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Ultimate Foolproof Vanilla Cake Pops Using Cake Mix

A tray of perfectly dipped white chocolate cake pops topped with rainbow sprinkles standing upright.
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Learn how to make moist, delicious vanilla cake pops at home using simple cake mix. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners and includes tips to prevent cracking for a smooth, professional coating every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
  • Ingredients listed on cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
  • 1 container (16 oz) vanilla frosting (canned is fine)
  • 12 oz melting wafers or candy coating (vanilla or white chocolate)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional, for thinning coating)
  • Cake pop sticks
  • Sprinkles or other decorations (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cake according to the directions on the cake mix box, but reduce the liquid slightly (use 2/3 cup water instead of 1 cup, for example) to ensure a slightly firmer cake. Bake the cake in a 9×13 inch pan.
  2. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
  3. Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl. You can use your hands or a food processor for this step.
  4. Add the entire container of vanilla frosting to the cake crumbs. Mix well until a thick, uniform dough forms. You should be able to roll it without it crumbling apart.
  5. Roll the cake and frosting mixture into uniform 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until firm. This step is crucial to prevent cracking.
  7. Prepare your coating. Melt the candy wafers according to package directions, usually in short intervals in the microwave, stirring frequently. If the coating is too thick, stir in the optional shortening or coconut oil one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a smooth, dipping consistency.
  8. Dip the tip of a cake pop stick about half an inch into the melted coating and insert it about halfway into a chilled cake ball. This acts as glue.
  9. Return the sheet of dipped sticks and cake balls to the refrigerator for another 10 minutes to set the sticks firmly.
  10. Dip the entire cake ball into the melted coating, rotating the stick to cover the surface completely. Gently tap the stick against the side of the bowl to let excess coating drip off.
  11. Immediately apply sprinkles or decorations before the coating sets.
  12. Place the finished cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to dry completely.

Notes

  • For a Starbucks copycat flavor, use a yellow cake mix and vanilla or cream cheese frosting.
  • To prevent cracking during dipping, make sure your cake balls are very cold and your melted coating is thin enough to flow easily off the pop.
  • If you need to make these ahead, store the finished cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/easy-cake-pops-recipe-no-cracking/