If you’re a fan of bite-sized treats that combine the richness of cake with the fun of lollipops, get ready to learn how to make cake pops! In this recipe, we’ll show you how to create these irresistible sweet gems from scratch. You’ll love making and savoring these mini desserts that are perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love Them
- Quick and Fun - Ready to enjoy in under an hour, making Cake Pops is a delightful baking adventure.
- Creative Outlet - Let your imagination run wild with endless decorating possibilities.
- Crowd-Pleaser - Loved by kids and adults alike, these adorable treats are a guaranteed hit.
- Portable Pleasure- Perfect for parties, picnics, or just a sweet snack on the go.
What Is A Cake Pop?
Cake Pops are a delightful blend of crumbled cake mixed with creamy frosting, coated in a layer of sweet candy melts and adorned with colorful decorations.
They’re a burst of flavor and texture in every bite, making them a delightful treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
How Do You Get Cake Pops To Stick Together?
Getting cake pops to stick together involves a few key steps. Cake pops are essentially balls of cake and frosting, coated in candy melts or chocolate. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help ensure your cake pops hold together well:
- Bake and Crumble the Cake . Once the cake is fully baked and cooled, crumble it into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor. The finer the crumbs, the better they will bind together.
- Mix with Frosting . Mix the frosting and cake crumbs together until you achieve a dough-like consistency. You want it to be moist enough to hold together when rolled into balls, but not overly wet.
- Chill . Place the cake pops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 15-30 minutes, or until they become firm. This chilling step helps the cake pops hold their shape.
- Coat with Candy Melts or Chocolate . Melt your candy melts or chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, following the package instructions. This is typically done with your microwave on 50% power at 30 second intervals. Stir until smooth. Dip each cake pop into the melted coating, making sure it’s fully covered. Allow any excess coating to drip off.
How Do You Dip Cake Pops Without A Stick?
Dipping cake pops without a stick can be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely possible. Instead of using traditional lollipop sticks, you can use alternative methods to coat and enjoy your cake pops. Here’s how:
Toothpick Method
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake pop, making sure it’s stable.
- Dip the cake pop into the melted coating, rotating it for even coverage.
- Gently tap the toothpick against the edge of the bowl to remove excess coating.
- Place the dipped cake pop on parchment paper or a silicone mat to dry.
- Once the coating is set, you can remove the toothpick and cover the small hole with a decorative drizzle or additional coating.
Spoon Method
- Use a spoon to scoop up the melted coating.
- Hold the cake pop over the bowl and pour the coating over it, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Gently shake the cake pop to even out the coating.
- Place it on parchment paper or a silicone mat to dry.
No-Dip Method (Rolling)
- Instead of dipping, you can roll the cake pop in your melted coating.
- Place the cake pop on a fork or use your fingers to roll it in the coating until it’s covered.
- Let any excess coating drip off, and then transfer it to parchment paper or a silicone mat to set.
While these methods can work without traditional sticks, keep in mind that they may require a bit more patience and precision. Be careful when handling the cake pops to avoid smudging the coating or causing them to lose their shape. Once the coating is set, you can further decorate the cake pops as desired.
What Makes Cake Pops Fall Apart?
To prevent cake pops from falling apart, follow a well-tested recipe that provides the right ratio of cake crumbs to frosting. Properly chill the them before and after dipping, apply a thin and even layer of coating, and handle them gently throughout the process.
With attention to detail and practice, you can create cake pops that are not only delicious but also perfectly intact.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cake - Bake your favorite cake flavor, whether it’s chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet.
- Frosting - Choose a frosting that complements your cake flavor; cream cheese, buttercream, or chocolate ganache work beautifully.
- Candy Melts - These colorful, easy-to-melt wafers are used for coating the balls of cake.
- Lollipop Sticks - The “pop” part of the Cake Pop.
- Decorations - Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or drizzled chocolate for that finishing touch.
How To Make Cake Pops
- Prepare the Cake . Bake your cake according to the recipe instructions and let it cool completely. Once cool, crumble the cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor.
- Mix with Frosting . Add your chosen frosting to the cake crumbs and mix until you have a dough-like consistency. This mixture will hold its shape when rolled into balls.
- Form Cake Balls . Roll the cake mixture into uniform-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Insert Sticks . Melt a small portion of your candy melts and dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy. Insert the coated end of the stick into a cake ball about halfway through. This will secure the sticks in place.
- Chill . Place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up.
- Melt Candy Melts . While the cake pops chill, melt your candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, following the package instructions. This is typically done with your microwave on 50% power at 30-second intervals. Stir until smooth.
- Dip and Decorate . Dip each cake pop into the melted candy melts, covering it completely. Allow any excess to drip off. Immediately decorate with sprinkles, nuts, or drizzled chocolate while the candy coating is still wet.
- Set and Serve . Place the decorated cake pops upright in a cake pop stand or a block of foam to let the candy coating set. Once set, they’re ready to serve and enjoy!
Tips And Tricks
Making Homemade Cake Pops is a delightful experience, and here are some tips to ensure they turn out as cute and delicious as possible:
- Use Leftover Cake . They are a great way to use up leftover cake from previous celebrations.
- Don’t Overmix . When combining the cake crumbs and frosting, mix just until you achieve a dough-like consistency. Overmixing can result in a dense texture.
- Chill Before Dipping . Ensure your cake pops are well-chilled before dipping them into the candy melts. This helps the candy coating adhere properly.
- Rotate While Dipping. When dipping the balls of cake, gently rotate them to ensure an even coating and to prevent dripping.
Variations
Cake Pops are a canvas for your creativity. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Flavor Combos - Mix and match cake and frosting flavors for unique combinations like chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting or red velvet with cream cheese frosting.
- Themed - Create Cake Pops to match the theme of your event, whether it’s sports, holidays, or your favorite movie characters.
- Filling Surprise - Add a hidden surprise inside, like a mini candy or fruit filling.
What To Eat With Cake Pops
Cake Pops are delightful on their own but can be served with a variety of things to create a fun snack or relaxing tea time:
- Coffee or Tea- A classic pairing for a quick afternoon pick-me-up.
- Ice Cream- A scoop of your favorite ice cream alongside cake pops is pure indulgence.
- Milk - A glass of cold milk complements the sweetness of cake pops perfectly.
How Long Do They Last?
Cake Pops can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store them for a longer period of time, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes, you can freeze Cake Pops! Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until they’re firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
More Delicious Desserts
- Low Carb Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
- No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Peach Galette
- Keto Brownies
How To Make Cake Pops | Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops
Ingredients
- ▢ 13.25 ounces Cake Mix
- ▢ 1 cup Water
- ▢ 3/4 cup Vegetable Oil
- ▢ 3 Eggs
- ▢ 3/4 cup Prepared Frosting
- ▢ 24 ounces Candy Melts
- ▢ 30 Lollipop Sticks
- ▢ Sprinkles , optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake . Bake your boxed cake mix according to the recipe instructions and let it cool completely. Once cool, crumble the cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor.
- Mix with Frosting . Add your chosen frosting to the cake crumbs and mix until you have a dough-like consistency. This mixture will hold its shape when rolled into balls.
- Form Cake Balls . Roll the cake mixture into uniform-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Insert Sticks . Melt a small portion of your candy melts and dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy. Insert the coated end of the stick into a cake ball about halfway through. This will secure the sticks in place.
- Chill . Place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up.
- Melt Candy Melts . While the cake pops chill, melt your candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, following the package instructions. This is typically done with your microwave on 50% power at 30-second intervals. Stir until smooth.
- Dip and Decorate . Dip each cake pop into the melted candy melts, covering it completely. Allow any excess to drip off. Immediately decorate with sprinkles, nuts, or drizzled chocolate while the candy coating is still wet.
- Set and Serve . Place the decorated cake pops upright in a cake pop stand or a block of foam to let the candy coating set. Once set, they’re ready to serve and enjoy!
Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!
If you already signed up, you should have received an email with a password to give you unlimited access to our FREE Printable Library. The password is case sensitive. Enter it below and get printing!
Password:
How To Make Cake Pops | Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops
Ingredients
- 13.25 ounces Cake Mix
- 1 cup Water
- 3/4 cup Vegetable Oil
- 3 Eggs
- 3/4 cup Prepared Frosting
- 24 ounces Candy Melts
- 30 Lollipop Sticks
- Sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake . Bake your boxed cake mix according to the recipe instructions and let it cool completely. Once cool, crumble the cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor.
- Mix with Frosting . Add your chosen frosting to the cake crumbs and mix until you have a dough-like consistency. This mixture will hold its shape when rolled into balls.
- Form Cake Balls . Roll the cake mixture into uniform-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Insert Sticks . Melt a small portion of your candy melts and dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy. Insert the coated end of the stick into a cake ball about halfway through. This will secure the sticks in place.
- Chill . Place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up.
- Melt Candy Melts . While the cake pops chill, melt your candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, following the package instructions. This is typically done with your microwave on 50% power at 30-second intervals. Stir until smooth.
- Dip and Decorate . Dip each cake pop into the melted candy melts, covering it completely. Allow any excess to drip off. Immediately decorate with sprinkles, nuts, or drizzled chocolate while the candy coating is still wet.
- Set and Serve . Place the decorated cake pops upright in a cake pop stand or a block of foam to let the candy coating set. Once set, they’re ready to serve and enjoy!
How To Make Cake Pops | Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops https://twosleevers.com/how-to-make-cake-pops/
Cookies are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward bake. They’re fast to mix, easy to share, and basically guaranteed to disappear. Below is a curated roundup of the best cookie recipes across classic favorites, holiday must-bakes, bakery-style giants, and no-bake treats, so you can find the perfect cookie for any craving.
Why You’ll Love This Collection Of Cookies
- Variety. It covers every cookie vibe. Enjoy soft & chewy, crispy-edged, fudgy, buttery, and everything in between. You get a mix of classic favorites and bakery-style showstoppers for both everyday baking and special events.
- Different baking levels . It includes easy beginner-friendly options (hello, shortcuts and minimal-ingredient cookies).
- Holiday ideas. There are holiday-ready cookies that are perfect for gifting, exchanges, and cookie boxes.
You’ll love this cookie roundup because it makes it ridiculously easy to find the right cookie for whatever mood, moment, or craving you’re in.
If you’re craving something beyond cookies, be sure to check out our dessert recipes collection for brownies, bars, cakes, and more sweet favorites. You can even find keto desserts !
What Is The Secret To Soft And Chewy Cookies
Soft and chewy cookies usually come down to building in moisture and avoiding overbaking. Brown sugar helps because it holds moisture, and using the right amount of flour prevents dryness.
For extra chew and richness, many bakers use one whole egg plus an additional yolk, and a small amount of cornstarch can keep cookies soft and thick.
Chilling the dough from 30 minutes up to 24 hours reduces spread and often improves chew, while mixing just until combined keeps the texture tender.
Finally, pull cookies when the edges are set, but the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll finish baking on the hot pan.
Can I Freeze Cookie Dough?
Yes, you can freeze most cookie dough, and it’s one of the easiest ways to have fresh cookies on demand.
For best results, portion the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight bag or container. They’ll keep well for about 2–3 months.
When you’re ready to bake, you can usually bake straight from frozen. Just add an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time and let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it’s rock-hard to help it bake evenly.
Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?
Cookies usually spread too much when the dough is too warm, or the fat-to-flour ratio is off.
Common culprits are butter that’s too soft or melted, skipping dough chilling, putting dough on a hot baking sheet, or using too little flour (often from scooping flour directly from the bag).
Warm kitchens and low-protein flour can also increase spread, and too much sugar or not enough structure (like eggs/flour) can make cookies flatten out.
Chilling the dough, using cool pans, and measuring flour accurately are the quickest fixes.
Best Cookie Recipes
Chickpea Cookie Dough | Vegan Cookie Dough Recipe
This Vegan Chickpea Cookie Dough is a creamy, protein-packed, guilt-free treat that tastes like classic chocolate chip cookie dough without the dairy or eggs. Made with wholesome chickpeas and melty chocolate chips, this easy vegan cookie dough recipe is perfect for snacking, dessert, or a healthier sweet tooth fix.
Cookie Dough Bites | No Bake Keto Cookie Dough
These no-bake Cookie Dough Bites are soft, sweet, and totally crave-worthy. They’re made gluten-free and low carb for an easy guilt-free treat. Perfect for an after-dinner snack or late-night dessert, this quick cookie dough bite recipe comes together in minutes with simple ingredients.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars | Simple Cookie Bar Recipe
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are thick, chewy, and packed with gooey chocolate chips and buttery flavor. They’re everything you love about classic cookies in an easy bar form. This simple cookie bar recipe bakes in one pan, making it perfect for parties, potlucks, and quick family desserts.
Coconut Macaroons | Keto Macaroon Recipe
These Keto Coconut Macaroons are sweet, chewy, and coconut-packed, made gluten-free, vegetarian, and low carb for a better-for-you treat. This easy macaroon recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it perfect for snacks, holidays, or guilt-free dessert cravings.
Keto Ginger Cookie Recipe
These Keto Ginger Cookies deliver all the spicy-sweet flavor of classic gingersnaps with a soft, chewy bite without the carbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy low carb ginger cookie recipe is perfect for holiday baking or anytime cravings.
Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies | Easy Air Fried Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, gooey, and packed with melty chocolate chips. They’re ready fast without heating up your whole kitchen. This easy air fryer cookie recipe is perfect for small-batch cravings, quick desserts, and warm homemade cookies in minutes.
Almond Cookies | Keto Almendrados
These Almendrados Cookies are classic Spanish almond cookies with a crisp, chewy bite. They’re made keto-friendly and gluten-free for an easy, delicious treat. Packed with rich almond flavor and simple ingredients, this low carb cookie recipe is perfect for holiday platters, dessert, or anytime cravings.
Low Carb Chocolate Chip Cookies | Delicious Keto Cookie Recipe
These Low Carb Chocolate Chip Cookies are warm, gooey, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. It’s everything you love about classic cookies without the extra carbs and sugar. This easy keto chocolate chip cookie recipe bakes up soft, sweet, and totally satisfying for a guilt-free dessert or snack.
Red Velvet Cookies | The Easiest Red Velvet Cookie Recipe
These Red Velvet Cookies are soft and chewy with a hint of cocoa and that classic red velvet flavor, making them a stunning, bakery-style treat at home. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, holidays, or any sweet craving, this easy red velvet cookie recipe delivers rich chocolatey taste and vibrant color in every bite.
Keto Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe | Peanut Butter Keto Cookies
These Keto Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, rich, and perfectly sweet. They are an easy, low-carb dessert that satisfies cravings without breaking your keto diet. Made gluten-free with simple ingredients, this quick keto cookie recipe is perfect for snacks, meal prep, and guilt-free treats.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies | Easy Pumpkin Spice Cookie Recipe
These Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with cozy fall flavor, featuring hearty oats, real pumpkin, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This easy pumpkin cookie recipe is perfect for autumn baking, lunchbox treats, or a comforting dessert any time you’re craving seasonal sweets.
Soft Sugar Cookies | Homemade Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe
These bakery-style Sugar Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth soft, perfectly sweet, and made with simple ingredients for an easy homemade treat. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or everyday baking, this soft sugar cookie recipe comes together fast and bakes up tender every time.
Brownie Mix Cookies | Easy Brownie Mix Cookie Recipe
These Brownie Mix Cookies are rich, fudgy, and perfectly chewy. They’re an easy shortcut recipe that turns a boxed brownie mix into irresistible homemade cookies in minutes. With just a few simple add-ins, you’ll get that classic brownie flavor in a soft, handheld cookie that’s perfect for weeknight desserts, parties, or bake sales.
Cottage Cheese Cookies | Simple Cottage Cheese Cookie Recipe
These Cottage Cheese Cookies are soft, pillowy, and lightly tangy with a tender, cake-like texture—an easy higher-protein twist on classic homemade cookies. Made with simple ingredients and a protein boost from cottage cheese, this cookie recipe is perfect for a snack, dessert, or post-workout treat.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies | Sweet And Salty Cookies
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips, buttery caramel, and the perfect sprinkle of sea salt for that sweet-salty bite. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this easy cookie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parties, holidays, or anytime cravings.
Molasses Cookies | Soft And Chewy Molasses Cookie Recipe
Bake the best soft and chewy Molasses Cookies with cozy ginger and cinnamon spice, and that deep, rich molasses flavor. It’s an easy, nostalgic treat that tastes like the holidays. Perfect for Christmas cookie platters or any chilly night, this classic molasses cookie recipe comes together fast and stays irresistibly tender.
Chocolate Shortbread Cookies | Easy Shortbread Cookie Recipe
These Chocolate Shortbread Cookies are rich, buttery, and perfectly tender with deep cocoa flavor in every bite. This easy shortbread cookie recipe is ideal for holiday baking, cookie boxes, or everyday treats when you want a simple, chocolatey classic.
Applesauce Cookies | Old Fashioned Applesauce Cookie Recipe
These easy Applesauce Cookies are light, chewy, and naturally moist, with warm spices that make them perfect any time of year. A delicious option for breakfast, snacks, or a healthier dessert, this simple applesauce cookie recipe comes together fast with wholesome flavor in every bite.
Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies | Pumpkin Spice Cookie Recipe
These Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with cozy fall flavor, combining rich pumpkin with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Rolled in a classic cinnamon-sugar coating, this easy pumpkin cookie recipe is the perfect autumn dessert for parties, holidays, or anytime cravings.
Peppermint Cookies | Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookie Recipe
These Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies are soft and buttery with sweet white chocolate chips and a refreshing peppermint crunch. They’re everything you want in a festive holiday cookie. Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, cookie swaps, and holiday parties, this easy peppermint cookie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Keto Cream Cheese Cookies | Keto Cookies Recipe
These Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, rich, and perfectly sweet. They’re an easy way to satisfy cravings while staying low carb and keto-friendly. With that signature creamy tang and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, you won’t believe these cookies are keto.
Cool Whip Cookies Recipe | 4 Ingredient Cookies
These easy Cool Whip Cookies are soft, pillowy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They’re perfect when you need a quick homemade dessert. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this shortcut cookie recipe comes together fast for a fun treat anytime.
Snowball Cookies | Homemade Snowball Cookie Recipe
These Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, coated in a sweet blanket of powdered sugar for the ultimate holiday treat. This easy snowball cookie recipe is perfect for Christmas cookie trays, gifting, and cookie exchanges. They’re festive, classic, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Matcha Cookies | Homemade Matcha Cookie Recipe
These Matcha Cookies are lightly sweet, perfectly chewy, and packed with earthy green tea flavor in every bite. If you love matcha desserts, this easy matcha cookie recipe is a must-bake treat for tea-time, gifting, or anytime cravings.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies | The Best Raisin Cookies
These chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are packed with hearty oats, warm flavor, and naturally sweet raisins for a classic cookie you’ll want to bake on repeat. Perfect for a quick homemade snack or lunchbox treat, this easy oatmeal raisin cookie recipe delivers soft, satisfying bites every time.
Thumbprint Cookies Recipe | Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
These Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies feature buttery shortbread with a sweet-tart raspberry jam center for the perfect bite-size treat. Ideal for holiday cookie trays, gifting, and cookie exchanges, this easy thumbprint cookie recipe is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Almond Flour Cookies | Keto Shortbread Cookies
These Almond Flour Cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet. They’re an easy way to satisfy cookie cravings while staying low carb and keto-friendly. Made with just 5 simple ingredients, this quick cookie recipe comes together fast for a delicious gluten-free treat anytime.
Whether you’re craving a classic chocolate chip cookie, building a holiday cookie box, or just need a no-bake option for a busy weeknight, this list of the Best Cookie Recipes has you covered.
