Easy Homemade Cake Pops Recipe (Step-by-Step)
I can’t deny it…I LOVE sweets. And honestly, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse for those of us with a serious sweet tooth. I love finding every possible way to celebrate holidays, which of course means whipping up incredible desserts for friends and family.
Have you ever seen anyone turn down a cake pop? Exactly. It’s literally never happened.
Normally, I eat pretty healthy (wild game is my jam…if you haven’t tried my elk burger recipe, you’re missing out!). However, this lifestyle is all about balance. It’s about family, the outdoors, nourishing food, health, and FUN. And cake pops? They absolutely fall somewhere in that spectrum.
Because let’s be honest… the way to everyone’s heart is through their stomach!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Cake Pops
Believe me when I say these cake pops are GOOOOOD. Not only are they simple to make, but they also look way more complicated than they actually are.
In addition, they’re perfect for:
- Valentine’s Day treats
- Kid’s birthday parties
- Baby showers
- Office gifts
- Holiday dessert tables
- Or just because
Even better? They’re a memory-maker. Near the end of this batch, Leni jumped in as my sous-chef and LOVED helping with the chocolate and sprinkles. Yes, I’ve been vacuuming sprinkles all week… but I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.!
Easy Cake Pop Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 box cake mix
- Ingredients listed on cake mix (eggs, oil, etc.)
- Tip: You can substitute applesauce for oil if you prefer
- 1 carton frosting (any flavor)
- Cake pop sticks (Get them here, or your local craft store should carry them)
(find them at your local craft store or online) - About 2 ¼ cups melting chocolate or almond bark
- Nonpareils or sprinkles
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Bake the Cake
Start by preparing the cake according to the package instructions. Once baked, allow it to cool completely. This is arguably the hardest part because your kitchen will smell AMAZING.
2. Crumble and Mix
Next, crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Gradually add frosting, mixing as you go.
You want the mixture moist enough to roll into balls—but not so moist that it becomes gooey. If it looks slightly crumbly, that’s PERFECT.
3. Form the Cake Balls
Roll the mixture into small, evenly sized balls using your hands. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
4. Insert the Sticks
Melt about ¼ cup of chocolate. Dip each stick into the melted chocolate, then gently press it into a cake ball (without pushing all the way through).
This step helps secure the cake pop once coated.
5. Freeze
Freeze the cake balls for at least 2 hours. This prevents them from falling apart when dipped in chocolate.
6. Melt the Chocolate
Melt the remaining chocolate (about 2 cups) in a microwave-safe mug in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler method (see proper melting technique from Ghirardelli’s chocolate guide for best results).
Be careful not to overheat—it burns quickly!
7. Dip and Decorate
One by one, dunk each cake pop into the melted chocolate. Gently tap off excess chocolate.
Immediately add sprinkles before the coating sets.
Then, either stand them upright in a cake pop stand or lay them on parchment paper to harden.
When that chocolate sets? It is GO time.
Tips for Perfect Cake Pops
- Chill thoroughly before dipping
- Use high-quality melting chocolate for smooth coating
- Work in small batches if your kitchen is warm
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days
I hope you have as much fun making these as we did. These are the kinds of sweet, simple recipes that turn into core memories. Sprinkles everywhere? Totally worth it.
If you make them, tag me on Instagram so I can live vicariously through your photos (because I truly stopped myself from eating all of these).
Want even more delicious, family-favorite recipes? I’ve rounded up all my go-to meals and sweet treats in one place. Click here for allll my recipes blogs.
-Eva
Fun and messes made by us, gorgeous memory-making photos by my sweet friend Photos by Jennifer Wilson Photography!!
I recently started following you on social media and your blog and I just wanted to let you know how much I love all of you stuff and admire you! I know you are already super busy but you should look in to writing a cook book! I am a new mamma and also come from a family of hunters, I love your take on healthy eating and how to feed little ones while still being healthy.
Wow! I assumed that making cake pops was a lot more complicated thank that but i guess not. Thank you Eva for sharing this! Im going ro try this!
I love cake pops, I used to work at a donut shop and I invented donut pops! Leftover plain donuts with glaze made the exact same way as regular pops, SO good! My favorite sweet is my homemade cream filled cupcakes, they are a labor of love, but delicious. I would love to see another cute Easter treat, I have been eyeballing this Easter chocolate bark on Pinterest or those cute pops that look like bunny butts are adorable.