How To Make Strawberry Cake Pops (Easy Recipe)

Strawberry Cake Pops are a fun and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, party, or just a sweet indulgence. These bite-sized snacks are made with a moist, flavorful strawberry cake center, coated in creamy white chocolate, and decorated with colorful red sprinkles. They’re easy to make, and with only a few ingredients, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Cake Pops recipe is an easy, delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberry cake with the smoothness of white chocolate. The best part? It’s so simple to make, with minimal ingredients and steps. The texture is light and moist, and the cake pops are perfect for both kids and adults. These cake pops are customizable too—you can decorate them with sprinkles, cake crumbs, or even drizzle on extra chocolate for a fun and colorful look.

Ingredients

• 1 box strawberry cake mix (I used Betty Crocker) **see notes
• 1/3 cup cream cheese icing (I used Betty Crocker)
• 1 bag white candy melts (12 oz)
• Red sprinkles

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cake: Start by following the instructions on the box of the strawberry cake mix. Beat the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
2. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or two 8×8-inch round cake dishes. Bake in a 350°F oven for the recommended time, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Crumble the Cake: Let the cake cool completely. Once cooled, crumble the cake with a fork in a large bowl or in the baking dish until it turns into fine crumbs. (Reserve 1/3 cup of the crumbled cake for decorating later.)
4. Mix with Frosting: Stir the cream cheese frosting into the crumbled cake. Once fully combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer to chill for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
5. Shape the Cake Pops: After chilling, use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll the mixture into evenly sized balls, aiming for the size of a ping pong ball. Place the balls onto a cookie sheet. Freeze the balls again until firm, about 30 minutes to 1 hour. The chilled mixture is easier to shape into perfect balls.
6. Prepare the Coating: While the cake balls are freezing, melt the white candy melts in the microwave in 30-second increments or use a double boiler. Stir occasionally to ensure it’s smooth and fully melted.
7. Insert Lollipop Sticks: Dip each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate to coat about 1 inch of the stick. Then, insert the stick into the center of each cake ball. This helps secure the stick in place. Once done, place the cake pops back into the freezer until the sticks are solidified (about 10-15 minutes).
8. Dip and Coat the Cake Pops: After the cake pops are solid, gently dip each ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. You can also use a spoon to pour the chocolate over the ball if preferred. Let the excess chocolate drip off onto parchment paper. Decorate with the cake crumbs you reserved earlier or sprinkle with red sprinkles for a festive touch.
9. Set and Serve: Place the cake pops upright in a Styrofoam block, or stick them in a cardboard box to allow them to harden completely. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 20-24 cake pops, depending on the size.
• Prep Time: 30 minutes (including chilling time)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (for baking the cake)
• Freezing Time: 1-2 hours (for shaping and setting)
• Total Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours (including freezing)

Variations

• Flavored Frosting: You can swap the cream cheese frosting for another flavor like vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry for a personalized twist.
• Chocolate Coating: If you prefer, you can dip the cake pops in milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Toppings: Try using other fun toppings such as mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even edible glitter to add texture and flair to the cake pops.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Cake pops can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just wrap each pop individually in wax paper or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a homemade strawberry cake recipe instead of a box mix?

Yes! You can make your own strawberry cake from scratch, but using a boxed mix makes the process quicker and easier.

2. Can I use flavored yogurt instead of cream cheese frosting?

Yes, if you prefer, you can use flavored Greek yogurt instead of frosting. However, frosting provides a richer texture that helps the cake hold together better.

3. Can I make these cake pops ahead of time?

Yes, cake pops can be made ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh for a few days at room temperature, or up to a week in the fridge.

4. How do I prevent the chocolate coating from cracking?

Make sure the cake balls are properly chilled before dipping in chocolate, and let the melted chocolate cool slightly before dipping to ensure it adheres smoothly.

5. Can I use chocolate chips instead of candy melts?

Yes, you can use chocolate chips, but candy melts are designed to melt smoothly and harden nicely, which makes them ideal for cake pops.

6. How do I make my cake pops stand up while they set?

You can place the cake pops in a Styrofoam block, or insert them into a piece of cardboard with holes to hold them upright while they set.

7. Can I decorate cake pops with other sprinkles?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of sprinkles, crushed candies, or even small edible flowers to decorate your cake pops.

8. How do I know when the cake balls are properly chilled?

The cake balls should be firm to the touch and hold their shape when rolled. They should not be too soft or squishy before dipping in chocolate.

9. Can I make these cake pops without the lollipop sticks?

Yes, you can skip the lollipop sticks and serve the cake pops on their own as bite-sized treats, or use toothpicks for a smaller version.

10. How long will these cake pops stay fresh?

Cake pops stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 1 week in the fridge. If frozen, they last for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Making strawberry cake pops is a fun and easy way to treat yourself and others to a delightful dessert. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious, bite-sized treats that are perfect for any celebration or casual snack. These cake pops are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!

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