ll be whipping up these delightful treats for every occasion. Enjoy the process, experiment with different flavors and decorations, and have fun creating these adorable and irresistible cake pops!