chocolate cake pops
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Chocolate Cake Pops

Who doesn’t love bite-sized desserts that are delicious, easy to make, and perfect for sharing? Chocolate cake pops check all these boxes and more. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, create fun treats for a party, or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, these miniature delights are just the thing.

Chocolate Cake Pops
Chocolate Cake Pops

This blog will guide you through making chocolate cake pops from scratch, with a simple yet foolproof recipe that any baking enthusiast can master. You’ll learn what ingredients to use, how to assemble perfect pops, and helpful storage tips to keep them fresh.

Why Love These Cake Pops

There’s so much to love about chocolate cake pops! Here’s why these little treats are such crowd-pleasers:

Kid-Friendly Activity: Making cake pops is a fun activity to share with your little ones—they’ll love helping you roll, dip, and decorate!

Portion Perfection: Each cake pop is a perfect bite-sized dessert—ideal for indulging without overdoing it.

Customizable: Add sprinkles, drizzle with white chocolate, or enrobe them with your favorite candy coating—the possibilities are endless.

Great for Gifting: With their charming and polished finish, cake pops make adorable edible gifts for friends, teachers, or coworkers.

Chocolate Cake Pops From Scratch

Making chocolate cake pops from scratch isn’t just fun—it’s the ultimate way to control flavors and ensure your pops are moist, rich, and absolutely irresistible. And don’t worry if you’re not a professional baker. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be making Insta-worthy cake pops in no time.

Why Try My Recipe:

  • Ideal for All Levels: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is straightforward yet satisfying.
  • Homemade Goodness: Say goodbye to store-bought mixes—every bite is baked with love and care.
  • Customizable: Add sprinkles, switch up the chocolate coating, or experiment with fun toppings to suit any occasion.
Try My chocolate cake pops
Try My chocolate cake pops

What You Need for the Perfect Cake Pops

1. Choosing the Right Flour

For a soft and tender texture, all-purpose flour works well, but cake flour yields an even lighter crumb. If you’ve ever made vanilla cake pops, you’ll notice how cake flour gives a delicate bite. When swapping, remember to adjust the measurements slightly to maintain consistency.

2. The Role of Cocoa Powder

For rich chocolate flavor, always use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch process cocoa, as it reacts correctly with baking soda. The difference lies in their acidity, affecting how your cake rises. If you’re curious about this, check out my guide on natural vs. Dutch process cocoa.

3. Blooming Cocoa for Maximum Flavor

Using very hot water helps to bloom the cocoa, intensifying its flavor. This technique works similarly to steeping tea, unlocking deeper chocolate notes. Make sure your water is steaming before adding it to get the best results.

4. Moisture & Richness with Buttermilk

Adding buttermilk enhances the moisture and tenderness of the cake. If you don’t have it, a simple buttermilk substitute (made with just 2 ingredients) can work. The acidity in buttermilk also interacts with baking soda, helping the cake rise beautifully.

5. The Importance of Extra Yolks

Using both an egg and an extra yolk makes a noticeable difference. The added richness creates a smoother texture, which is essential in chocolate cake pops. More yolk equals better structure and a velvety crumb.

How to Make Chocolate Cake Pops

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients before adding the melted butter. Stir until mixed. Crack in the eggs, adding them one at a time to maintain smooth consistency. Pour in buttermilk and vanilla. Finally, gradually mix in hot water, stirring until the batter becomes cohesive. Grease and flour an 8″ cake pan before pouring in the batter.

2. Bake and Cool the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 30-35 minutes. Once done, allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack for complete cooling.

3. Make the Frosting

Using an electric mixer, beat butter with salt until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder while continuing to mix. Pour in heavy cream and beat on medium/high for 30 seconds until smooth and spreadable.

4. Crumble and Shape the Cake Pops

Once the cake has cooled, crumble it into pebble-sized pieces. Avoid over-mashing. Combine the cake crumbs with frosting until the mixture holds together. Roll into evenly-sized cake balls and insert sticks to complete the chocolate cake pops.

5. Adding frosting

Start by adding frosting to the crumbled cake in a large mixing bowl. Use a spatula to mix everything on low speed until it forms a smooth, cohesive dough. The consistency should be just firm enough to hold its shape when rolled.

6. Roll into balls

Using a small scoop, portion out the dough into 1.5 tablespoon-sized amounts and roll them into uniform balls. Place them on a wax paper-lined baking sheet, ensuring enough space between each piece. Allow the cake balls to chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, so they firm up properly before dipping.

Roll into balls

7. Dip and Decorate

Melt the chocolate until smooth. Dip the tip of a cake stick into the melted chocolate, then poke it halfway into a chilled cake ball. Carefully flip the pop upside down and dip it entirely into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coat coverage. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off before decorating with sprinkles or cookie crumbs.

Dip and Decorate

8. Let Set and Enjoy

Place the decorated cake pops in a prepared upside-down egg carton to hold them upright. Allow them to set and harden completely before serving. Enjoy these bite-sized treats at any celebration!

 Let Set and Enjoy

Tips for Homemade Chocolate Cake Pops

  • Don’t Skimp on the Frosting: The frosting holds your pops together, so add just enough to create a sticky, moldable dough.
  • Chill Before Dipping: To prevent cake pops from falling apart, chill them in the fridge before coating them in chocolate.
  • Thin Your Chocolate Coating: Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening to melted chocolate for a smoother, shiny finish.
  • Keep Toppings Handy: If you’re adding sprinkles, crushed nuts, or coconut, apply them immediately after dipping. The chocolate hardens quickly!
Tips for Chocolate Cake Pops

How to Store & Freeze

Freeze undecorated cake pops for up to three months. Thaw and coat in chocolate just before serving to maintain freshness.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for a week.

Chocolate Cake Pops

Chocolate Cake Pops

Fun and delicious, Chocolate Cake Pops are easy to make and customize with different flavors, toppings, and decorations for any special occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the Frosting

  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Assembly

  • 2 cups chocolate melts dark or milk chocolate
  • Lollipop sticks
  • Optional toppings: sprinkles crushed nuts, coconut flakes

Instructions
 

Bake the Cake

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • Cream the butter and sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until smooth.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely on a rack.

Make the Frosting

  • Beat the butter in a bowl until creamy.
  • Sift powdered sugar and cocoa powder into the butter, combining well.
  • Add milk a teaspoon at a time until your frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Assemble Your Cake Pops

  • Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs using a food processor or fork.
  • Gradually mix frosting into the crumbs using your hands or a spatula until the mixture holds together but isn’t sticky.
  • Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking tray. Chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours or freeze for 30 minutes.
  • Melt your chocolate candy melts in the microwave on 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
  • Dip the tip of a cake pop stick in the melted chocolate, then insert it halfway into a cake ball to secure the stick.
  • Dip the entire ball into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Add sprinkles or toppings immediately before the coating sets.
  • Place the dipped cake pops upright in a foam block or a stand to dry completely.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, swap vanilla frosting for chocolate frosting.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
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FAQs

How do you make chocolate cake pops from scratch?

Bake a chocolate cake, crumble it, mix with frosting, roll into balls, insert sticks, dip in melted chocolate, and decorate.

Why do my cake pops fall off the stick?

Cake pops may fall off if they’re too heavy, the chocolate coating is too thick, or they haven’t been chilled properly before dipping.

How do I get a smooth chocolate coating on cake pops?

Melt the chocolate properly, use a deep bowl for dipping, and tap off excess chocolate gently before setting.

Can I make cake pops without frosting?

Yes, but frosting helps bind the cake crumbs. You can use melted chocolate or cream cheese as an alternative.

What’s the best way to decorate chocolate cake pops?

Use sprinkles, crushed cookies, drizzle with contrasting chocolate, or add edible glitter for a festive touch.

Can I use store-bought cake mix for cake pops?

Yes! A boxed chocolate cake mix works well, just make sure to mix it with frosting until it forms a dough-like consistency.

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