Looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of cake and lollies? Cake pops are your answer! These delightful bite-sized treats have taken the world by storm, and it's easy to see why. Ever since Starbucks introduced their cake pops, these sweet spheres of joy have become a must-have at parties, celebrations, and sweet tables across Australia.

Whether you're planning a birthday bash or wedding celebration or just fancy trying something new in the kitchen, we've got you covered with our foolproof guide to making perfect cake pops every time. From choosing the right ingredients to mastering the art of dipping, we'll walk you through every step of creating these irresistible treats.

What Are Cake Pops?

Before we dive into the how-to, let's talk about what cake pops actually are. Simply put, cake pops are balls of crumbled cake mixed with frosting, mounted on lollipop sticks, and dipped in chocolate or candy coating. Think of them as a cross between a truffle and a cupcake on a stick!

What makes cake pops so special is their versatility. You can create them in any flavour combination imaginable, decorate them to match any theme, and they're perfectly portioned for individual servings. Plus, they're much easier to serve and eat than traditional cake – no plates or forks required!

Essential Equipment and Ingredients

Equipment You'll Need

1. Cake pop sticks: These are essential for holding and eating the cake pops. These are available in different colours so you can seamlessly match them in with your theme or occasion. Pink and Blue Cake pop sticks are perfect for Baby showers or Gender reveals.
    
2. Cake pop stand or foam block: This will hold the cake pops upright while they dry and provide assistance while decorating. Acrylic stands are not only great for holding the cake pops but also double as a display stand on your treat table. For a budget-friendly option, opt for a foam block covered in wrapping paper that suits the party theme.
    
3. Mixing bowls: Stainless steel or glass bowls are essential for combining the cake and frosting. Whether you mix the cake and frosting by hand or you use an electric stand mixer, this is a must-have for making cake pops.
    
4. Microwave or double boiler: For melting chocolate or candy coating. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and stir every 20-30 seconds. It can also be helpful to add a small amount of coconut oil to help liquify and create a smoother coating.
    
5. Parchment paper or wax paper: To place the cake pops on while they dry. This is an alternative option to using a cake pop stand or foam block. If using this method, it is important to twirl the cake pop whilst the chocolate or candy coating starts to dry to avoid pooling into a puddle base. 

Key Ingredients

1. Cake: Baked and cooled, which serves as the base for the cake pops. Whether you  bake a cake from scratch or use a store bought cake mix there are countless flavour options; butter cake, chocolate mud or even carrot cake. Using leftover cake from last weekend's party to make lunchbox treats is a great way to keep the party going.
    
2. Frosting: Used to bind the crumbled cake together and add moisture. Store-bought or homemade, either one will work just as well as the other.
    
3. Chocolate or candy melts: For coating the cake pops. Use multiple colours to create cake pops that suit your theme or occasion.
    
4. Sprinkles or decorations: Optional, for decorating the cake pops. Add a little extra pizazz to your cake pops by dunking them in sprinkles.

Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Cake Pops

Discover the art of creating delightful homemade cake pops with our easy-to-follow step-by-step guide. From mixing the perfect batter to creative decorating tips, learn how to make every occasion sweeter with these bite-sized treats!

Baking the Perfect Cake (Even with Box Cake Mix)

Step 1. Creating the Cake Mixture

• Prepare and bake the cake according to the package or recipe instructions. 

• Using your clean hands or a food processor, crumble the cooled cake finely into a large bowl.

• Add about ⅓ to ½ cup of frosting to the crumbs and mix thoroughly until the mixture resembles a dough, moist but not soggy.

Step 2: Forming the Cake Balls

• Scoop out 1-1.5 tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. 

• Place the balls on a baking paper-lined tray. 

• Place these in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours until they are firm. If you need to speed up the process, freeze cake pops for around 15-20 minutes. 

• Once firm, remove your cake pops from the fridge or freezer and gently insert a stick into the middle of the ball so they resemble little lollipops. 

Step 3: Dipping and Decorating

• Now comes the fun part. Dip each pop into your melted coating and gently swirl to achieve even coverage.

• You can either choose homemade frosting, butter cream or even melted chocolate to cover your cake balls.

• Keep twirling as you remove it from the coating and let any excess drip off.

• Place these upside down or upright into a stand and add any sprinkles while they are still wet to ensure they stick.

Once set, your cake pops are ready to be packaged, displayed, or enjoyed! You can also wrap them in treat bags and tie them with ribbon for gifts.

Popular Flavour Combinations and Designs

Classic Favourites:

• Vanilla Cake + Vanilla or Cream Cheese Frosting

• Chocolate Cake Pops + Chocolate Ganache or Fudge Frosting

• Red Velvet Cake + Cream Cheese Frosting

• Funfetti Cake + Vanilla Frosting - Perfect for kids' birthdays

Gourmet Twists:

• Lemon Cake Pops + White Chocolate Frosting

• Strawberry Cake + Cream Cheese + White Chocolate Coating

• Carrot Cake + Cream Cheese Frosting 

• Chocolate Cake + Mint Frosting + Dark Chocolate Coating

• Espresso Cake + Mocha Frosting + Chocolate Coating

Decorating Tips and Techniques

1. Smooth Coating Technique

• Thin your candy melts with a bit of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to make dipping smoother.
• Tap gently and rotate to remove excess coating. Avoid shaking too hard to prevent cake pop breakage.

2. Drizzle Designs

• Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle a contrasting colour over the coated cake pops.
• For clean lines, use a squeeze bottle or piping bag with a tiny tip.
• Criss-cross patterns and zigzags are easy and effective ways to create a design.

3. Sprinkles & Toppings

• Add sprinkles, crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or edible glitter while the coating is still wet so they stick.
• Use tweezers to place larger accents, such as sugar pearls or shaped sprinkles, for a more intricate look.

5. Edible Paint & Pens

• Once the coating is dry, use edible markers or edible paint to draw faces, write names, or add fine details.
• Great for character pops or personalisation.

6. Using Fondant or Modelling Chocolate

• Create tiny decorations like flowers, bows, animal ears, or letters.
• Attach with a dab of melted chocolate or edible glue.

8. Themed Moulds & Shaping

• Use silicone moulds to shape cake pops into mini popsicles, hearts, stars, or seasonal shapes.
• Try sculpting simple shapes, such as spheres, cubes, or domes, with your hands.

9. Display & Presentation Tips

• Stick finished pops into a decorated foam block, cake pop stand, or wrapped bouquet-style in a vase.
• Wrap individually in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for favours or gifts.
• Add personalised tags for parties, holidays, or events.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

You can store your cake pops at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days. The fridge can cause condensation, making the coating sticky or causing colours and decorations to run. If you need to store them in the fridge for a longer period, wait until they cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb any moisture.

If you want to make the balls in advance, uncoated cake pops will freeze perfectly fine. Be sure to individually wrap each cake pop in cling wrap and place them in a zip-lock bag. When you’re ready, just pop them in the fridge to thaw out. 

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Make sure the cake is completely cool before crumbling. Remove any caramelised edges from light coloured cakes so your pops are speckle-free. 

• Don’t add too much frosting—it’ll make the pops too soft, which will cause breakage.

• If your cake balls have cracks, it's possible that you didn't use enough frosting in your mixture.

• Use a melon baller, ice cream scoop, or kitchen scales to ensure each ball is the same portion size. 

• Work in small batches to keep cake balls chilled while dipping.

• If the coating cracks, try letting the pops come to room temperature before dipping. You want them cool but not cold

• Use a deep container for dipping so that the whole pop is covered; a coffee cup is ideal. 

• To cover any imperfections in your finished cake pop, use extra candy coating, chocolate, and/or sprinkles. 

Creative Variations and Party Ideas

The great thing about cake pops is that they are versatile and can be the perfect treat at every event or occasion. With so many different flavours and design possibilities, your options are effectively endless. You can get creative and practise some more intricate piping techniques, such as drop lines, small dots, and flowers.

Holiday Themes:

• Christmas: Snowmen, Santa, Christmas trees and baubles.

• Easter: Bunnies, chicks, speckled egg colours. 

• Halloween: Mummies, pumpkins, eyeballs. 

• Valentine's Day: Hearts, sprinkles, red and pink coating.

Occasion-Specific:

• Baby Showers: Pink/blue with little booties or rattles. You can use either pink or blue cake mix so the inside of the cake pop reveals the baby's gender. 

• Weddings: Use a mixture of white and dark chocolate and create little tuxedo designs. Use White chocolate and white sugar pearls for the Bride

• Engagement: Cover the cake pops in White chocolate and add some gold edible dust for a touch of sparkle. 

• Sports: Use team colours or decorate them as sports balls. 

Ready to Party?

Now you're equipped with all the knowledge needed to create perfect cake pops! Remember, practice makes perfect, and even if your first batch isn't Instagram-worthy, it'll still taste amazing - we promise there won't be any cake crumbs left!

Start with basic recipes and techniques, then let your creativity soar as you master the basics. And if you need any supplies, check out our full range of cake pop-making equipment and decorating supplies in our online store.