Cake pops have become an increasingly popular treat over the past few years. They are essentially cake mixed with icing or frosting, formed into small balls, and decorated with candy coatings and decorations. While the concept is simple, perfecting cake pops does require some tricks and tips to achieve the best possible results.
What are cake pops?
Cake pops are bite-sized desserts made from crumbled cake mixed with icing or frosting and shaped into balls. A lollipop stick is inserted into each ball to create a handheld cake pop. The cake balls are then dipped into a candy coating, usually chocolate, and can be decorated with sprinkles, candies, or other edible decorations.
Cake pops are generally made from leftover cake scraps or unfrosted cake, making them a delicious way to repurpose extra cake. They have become popular because they provide a sweet treat in single-serving portions. Cake pops are also easier for children to manage than a large slice of cake.
What is the basic process for making cake pops?
Here are the basic steps for making cake pops:
- Bake a cake and let it cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs.
- Mix the crumbs with frosting until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls.
- Dip lollipop sticks halfway into the cake balls and stand them to set.
- Melt candy coating in a double boiler.
- Dip the cake pops into the coating to cover them.
- Sprinkle or decorate with toppings as desired.
- Let the coating set before serving.
While these are the basic steps, there are some important tricks for getting the right cake pop consistency and making the coating and decorating process go smoothly.
What is the best cake to use?
The cake itself forms the base of the cake pops. Using a cake that is moist and dense will result in the best texture for shaping and dipping. Cake mixes such as:
- Boxed yellow or white cake
- Chocolate or red velvet cake
- Funfetti or rainbow chip cake
All make excellent cake pop base cakes. Stay away from cakes that are crumbly, dry, or filled with fruit. Too much airiness or large crumbs can make it hard to form a dough.
Should the cake be fresh or leftover?
You can certainly bake a cake just for making into cake pops. But they are also the perfect way to use up leftover frosted or unfrosted cake from another event. As long as the cake has been well wrapped and stored, leftover cake works just as well as fresh.
What is the ideal crumb texture?
Crushing the cake into fine, even crumbs is key for the cake ball dough coming together properly. Use a food processor or blender for this step, or place the cake in a large mixing bowl and use a potato masher or rolling pin to break it down.
The crumbs should be about the texture of coarse sand. Too large or uneven pieces can create cracks and falling apart issues when shaping and dipping the pops.
How much frosting do you need?
The frosting amount will vary slightly based on how moist your cake is, but you generally need about 1/2 to 2/3 cups of frosting per 4-5 cups of cake crumbs. Start with less frosting and mix it in, then add more as needed until a dough forms that sticks together when squeezed.
Buttercream, cream cheese, and ganache frostings all work well flavor-wise. Avoid frostings with powders or granulated sugar as they can make the texture gritty.
What is the best tool for rolling cake balls?
Using a scoop or melon baller to form evenly sized cake balls makes the process much easier. Aim for balls that are about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Scooping the dough rather than rolling it by hand helps prevent overworking the mixture.
Dipping your hands in cold water while shaping can also help prevent sticking. Lightly tossing the balls in a bowl of powdered sugar after shaping can help reduce tackiness.
How long should the cake balls chill?
Allow the shaped cake balls to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, and up to overnight. This helps them firm up for dipping and decorating. If chilling for more than 3-4 hours, cover the tray loosely with plastic wrap.
What is the best way to insert the lollipop sticks?
Inserting lollipop sticks or treat sticks halfway through each cake ball about an hour before dipping allows time for them to set. Gently pressing and twirling to push the stick in halfway helps prevent cracking the balls.
Using candy sticks designed for cake pops or paper lollipop sticks also reduces the chance of breakage versus wider sticks. Letting the cake balls rest with the sticks in helps hold them together better when dipped.
Should you hand dip or use a dipping tool?
Dipping the cake pops by hand allows you to fully control the coating process, and is easy enough if making a small batch. Simply hold the lollipop stick and submerge the cake ball halfway into the melted coating, tap off any excess drips, and place in a styrofoam block to dry.
For larger quantities, a special cake pop dipping tool can speed up the process. These tools allow you to insert multiple pops and dip them all at once. Let any excess drip back into the coating before placing in the styrofoam block.
How do you get a smooth coating?
Start with melted candy or chocolate coating that has been thinned slightly with shortening or paramount crystals. This helps the coating spread smoothly over the cake ball. After dipping, let excess coating drip back into the bowl before turning the cake pop straight up.
If you do get thin spots where the cake peeks through, you can patch them by spreading a little extra coating over those areas with a spoon. Work quickly before the coating sets.
Should you double dip the pops?
Double dipping helps create an extra smooth, even coating on your cake pops. After dipping once and letting set, quickly dip just the cake ball part a second time for complete coverage. Let any excess drip off well before placing back in the block.
Double dipping does use more coating, so you may want to reserve some extra. It can also slightly soften the first coat. But the results are very professionally coated cake pops.
How do you decorate cake pops?
Part of the fun of cake pops is decorating them once coated. Sprinkles, crushed candies, or edible glitter can be applied while the coating is still wet so they stick. Drizzle with contrasting melted chocolate or candy melts.
You can also decorate with royal icing details, edible ink pens, tiny candies, or mini chocolate chips. Let your creativity run wild with colors and designs!
Do cake pops need to be refrigerated or stored a certain way?
If not eating cake pops the same day they are made, they do need proper storage to maintain quality. Once completely set, the pops can be placed in an airtight container or cake pop bags. Then refrigerate up to 5-7 days.
If storing longer than 24 hours, adding a flower dryer silica gel pack to the container can help absorb moisture. Allow to come to room temperature about 15 minutes before serving for best texture.
Can cake pops be frozen?
Successfully freezing cake pops allows you to make them in advance for later use. To freeze, let the pops fully cure first at room temperature, then place in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Frozen cake pops will last for 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. The coating may dull slightly when thawed but will still taste great.
What are some cake pop troubleshooting tips?
Here are some common cake pop issues and how to avoid them:
- Crumbling balls – Use very fine, even cake crumbs and don’t overwork the mixture. Chill thoroughly before dipping.
- Cracks in coating – Thin coating with shortening and ensure cake balls are firm. Double dip for a smoother coat.
- Lopsided pops – Insert sticks deeper into center of ball. Dip and turn right side up quickly.
- Coating drips – Let excess drip back into bowl and turn cake pop straight up and down to dry.
- Sticks sliding out – Push sticks further into balls before chilling. Use designed cake pop sticks.
Conclusion
Mastering cake pops does involve some technique, but the results are worth it for an impressive and tasty treat. With the right recipes, tools, and tricks, you can churn out cute and decadent cake pops for parties, gifts, and dessert displays. Getting the crumb texture, frosting ratio, chilling time, and coating consistency correct goes a long way towards cake pop success.