Ingredients
Scale
For the cake:
- 1 box of strawberry cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
For the coating:
- 16 ounces white candy melts
- Sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well blended. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch cake pan and bake according to the package instructions, usually about 28-31 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Combine Cake and Frosting: Once the cake has cooled completely, crumble it into fine crumbs in a large bowl. Add a small amount of frosting to the crumbs and mix thoroughly. The mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape when rolled into a ball but not overly sticky.
- Form the Cake Balls: Scoop portions of the mixture and roll them into balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Insert the Sticks: Melt a small amount of the white candy melts. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy and insert it halfway into each cake ball. This helps secure the stick in place.
- Chill the Cake Pops: Refrigerate the cake pops for about 30 minutes to firm them up before dipping.
- Coat the Cake Pops: Melt the remaining white candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Dip each cake pop into the melted candy, allowing any excess to drip off. If desired, add sprinkles or sanding sugar while the coating is still wet.
- Let Them Set: Place the coated cake pops upright into a styrofoam block to dry completely.
Notes
Consistency Matters: Achieving the right consistency in your cake and frosting mixture is key. If it’s too dry, add a bit more frosting; if too moist, add more cake crumbs.
Melting Candy Melts: Melt the candy melts slowly, stirring frequently to prevent overheating, which can cause clumping.
Decorating: For a festive touch, consider drizzling contrasting colored candy melts over the coated cake pops or adding themed sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake pop
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg