Step 1: Bake the Cake: Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. Bake in a greased 9x13 inch pan. Allow the cake to cool completely.
Step 2: Crumble the Cake: Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl, ensuring there are no large lumps. A fork or clean hands work best for this process.
Step 3: Mix in the Frosting: Add the frosting to the crumbled cake, starting with 1/2 cup. Mix thoroughly until a dough-like consistency is achieved. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit more frosting, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds its shape when pressed together.
Step 4: Shape the Cake Pops: Roll the cake mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the shaped cake balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Chill the Cake Balls: Place the baking sheet with the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This will help them firm up and prevent them from falling apart during dipping.
Step 6: Melt the Candy Melts: While the cake balls are chilling, melt the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. If the candy melts are too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to thin the consistency.
Step 7: Dip the Cake Pops: Remove the cake balls from the refrigerator. Dip the tip of a cake pop stick into the melted candy and insert it halfway into a cake ball. This helps to secure the cake pop to the stick. Dip each cake pop into the melted candy, ensuring it is fully coated. Gently tap off any excess candy.
Step 8: Decorate the Cake Pops: Immediately decorate the cake pops with sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorations while the candy coating is still wet.
Step 9: Allow to Set: Insert the decorated cake pops into a styrofoam block or place them in a cake pop stand to allow the candy coating to set completely. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
Optional Tips:
- For different flavors, experiment with various cake mix and frosting combinations.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the melted candy for vibrant colors.
- If the candy coating becomes too thick during dipping, reheat it in the microwave for 15-second intervals.
- To prevent the cake pops from cracking, ensure the cake balls are thoroughly chilled before dipping.