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Easy Cake Pops Recipe

Cake pops are a delightful treat that combines the fun of a lollipop with the deliciousness of cake. They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or just as a sweet snack. This easy recipe will guide you through creating these mouth-watering morsels with minimal effort. Enjoy making and sharing these bites of joy!

Easy Cake Pops Recipe
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Photos of Easy Cake Pops Recipe

While most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your pantry, you may need to pick up cream cheese and chocolate confectioners' coating at the supermarket. These components are essential for achieving the perfect texture and coating for your cake pops.

Ingredients For Easy Cake Pops Recipe

yellow cake mix: A convenient base for your cake pops, providing a consistent and delicious flavor.

water: Helps to hydrate the cake mix and combine the ingredients smoothly.

eggs: Adds structure and richness to the cake batter.

vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.

cream cheese: Mixed with the crumbled cake to create a smooth and pliable texture for shaping the cake pops.

chocolate confectioners' coating: Used to coat the cake pops, adding a delicious and decorative finish.

One reader, Amil Talley says:

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This easy cake pops recipe is fantastic! The instructions are clear, and the results are delicious. Perfect for parties or a fun treat with the kids. The cake pops turned out moist and flavorful, and the chocolate coating added the perfect touch. Highly recommend!

Amil Talley

Techniques Required for Making Cake Pops

How to beat cake mix: Use an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed and beat for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth.

How to bake a cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, and bake for 28 to 33 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

How to crumble cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, break it into small pieces and crumble it into a large bowl.

How to mix cake with cream cheese: Combine the crumbled cake with cream cheese until the mixture is well blended and can be rolled into balls.

How to roll cake balls: Form the cake mixture into quarter-size balls using your hands.

How to insert lollipop sticks: Push a lollipop stick into each cake ball, ensuring it is secure.

How to melt chocolate: Place the chocolate confectioners' coating in a microwave-safe glass and heat at 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval until fully melted.

How to dip cake pops in chocolate: Submerge each cake ball into the melted chocolate until fully coated, then place on a baking sheet to dry.

How To Make Easy Cake Pops

Grab a bite of these creamy cake pops made with moist yellow cake and soft cream cheese, dipped into sweet melted chocolate, for the tastiest snack!

Preparation: 30 minutes
Cooking: 28 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours 28 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

  • 15.25ozyellow cake mix,(1 package), like Betty Crocker®
  • 1cupwater
  • 3eggs
  • ½cupvegetable oil
  • 8ozcream cheese,(1 package), softened
  • 14ozchocolate confectioners’ coating,(1 bag)

Equipments

  • lollipop sticks

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Beat the cake mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil together in a bowl using an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds.

  3. Increase the speed to medium, then beat for about 2 minutes more until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.

  4. Bake in the oven for 28 to 33 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake completely for at least 1 hour.

  5. Crumble the cake into a large bowl, then mix in the cream cheese. Roll the cake mixture into about 40 to 50 quarter-size balls.

  6. Insert a lollipop stick into each cake ball, then arrange on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until chilled.

  7. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe glass at 15-second intervals for 1 to 3 minutes, stirring after each melting.

  8. Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate until coated. Arrange the cake pops on a baking sheet to dry.

  9. Serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Calories: 102.22kcal
  • Fat: 4.34g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.24g
  • Trans Fat: 0.04g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 2.16g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.52g
  • Carbohydrates: 15.21g
  • Fiber: 0.10g
  • Sugar: 11.66g
  • Protein: 0.91g
  • Cholesterol: 14.59mg
  • Sodium: 83.52mg
  • Calcium: 24.36mg
  • Potassium: 14.04mg
  • Iron: 0.25mg
  • Vitamin A: 20.73µg

Technique Tip for Creating Perfect Cake Pops

To ensure your cake pops have a smooth and even coating, make sure the cake balls are well-chilled before dipping them into the melted chocolate. This helps the chocolate set quickly and prevents the cake from crumbling into the coating.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Easy Cake Pops

Use pre-made cake mix: Opt for a pre-made cake mix to save time on measuring and mixing ingredients.

Quick cooling: Place the baked cake in the refrigerator to cool faster.

Efficient crumbling: Use a food processor to crumble the cake quickly and evenly.

Softened cream cheese: Soften the cream cheese in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make mixing easier.

Microwave chocolate melting: Melt the chocolate coating in the microwave in short bursts to avoid burning and save time.

Batch dipping: Dip multiple cake pops at once using a deep, narrow container for the melted chocolate.

Substitute Ingredients For Easy Cake Pops Recipe

  • yellow cake mix - Substitute with white cake mix: White cake mix can be used as it has a similar texture and flavor profile, though it may be slightly less rich in color.

  • yellow cake mix - Substitute with homemade cake mix: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to create a homemade version that mimics the store-bought mix.

  • water - Substitute with milk: Milk adds extra richness and moisture to the cake, enhancing its flavor.

  • water - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a slight tang and makes the cake more tender and moist.

  • eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Use 1/4 cup of applesauce per egg to add moisture and a hint of sweetness, making it a great option for those avoiding eggs.

  • eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg to create a vegan-friendly binder.

  • vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar texture and adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cake.

  • vegetable oil - Substitute with unsweetened applesauce: Applesauce can reduce the fat content while maintaining moisture in the cake.

  • cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone cheese: Mascarpone has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative.

  • cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a tangy flavor and creamy texture, though it may be slightly less rich.

  • chocolate confectioners' coating - Substitute with chocolate chips: Melted chocolate chips can be used for coating, offering a similar texture and flavor.

  • chocolate confectioners' coating - Substitute with candy melts: Candy melts are designed for easy melting and coating, making them a convenient alternative.

Creative Ways to Present Cake Pops

  1. Create uniform cake balls: Ensure each cake ball is perfectly round and uniform in size. Use a small ice cream scoop to measure out the cake mixture before rolling it into balls.

  2. Chill thoroughly: After inserting the lollipop sticks, refrigerate the cake pops for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes dipping easier.

  3. Use high-quality chocolate: Melt chocolate confectioners' coating in a microwave-safe glass, stirring at 15-second intervals. High-quality chocolate will give a smoother and shinier finish.

  4. Dip with precision: Hold the cake pop by the stick and dip it into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Gently tap off any excess chocolate to avoid drips.

  5. Decorate with finesse: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the cake pops with edible glitter, finely chopped nuts, or colorful sprinkles for a professional touch.

  6. Display elegantly: Arrange the finished cake pops on a stylish serving platter or stand. Consider using a tiered stand to add height and visual interest.

  7. Serve at the right temperature: Ensure the cake pops are served slightly chilled but not too cold, to maintain the perfect texture and flavor balance.

Essential Tools for Making Cake Pops

  • Oven: Used to bake the cake at a consistent temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • 9x13-inch baking dish: The dish in which the cake batter will be poured and baked.

  • Electric mixer: Helps to combine the cake mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil thoroughly.

  • Mixing bowl: A large bowl to mix the cake batter and later to crumble the cake and mix with cream cheese.

  • Toothpick: Used to check if the cake is baked completely by inserting it into the center of the cake.

  • Lollipop sticks: Inserted into the cake balls to form the cake pops.

  • Baking sheet: Used to arrange the cake pops for chilling and drying.

  • Microwave-safe glass: Used to melt the chocolate confectioners' coating in the microwave.

  • Microwave: Melts the chocolate coating at 15-second intervals.

  • Spatula: Useful for stirring the melted chocolate and scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl.

  • Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool completely after baking.

How To Store and Freeze Homemade Cake Pops

Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for easy cake pops:

  • Let the cake pops cool completely before storing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making them soggy.
  • Store the cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a layer of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
  • For longer storage, freeze the cake pops for up to 6 weeks. Here's how:
    • Place the cake pops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other.
    • Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
    • Transfer the frozen cake pops to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Tip: Use a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent freezer burn.
    • Label the container with the date and contents.
    • To thaw, remove the desired number of cake pops from the freezer and let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
  • If you plan to decorate the cake pops with sprinkles or other toppings, wait until they are completely thawed before adding them. This will ensure that the decorations stick properly.

Random Fact about Cake Pops

A fun fact about this cake pops recipe is that it allows for a lot of creativity. You can customize the cake balls with different flavors, colors, and decorations. This makes them perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to holiday celebrations.

Is Making Cake Pops at Home Cost-Effective?

This dessert is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like yellow cake mix, cream cheese, and chocolate confectioners' coating are affordable and easily available. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $10-$12. Considering the yield of 40 to 50 cake pops, this recipe offers great value for money. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Are Cake Pops Healthy or Unhealthy?

This cake pops recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - yellow cake mix, cream cheese, and chocolate confectioners' coating - are all high in sugar, fat, and calories. The cake mix alone contains processed flour, sugar, and likely preservatives. Cream cheese is high in saturated fat, and the chocolate coating is also loaded with sugar and fat. Consuming these cake pops regularly could contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and other health issues.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

  • Use a whole grain or gluten-free cake mix to increase fiber content and reduce processed ingredients
  • Replace some of the oil with unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas to cut down on fat
  • Opt for a reduced-fat cream cheese to minimize saturated fat intake
  • Choose a dark chocolate coating (at least 70% cocoa) for the antioxidant benefits and lower sugar content
  • Reduce the portion size by making smaller cake pops
  • Incorporate finely grated zucchini or carrots into the cake batter for added nutrients and moisture
  • Experiment with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates to replace some of the processed sugar

Editor's Opinion on This Cake Pop Recipe

This easy cake pops recipe is a delightful treat for both novice and experienced bakers. The use of a yellow cake mix simplifies the process, while the cream cheese adds a rich, moist texture to the cake balls. Melting the chocolate in short intervals ensures a smooth coating, making the pops visually appealing. However, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor profile. Overall, this recipe is a fun and straightforward way to create charming, bite-sized desserts perfect for any occasion.

Enhance Your Easy Cake Pops Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Fruit Salad: Imagine a vibrant fruit salad bursting with colors and flavors. The sweetness of strawberries, the tang of kiwi, and the juiciness of pineapple will perfectly complement the rich, chocolatey goodness of your cake pops. A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of mint leaves will elevate this refreshing side dish to a whole new level.
Mini Quiches: Add a savory twist to your dessert spread with mini quiches. These bite-sized delights, filled with spinach, bacon, and cheese, offer a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cake pops. The flaky pastry crust and creamy filling will have your guests reaching for seconds.
Caprese Skewers: For a touch of elegance, serve caprese skewers. These delightful bites feature cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze. The combination of flavors and textures will provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the cake pops.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your party platter with stuffed mushrooms. These savory morsels, filled with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, offer a delightful umami contrast to the sweet cake pops. The tender mushroom caps and creamy filling will be a hit with your guests.
Bruschetta: Add a touch of Italian flair with bruschetta. Crisp baguette slices topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil will provide a refreshing and flavorful counterpoint to the cake pops. The combination of crunchy bread and juicy toppings will delight your taste buds.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Cake Pops

Chocolate Truffles: Indulge in these rich and creamy chocolate truffles, perfect for any dessert lover. With a smooth ganache center and a dusting of cocoa powder, these bite-sized treats are a decadent delight.
Red Velvet Cake Balls: Experience the luxurious taste of red velvet in a compact form. These cake balls are made with moist red velvet cake and cream cheese frosting, then dipped in white chocolate for an irresistible finish.
Oreo Cookie Balls: Crush up some Oreo cookies and mix them with cream cheese to create these delightful cookie balls. Dip them in melted chocolate and let them set for a crunchy, creamy treat.
Peanut Butter Buckeyes: Combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in these buckeye candies. Roll peanut butter dough into balls and dip them partially in chocolate for a sweet and salty snack.
Lemon Cake Pops: Brighten your day with these zesty lemon cake pops. Made with lemon cake and cream cheese frosting, then coated in white chocolate, these pops are a refreshing twist on a classic dessert.

Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Cake Pops

Appetizers:
Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your appetizer game with these delectable stuffed mushrooms. Start by selecting large, firm mushroom caps and remove the stems. Create a savory filling using cream cheese, garlic, and finely chopped spinach. Add a touch of parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for texture. Once stuffed, bake them until golden and bubbly. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any gathering, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Bruschetta: Transform your next gathering with a classic bruschetta that never fails to impress. Begin with slices of toasted baguette, brushed with olive oil and lightly rubbed with garlic. Top each slice with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of crunchy bread and fresh, tangy toppings creates a delightful contrast, making this a crowd-pleasing starter.
Main Courses:
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Transform your dinner table with Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. This dish features succulent chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs. The marinade infuses the chicken with a burst of flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. Grilled to perfection, the chicken is tender and juicy, with a slightly charred exterior that adds a smoky depth. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Elevate your dinner game with Stuffed Bell Peppers. These vibrant peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and a blend of spices. The filling is rich and hearty, offering a perfect contrast to the sweet, tender peppers. Baked until the peppers are soft and the filling is bubbling, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Top with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh parsley for an extra layer of flavor. Pair with a side of garlic bread or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Why trust this Easy Cake Pops Recipe:

This easy cake pops recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. Using a simple yellow cake mix and cream cheese, it ensures a moist and flavorful treat. The step-by-step instructions make it foolproof, and the chocolate coating adds a delightful finish. Plus, the ingredients are readily available, making it convenient to whip up anytime. Trust this recipe for its simplicity, deliciousness, and the joy it brings to any occasion.

Share your thoughts on this easy cake pops recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum and let us know how your batch turned out!
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer. Chocolate, red velvet, or even funfetti would work great.
How do I store the cake pops?
I usually store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to a week this way. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month.
Can I use something other than cream cheese to bind the cake crumbs?
Yes, you can use frosting instead of cream cheese. Just mix in enough frosting to make the cake crumbs stick together, usually about 1 cup.
What if I don't have lollipop sticks?
No worries! You can use toothpicks or even skip the sticks altogether and make cake balls instead of cake pops.
How do I prevent the cake pops from falling off the sticks?
Make sure the cake balls are well-chilled before dipping them in chocolate. Also, dipping the tip of the stick in melted chocolate before inserting it into the cake ball can help secure it.

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