Cake Pop Recipe

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5 from 17 votes
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Turn leftover cake into a creative treat using my no-bake cake pop recipe. It’s easy to customize and WAY better than Starbucks! 

We love party treats, so try my cake batter dip, pumpkin cake pops, and cheesecake bites next.

homemade cake pops.

99% of the time, my family asks me to make a Starbucks run–it’s not for coffee–it’s for cake pops. I get it. They’re popular for a reason, but they’re much better when you make them at home. 

For this recipe, I used some leftover cake and frosting from recipe testing. Suffice it to say we don’t get them from Starbucks anymore!

Table of Contents
  1. Why I love this recipe
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make homemade cake pops
  4. Arman’s recipe tips
  5. Storage instructions
  6. Frequently asked questions
  7. More bite-sized desserts
  8. Cake Pop Recipe (Recipe Card)

Why I love this recipe

  • A good use for leftover cake. Not that I’ve ever encountered such a thing…
  • They can be made diet-friendly. Starbucks cake pops are neither vegan nor gluten-free, but it’s easy to do at home. 
  • No fancy kitchen tools needed. You don’t need a cake pop marker–just your hands and a few bowls.
  • Much cheaper than Starbucks. And the last time I ordered some, they were so tiny! Thanks shrinkflation…
cake pops.

Ingredients needed

  • Leftover chocolate cake. Use my death by chocolate cake recipe for the most decadent chocolate cake pops. Alternatively, use a boxed cake mix. 
  • Leftover vanilla cake. My classic vanilla cake recipe is moist, fluffy, and easy to make with pantry staples. 
  • Vanilla and chocolate frosting. Any frosting will do, whether it’s store-bought or homemade. This will add texture and make the cake pops more sturdy. 
  • White chocolate chips AND dark chocolate chips. Melted to coat each cake pop. Alternatively, use candy melts. 
  • Pink gel food coloring. This is mixed into the melted white chocolate to dye the vanilla cake pops pink. 
  • Sprinkles. For decoration.

How to make homemade cake pops

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

crumbled cake with frosting in bowls.

Step 1- Mix. In one large mixing bowl, add the chocolate cake and frosting. In a second bowl, add the vanilla cake and frosting. Crumble and mix each until smooth. 

shaped balls of cake.

Step 2- Shape and chill. Roll the cake mixture into dough balls and refrigerate on a lined baking sheet. Place a lollipop stick in each. 

dipping balls of cake in frosting.

Step 3- Dip. Dip the cake balls into the chocolate, tap off the excess, and return them to the baking sheet. 

frosted and sprinkle topped cake pops.

Step 4- Decorate. Cover the cake pops with sprinkles and refrigerate until firm. 

Arman’s recipe tips

  • Use a stand mixer or electric mixer. While optional, it makes the mixing process go by faster. 
  • Dip the sticks in melted chocolate before sticking them in the cake pops. I find this makes the cake pops sturdier. 

Variations

Storage instructions

To store: The chocolate-coated cake pops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 1 week.

To freeze: Freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. 

chocolate cake pop.

Frequently asked questions

What is the trick to making cake pops?

The trick is to add plenty of frosting to the cake mixture as it keeps the cake pop from falling apart. It’s also important to chill the dough long enough so it gets nice and firm. 

What is cake pop dough made of?

Starbucks cake pops are made out of cake, while other recipes use a no-bake dough made from a boxed cake mix. My version keeps it simple with dough made from leftover cake and frosting.

What is the best way to melt chocolate to coat cake pops?

I find the best way to melt chocolate for coating cake pops is to microwave them at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. You can also melt them in a double boiler on the stove.

More bite-sized desserts

cake pops recipe.

Cake Pop Recipe

5 from 17 votes
Turn leftover cake into a creative treat using my no-bake cake pop recipe. It’s easy to customize and WAY better than Starbucks! Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
Servings: 24 servings
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 6 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the crumbled chocolate cake and in another bowl,  the vanilla cake. Add the chocolate frosting to the chocolate cake and the vanilla frosting to the vanilla cake and mix until well combined.
  • Roll the cake mixture into balls, about 1-2 tablespoons each. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • In separate microwave-safe bowls, melt the white and dark chocolate in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to the melted white chocolate and stir until well combined.
  • Dip the chilled cake balls into the melted chocolate, using a spoon to coat them evenly. Tap off any excess chocolate and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Decorate the cake pops with sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet. Allow the chocolate to set completely.

Notes

TO STORE. The chocolate-coated cake pops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 1 week.
TO FREEZE. Freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 149kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSodium: 122mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 0.3gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 23g
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Originally published May 2023, updated and republished October 2024

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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5 from 17 votes (17 ratings without comment)

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