Ingredients

1 box (13.25 oz) store-bought vanilla cake mix

⅓ cup neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, canola, etc.)

1 cup milk or water

4 large eggs

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon milk (add more if needed)

12 oz candy melts

White nonpareils or sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325-350℉ (162-175℃), following the temperature suggestions on your cake mix box based on your pan size. Combine the cake mix, oil, milk or water, and eggs in a large bowl. Pour the batter into a greased or lined pan and bake, checking with a toothpick 2–4 minutes before the suggested finish to avoid overbaking.

Step 2: While still warm, transfer the cake to a large mixing bowl. Using a paddle attachment on low speed or by hand, crumble the cake until no large pieces remain.

Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and milk until fairly smooth. Combine this buttercream with the crumbled cake until fully mixed.

Step 4: Roll the mixture into 1¼-inch (about 3 cm) balls, approximately 30 grams each. Freeze the cake balls for 15 minutes, then let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes while melting the candy melts.

Step 5: Melt a small portion of the candy melts in the microwave, stirring every 15–30 seconds until smooth. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy, then insert it halfway into each cake ball. Freeze again for 15 minutes to set.

Step 6: Remove cake pops from the freezer and allow to warm slightly for 10 minutes. Melt the remaining candy melts until thin and smooth. Dip each cake pop completely into the candy, gently tapping off excess coating for an even finish.

Step 7: Quickly decorate with white nonpareils or sprinkles before the coating sets. Place the cake pops upright in a styrofoam block and allow to dry completely. Repeat until all cake pops are coated and decorated.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother cake batter and better texture.

Substitute candy melts with white chocolate or colored candy coating for different flavors and looks.

Chill cake balls thoroughly to prevent them from falling apart when dipping.

Experiment with different sprinkles or edible glitter to match the occasion.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of box cake mix?

Yes, homemade vanilla cake works wonderfully. Just make sure it is cooled completely before crumbling and mixing with the buttercream.

How do I prevent the cake pops from falling off the sticks?

Dipping the stick tip in melted candy before inserting into the cake ball and chilling the pops well between steps helps secure them firmly to the sticks.