Cake pops are a delicious and fun treat. They perfectly combine cake and lollipops. These bite-sized desserts on a stick are popular because they are cute, convenient, and versatile. Looking for a simple way to make them at home? This guide shows you how to prepare perfect 3 ingredient cake pops.
With just boxed cake mix, frosting, and candy melts or chocolate, you can easily create these treats. This method makes cake pops quick, easy, and budget-friendly. Want to make your cake pops stand out? Check out this cake pop decorating guide. If you’re interested in gluten-free options, explore these gluten-free cake pop recipe ideas.
What You’ll Need to Make 3 Ingredient Cake Pops
Making cake pops is easier than you think! Here’s what you need:
- Boxed Cake Mix: The easiest way to make cake pops. Choose flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or funfetti.
- Frosting: Frosting binds the crumbled cake. Vanilla or cream cheese frosting work best.
- Candy Melts or Chocolate: These coat your cake pops. Use white chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate.
With these ingredients, the possibilities are endless. Learn how to store cake pops and keep them fresh. Check out more creative dessert ideas here.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cake Pops
Let’s make 3 ingredient cake pops! We’ll cover the crumbling method and the cake pop mold method. Let’s start with the crumbling method. It’s quick, easy, and great for beginners.
Method 1: Crumble & Mix
This method gives you control over your cake pops’ texture. Here’s how:
1. Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven: Follow the cake mix box instructions.
- Prepare the cake batter: Follow the boxed cake mix instructions. Mix well.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into a greased pan. Bake as directed. Check with a toothpick.
- Cool completely: Let the cake cool on a wire rack. This is important!
2. Crumble the Cake
- Break it up: Crumble the cake into small pieces. Fine crumbs are best.
- Consistency is key: The cake should resemble a coarse powder.
3. Add the Frosting
- Gradually incorporate frosting: Add frosting a little at a time. Be careful not to add too much.
- Test the texture: Roll a small amount into a ball. It should stick together. Add more frosting if it’s crumbly, or more cake crumbs if it’s sticky.
4. Roll the Cake Balls
- Shape the dough: Roll the mixture into small balls. About the size of a golf ball (1 inch in diameter).
- Uniform size: Make the balls the same size.
5. Freeze the Balls
- Chill for firmness: Place the cake balls on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Freeze for 15-20 minutes.
- Don’t skip this step: Freezing helps the cake pops hold their shape.
6. Dip in Chocolate
- Prepare your coating: Melt candy melts or chocolate in the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring between each.
- Dip the sticks: Dip the end of each stick into the melted chocolate. This secures the stick.
- Insert the sticks: Gently insert the coated end of the stick into the center of each cake ball.
7. Coat the Cake Pops
- Dip the cake balls: Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate. Tap to remove excess.
- Add decorations: Add sprinkles, glitter, or other toppings while the coating is wet.
- Allow to set: Place the cake pops upright in a foam block or holder. Let them set at room temperature or in the fridge.
Method 2: Cake Pop Molds
If you have a cake pop mold, this method skips the crumbling. Here’s how:
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Follow cake mix instructions: Follow the boxed cake mix instructions. Mix until smooth.
- Fill the mold: Pour the batter into the cake pop mold evenly.
2. Bake and Cool
- Bake the cake pops: Bake according to the cake mix box instructions. Baking time might be shorter.
- Cool completely: Let the cake pops cool in the mold before transferring them to a wire rack.
3. Coat and Decorate
- Insert the sticks: Insert the sticks into the center of each cake pop.
- Dip in chocolate: Melt candy melts or chocolate and dip the cake pop.
- Decorate: Add decorations like sprinkles or edible glitter.
This method makes perfectly round cake pops easily.
Customizing Your Cake Pops
Customizability is the best part of making cake pops! Here are a few ideas:
Flavor Variations
- Red Velvet Cake Pops: Use red velvet cake mix and cream cheese frosting.
- Chocolate Cake Pops: Use chocolate cake mix and chocolate frosting.
- Birthday Cake Pops: Mix in colorful sprinkles.
Coating and Decoration Ideas
- Sprinkles: Roll your cake pops in sprinkles.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Drizzle additional chocolate over the candy melts.
- Themed Decorations: Use edible glitter, mini candies, or fondant shapes.
Storing and Preserving Your Cake Pops
Keep your cake pops fresh with these tips:
- Room Temperature: Lasts 1-2 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigeration: Lasts up to a week in the fridge.
- Freezing: Lasts up to 3 months in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature.
FAQs About 3 Ingredient Cake Pops
Here are some common questions.
How do you make cake pops without a cake pop machine?
You don’t need a cake pop machine!
- Bake the Cake: Use a boxed cake mix. Let it cool.
- Crumble the Cake: Crumble into fine crumbs.
- Mix with Frosting: Add frosting until it forms a dough.
- Shape the Cake Pops: Roll into small balls (1 inch).
- Dip and Decorate: Dip in melted chocolate. Let it set.
Learn more about easy desserts with this 3-ingredient ice cream sandwich cake recipe.
Can I make these cake pops gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix and frosting.
For more ideas, check out this gluten-free carrot bundt cake recipe.
What can I use instead of candy melts?
Use chocolate! Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate all work. Melt gently.
Get more coating ideas from this perfect chocolate cake recipe with vanilla frosting.
How long do cake pops last?
Cake pops last:
- At Room Temperature: 1-2 days in an airtight container.
- In the Refrigerator: Up to a week.
- In the Freezer: Up to 3 months.
Try this banana nut bread recipe with chocolate chips for longer-lasting treats.
Why are my cake pops falling off the stick?
This could be happening for a few reasons:
- Not Enough Chilling: Chill the cake balls well.
- Not Enough Chocolate on the Stick: Dip the stick in melted chocolate for a secure bond.
Get more dessert tips from this step-by-step guide to making banana ice cream.
3 Ingredient Cake Pops Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 Box of your favorite cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box instructions)
- 1 Can (12-16 oz) of frosting
- 1 Bag (12-16 oz) of Candy Melts or Chocolate Chips
- Optional: Sprinkles, lollipop sticks
Instructions:
- Bake the Cake: Prepare cake mix according to box instructions, bake, and let cool completely.
- Crumble the Cake: In a large bowl, crumble the cooled cake until it is finely textured.
- Add Frosting: Mix in frosting, a little at a time, until the cake and frosting mixture forms a dough-like consistency that you can mold.
- Shape the Cake Balls: Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes to firm up the cake balls.
- Melt Coating: While cake balls are chilling, melt candy melts or chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Prepare Sticks: Dip the end of a lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it halfway into a cake ball. This helps to secure the stick.
- Dip and Coat: Dip the entire cake ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it is fully coated. Gently tap off any excess chocolate.
- Decorate: If desired, immediately sprinkle with sprinkles or other decorations before the chocolate sets.
- Set: Place the cake pops in a cake pop stand or stick them into a styrofoam block. Let them set until the chocolate is firm.
- Enjoy!
Conclusion
Making 3 ingredient cake pops is perfect for a fun, delicious treat! They’re customizable, simple, and impressive. Grab your ingredients and start baking! Enjoy these delightful treats!