Cake pops, also called cake balls, are bite-sized cakes shaped like lollipops. The name “cake pops” is short for “cake lollipops.” They are made by mixing cake crumbs with icing, frosting, or melted chocolate and then forming them into small spheres.
Homemade cake pops are simple and fun to make, offering an affordable alternative to store-bought versions. Once shaped, the cake pops are dipped in a coating and decorated using various toppings, depending on the ingredients you have on hand. If you love cake pops, you’re not alone! This article will walk you through everything you need to know about them, from their history to how you can make the best cake pops at home.
Cake Pop History
Have you ever wondered where cake pops came from? You can thank Angie Dudley from Georgia for these delightful treats. Although cake pops feel like they’ve been around forever, they gained popularity when Angie Dudley, a baker and the creator of Bakerella, introduced them on her blog in 2007. The dessert took off between 2008 and 2011, becoming a nationwide sensation. On February 1, 2008, she posted her first cake pop recipe, making that day the official National Cake Pop Day. Her cookbook, Cake Pops, was published in 2010 and even made it to the New York Times bestseller list.
Understanding Cake Pops
What Do You Need to Make Cake Pops?
To make cake pops, you’ll need many of the same ingredients used in traditional cake recipes. You can use any cake flavor you like, such as chocolate cake, whether from scratch or a boxed cake mix. While cake mixes tend to have a lighter texture, homemade cakes may hold together better when mixed with frosting. You can also use leftover cake (store-bought or homemade) to make cake pops. Dipping the lollipop stick in melted chocolate before inserting it into the cake ball is crucial to ensure the cake pop adheres properly.
Key Ingredients for Cake Pops:
- Cake: Choose any flavor, whether homemade or from a cake mix.
- Binder (Frosting): This holds the cake pops together. You can use:
- Cream cheese frosting
- Swiss meringue buttercream
- Store-bought frosting
- Softened butter, ganache, or even jams and jellies
- Coating: The outer shell of cake pops is usually made with:
- Candy melts
- White, milk, or dark chocolate (thinned with coconut oil for consistency)
- Oil-based food coloring (if you want colorful coatings)
- Toppings: You can decorate cake pops with:
- Chocolate or rainbow sprinkles
- Crushed nuts
- Desiccated coconut
- Piped chocolate designs
If your cake balls fall apart, add more binder. If they’re too moist, add extra cake crumbs to balance the texture.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Creating the perfect cake pops starts with selecting the right ingredients. The foundation of your cake pops can be either a homemade cake or a store-bought cake mix, depending on your preference and time constraints. For the binder, you have several options: buttercream frosting, cream cheese frosting, or even chocolate frosting can be used to hold the cake crumbs together. When it comes to the coating, candy melts are a popular choice due to their ease of use and variety of colors. Alternatively, you can use melted chocolate, which can be thinned with a bit of coconut oil for a smoother consistency. By choosing high-quality ingredients, you ensure that your cake pops will not only look fantastic but also taste amazing.
Making Cake Balls
The first step in making cake pops is to prepare the cake balls. Start by crumbling your baked cake into a large mixing bowl until you have fine cake crumbs. Next, add a small amount of frosting to the crumbs and mix thoroughly. The goal is to achieve a consistency that is moist enough to hold together but not overly wet. If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit more frosting until you reach the desired texture. Once your cake pop dough is ready, use a small cookie scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into uniform balls. You should aim for around 12-15 cake balls, depending on the size of your scoop. Place the cake balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and make them easier to coat later on.
Cake Pop Kits
Cake pop kits simplify the process, especially when baking with kids! With a cake pop baking kit, you get pre-measured ingredients, an easy-to-follow recipe with pictures, and fun activities to keep kids entertained while waiting for the cake pops to set. Benefits of Using a Cake Pop Kit:
- Kid-Friendly: Simple steps allow kids to make cake pops with little supervision.
- Convenient: Comes with a complete shopping list for any additional wet ingredients needed.
- Educational: Helps kids develop motor skills, patience, and creativity while shaping and decorating cake pops.
- No Mold Needed: Unlike traditional methods, our kit lets you make cake pops without a mold or a cake pop maker.
Each kit makes 10-12 cake pops, so you can order multiple kits depending on how many you need. It’s a fun way to teach kids baking basics while enjoying a delicious treat!
How Far in Advance Can You Make Cake Pops?
Cake pops take time to make, so many bakers prepare them in advance.
- If you bake the cake from scratch, it's best to bake it a day before making cake pops to allow it to cool completely.
- Cake pops can be made 1-3 days in advance and stored properly.
- If you’re making them for an event, serve them as fresh as possible to ensure the best taste.
- Cake pops can last up to 7 days in the refrigerator if stored properly.
Do Cake Pops Need to Be Refrigerated?
Cake pops do not need refrigeration unless they contain perishable frosting (such as cream cheese frosting). If refrigerated after decorating, condensation can form, making the coating sticky. Instead, store them in a cool, dry place if you plan to eat them within 1-2 days. The candy coating acts as a sealant to keep the cake fresh without refrigeration. If you want to freeze cake pop dough before shaping, keep in mind that moisture may increase upon thawing, so you may need to add extra cake crumbs to balance the texture.
Sweet Moments Start with Cake Pops
Making cake pops is a fun, creative baking activity that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. They’re also a great way to use up leftover cake while learning new baking techniques. Now that you know everything about making cake pops, why not try them yourself?
