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cake pops using cake mix

Easy Cake Pops Using Cake Mix A Simple Recipe

Cake pops using cake mix: Transform simple ingredients into delightful bite-sized treats. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a sweet, fun baking project.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Baking, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cake pops
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls (various sizes)
  • 9x13 inch Baking Pan
  • Electric Mixer or Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment Paper
  • Cake Pop Sticks
  • Microwave-Safe Bowls
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Styrofoam Block or Cake Pop Stand

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (vanilla, chocolate, or flavor of choice), plus ingredients called for on the box
  • 1/2 cup frosting (vanilla, chocolate, or complimentary flavor to the cake mix)
  • 12 oz candy melts (chocolate, vanilla, or color of choice)
  • Vegetable shortening or coconut oil (1 tablespoon, optional, for thinning candy melts)
  • 24 cake pop sticks
  • Sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorations of choice
  • Styrofoam block or cake pop stand

Instructions
 

  • 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.

Notes

Variations

  • Ingredient Swaps: Different cake mix flavors (e.g., spice cake, carrot cake) can be used. Frosting flavors can be paired to complement the cake (e.g., cream cheese frosting with red velvet cake). White chocolate, dark chocolate, or flavored candy melts can replace the standard coating. Extracts such as almond, peppermint, or lemon can be added to the cake batter or melted coating for enhanced flavor.
  • Regional Twists: Adding spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a Mexican-inspired cake pop. Incorporating matcha powder into the cake batter and coating for a Japanese-inspired version. Using local honey in the cake batter for a regionally distinct flavor.
  • Dietary Adjustments: Gluten-free cake mix and frosting can be used to create gluten-free cake pops. Vegan cake mix, frosting, and chocolate alternatives can be employed for a vegan version. Sugar-free cake mix and sugar-free candy melts can be used for a lower-sugar option. Nut butters can be incorporated for added flavor and healthy fats, but caution must be exercised due to potential allergies.

Serving Suggestions

Cake pops are exceptionally versatile and suitable for various occasions. They can be served as a dessert at parties, packaged as gifts for holidays or birthdays, or offered as a sweet treat at bake sales. Cake pops pair well with beverages such as coffee, tea, or milk. For a more sophisticated presentation, they can be arranged on tiered stands or displayed in decorative containers. Serving cake pops at room temperature ensures optimal texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

To preserve freshness, cake pops should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can typically be stored for up to 3-4 days. Refrigeration is not recommended, as it can cause the coating to sweat and the cake to dry out. For longer storage, cake pops can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature for several hours before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Question 1: Can I make cake pops without cake pop sticks? Answer: While cake pop sticks are ideal, skewers or even sturdy toothpicks can be used as substitutes. However, the presentation may be slightly different.
  • Question 2: Why is my candy coating cracking? Answer: Cracking often occurs when the cake balls are too cold or the candy coating is too thick. Ensure the cake balls are chilled, not frozen, and thin the candy coating with a small amount of vegetable shortening.
  • Question 3: How do I prevent the cake pops from falling off the sticks? Answer: Dipping the stick into the melted candy before inserting it into the cake ball creates a secure bond. Chilling the cake balls also helps them adhere to the sticks.
  • Question 4: Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix? Answer: Yes, using a homemade cake is possible. Ensure the cake is dense enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls.
  • Question 5: My coating is not smooth, what did I do wrong? Answer: A lumpy coating is often caused by overheating chocolate or contamination from water. Gently melt the chocolate and ensure your equipment is completely dry.
Keyword Easy Baking, Easy Dessert