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    In the Kitch » Recipes » Dessert

    Updated: May 29, 2024 · Published: Apr 8, 2019 by Joss Dyckson · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    How to Make Cake Pops with Cake Mix

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    Cake mix cake pops with sprinkles in small, decorative, blue pail.
    Cake mix cake pops in small decorative pail.

    Love to bake but don’t exactly want a whole cake? Simplify this dessert and make some cake pops with a box of cake mix instead!

    It’s really easy to learn how to make cake pops with cake mix. Just pick up a tasty box of mix from the baking aisle, grab a few extra ingredients if you don’t already have them on hand and you’re all set!

    Cake mix cake pops in small, light blue, pail.

    Mix the cake mix batter up and in 5 minutes or less of bake time in a cake pop maker, you too can be enjoying these bites of deliciousness. The homemade icing is very easy to make and adds the finishing touch to this cake pop recipe.

    What I love about baking cake pops this way is the lightness of the cake balls without frosting, compared to forming the balls by hand with the heavy frosting. This method makes it far easier to keep the treat from falling apart or off of the treat sticks when dipping into the coating! Yes, you know what I’m talking about.

    Try out this recipe next time you’re in the mood for a cake but want to eat something unique and snack size. Serve them at a birthday party or simply make a whole batch and share with friends and family.

    I also have a tutorial for how to make cake pops with a mold if you're interested!

    Jump to:
    • Cake Mix Cake Pop Ingredients
    • Equipment
    • Instructions
    • Storage Tips
    • Troubleshooting & Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • ❤️More Bite Size Treats You Will Love
    • 📋Recipe

    Cake Mix Cake Pop Ingredients

    Cake mix cake pop ingredients prepped on light blue background.
    • a box of cake mix - Pick your favorite flavor of cake mix.
    • Ingredients indicated on the cake mix package - This is usually milk or water, oil or melted butter and eggs.
    • powdered sugar - For the coating.
    • lemon, juiced - If you don't want lemon flavor, use milk or water instead.
    • sprinkles - this is optional

    For an alternative coating: For more variety, check out these other cake pop coating and icing options.

    *Check recipe card for ingredient amounts.

    Equipment

    • Cake pop maker - If you don't have a cake pop maker just yet, take a look at my personal top 5 cake pop maker picks.
    • Cake pop stand - you can buy a stand that is specifically made for cake pops or make a stand out of an empty egg carton by turning it upside down and poking holes in the center of the egg cavities. You could even use a cereal box by turning it on its side and poking some holes on it.
    • Lollipop sticks - These are easy to find in the baking aisle or get some treat sticks online.

    Instructions

    Icing sugar in bowl.

    Step #1. Add cake mix to bowl. Lightly oil the inside of the cake pop maker and then plug it in to preheat it. Pour the cake mix into a bowl.

    Batter in bowl with whisk.

    Step #2. Add ingredients to cake mix. Add the ingredients according to the cake mix package (in my case: melted butter, egg and milk). Whisk it all together.

    Cake pop maker getting filled with batter.

    Step #3. Fill cake pop maker with batter. Pour the batter into the cake pop maker cavities. Close the lid.

    Cake pop maker with cake pop batter in cavities.

    Pro Tip: Fill them about 1 mm from the top of the cavity so that they don’t spill over or come out flat. I find that this is the sweet spot.

    Cake pop maker with baked cake balls in it.

    Step #4. Bake. Bake them for 4-5 minutes (if a toothpick comes out dry from the center, they are ready). Repeat for remaining batter. Unplug the device and let it cool before cleaning.

    Small pail of cake pop coating.

    Step #5. Prepare the cake pop coating. Mix the powdered sugar with the lemon juice (or milk) to make the icing. For a thicker coating, add more icing sugar. For a thinner coating, add a little bit of water or more lemon juice.

    Treat stick with coating on it.

    Step #6. Insert treat sticks. Insert the tips of the treat sticks into the icing, and then into the cake pops. Place them on a tray or plate. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

    Cake pops with treat sticks on plate.

    Chef's Note: Try to insert the treat stick about half-way into the cake pop for stability. Any further either way and the cake pop could fall off when you're coating it.

    Cake pop in small bucket of coating.

    Step #7. Coat the cake pops. Dip the cake pops into the icing and coat with sprinkles. Place in a cake pop stand and let sit until coating has hardened (approximately 1 hour or more). They can be set in the fridge as well, for about 30 minutes.

    Cake pop with sprinkles in hand.

    Step #8. Serve & enjoy! The cake pops are now ready to eat! Serve and enjoy!

    Storage Tips

    • Store the cake mix cake pops up to 1 week at room temperature, up to 1 month covered in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
    • Lining the container with paper towel helps keep moisture in control.

    Troubleshooting & Tips

    • Sticking: Don’t worry if you’re having some trouble with the cake balls sticking to the cavities of the cake pop maker. Simply spray it down with baking spray or make sure each cavity is lightly oiled before piping in the batter and your cake balls will pop right out.
    • Overfilling: If you accidentally overfill the cake pop cavities, that is okay. After the cake pops bake, let them cool for a few minutes (they will crisp up) and then you can break off the excess cake.
    • Serving size: If you don't want to make all of the cake pops at once, you can freeze some of the cake balls for later in a freezer bag. Thaw them on the day of decorating/serving. I know 70 sounds like a lot but you'll be surprised how quick they are to make! Plus, it's great to have extra on hand that you can just pull out of the freezer when needed.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can you use regular cake mix in a cake pop maker?

    Yes, you can use regular cake mix in a cake pop maker, but here are some tips for best results: Some cake mixes might call for water. It is better to use milk in place of water so that the cake pops are a little denser. Also, you can try adding an extra egg for a more solid structure.

    Can I use chocolate instead of candy melts for cake pops?

    Yes, you can use chocolate to coat your cake pops. I would recommend breaking up pieces of a chocolate bar instead of using chocolate chips for a smoother coating.

    How to make chocolate more runny for cake pops?

    It's easy to thin the chocolate coating by melting in a touch of coconut oil, vegetable shortening or cocoa butter. This will make it easier to coat the cake balls.

    Cake mix cake pops with sprinkles in small, blue, decorative pails.

    ❤️More Bite Size Treats You Will Love

    • Chocolate covered coffee beans in white dish.
      How to Make Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans
    • Banana cake pops upside down on a black tray with colorful, striped treat sticks.
      Banana Cake Pops
    • Mini brownie bites stacked on top of each other.
      Brownie Bites
    • Maple bacon cake pops on plate.
      Maple Bacon Cake Pops

    If you tried this recipe tutorial for 🎂 How to Make Cake Pops with Cake Mix or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!

    📋Recipe

    Cake mix cake pops in small pails with sprinkles on top.

    How to Make Cake Pops with Cake Mix

    Joss Dyckson
    It’s really easy to learn how to make cake pops with cake mix. Just pick up a tasty box of mix from the baking aisle, grab a few extra ingredients if you don’t already have them on hand and you’re all set to begin!
    5 from 22 votes
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 4 minutes mins
    Chill Time 1 hour hr
    Total Time 1 hour hr 14 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 70 cake pops
    Calories 23 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    For the Cake Pops

    • 1 box cake mix
    • ingredients indicated on the cake mix package - usually butter, egg and milk

    For the Coating

    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 1 lemon - juiced--If you don’t want lemon flavor, use milk instead.
    • sprinkles - to decorate

    Instructions
     

    • Lightly oil the inside of the cake pop maker and then plug it in to preheat it. Pour the cake mix into a bowl.
      Icing sugar in bowl.
    • Add the ingredients according to the cake mix package (in our case: melted butter, egg and milk). Whisk it all together.
      Batter in bowl with whisk.
    • Pour the batter into the cake pop maker cavities (fill them to just below the top so that they don’t spill over or come out flat). Close the lid.
      Cake pop maker getting filled with batter.
    • Bake them for 4-5 minutes (if a toothpick comes out dry from the center, they are ready). Repeat for remaining batter. Unplug the device and let it cool before cleaning.
      Cake pop maker with baked cake balls in it.
    • Mix the powdered sugar with the lemon juice (or milk) to make the icing. For a thicker coating, add more icing sugar. For a thinner coating, add a little bit of water or more lemon juice.
      Small pail of cake pop coating.
    • Insert the tips of the treat sticks into the icing, and then into the cake pops (about half-way into the cake pop). Place them on a tray or plate. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
      Treat stick with coating on it.
    • Dip the cake pops into the icing and coat with sprinkles. Place in a cake pop stand and let sit until coating has hardened (approximately 1 hour or more). They can be set in the fridge as well, for about 30 minutes.
      Cake pop in small bucket of coating.
    • Serve & enjoy!
      Cake mix cake pops in small, light blue, pail.

    Equipment

    • Cake Pop Maker
    • Cake pop stand
    • Lollipop sticks

    Notes

    • The nutrition information will vary depending on the cake mix you choose.
    • Cake pop maker tip: If you accidentally overfill the cake pop cavities, that is okay. After the cake pops bake, let them cool for a few minutes (they will crisp up) and then you can break off the excess cake.
    • Servings: If you don't want to make all of the cake pops at once, you can freeze some of the cake balls for later in a freezer bag. 70 sounds like a lot but they're very quick to make.
    • For an alternative coating: you can melt candy melts or chocolate in the microwave for 20-30 seconds at a time, stirring each time, until fully melted.
    • Cake pop stand: you can buy a stand that is specifically made for cake pops or make a stand out of an empty egg carton by turning it upside down and poking holes in the center of the egg cavities.
    • Batter: Some cake mixes might call for water. It is better to use milk in place of water so that the cake pops are a little denser. Also, you can try adding an extra egg for a more solid structure.
    • Storage: Store the cake mix cake ups up to 1 week at room temperature, up to 1 month covered in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. Lining the container with paper towel helps keep moisture in control.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 23kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 3mgPotassium: 3mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 1mg

    Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.

    Want to see our recipes in action?Subscribe to our channel on Youtube!

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    Comments

      5 from 22 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Yesenia says

      April 21, 2022 at 5:35 pm

      How do you keep them round after they bake? Mine always go almost flat on one side

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        April 21, 2022 at 6:02 pm

        Hi Yesenia, this might have to do with how much batter you are filling the cavities with. It can take some practice to get just the right amount so that a round cake ball forms. If you fill the batter to just below the top of the cavity and then close the lid, when it bakes it will rise into the top cavity. If you fill it any less, you could end up with a flat top. Also, make sure they are fully baked before removing them to cool by testing with a toothpick.

        Reply
    2. Terri says

      March 22, 2021 at 6:39 pm

      I love how easy these are with the simple glaze and cake pop maker. I've always made them by hand, but a cake pop maker is sooo much simpler!

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        March 27, 2021 at 11:02 am

        Yes! Cake pops don't have to be difficult. They are way easier with a cake pop maker, cake mix and a simpler coating. Thanks Terri!

        Reply
    3. Sean says

      March 21, 2021 at 7:22 pm

      Very fun recipe! I have to admit, I didn't know that cake pop maker moulds were a thing. Lol. I wonder if you could make a takoyaki mould work too? Lol, rather different recipes I suppose, but the idea is quite similar. In any case, I really like the light coating you use on these too, as I often find cake-pops a little over-iced. Cheers, and thanks for sharing this!

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        March 24, 2021 at 8:24 pm

        Thank you Sean! A takoyaki maker definitely has a similar shape and I've seen people make takoyaki in a cake pop maker lol.

        Reply
    4. Sabrina says

      March 21, 2021 at 5:15 pm

      Wow, these are so easy and fun. A great idea for my daughter’s birthday!

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        March 22, 2021 at 10:02 pm

        Thanks Sabrina! They are definitely great for birthdays.

        Reply
    5. Vijitha says

      March 20, 2021 at 7:58 pm

      What a great idea for quick and easy treats! Perfect for when I don't want to bake a whole cake. Thanks for the great recipe and tips!

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        March 21, 2021 at 9:11 am

        Thank you Vijitha!

        Reply
    6. nancy says

      March 17, 2021 at 7:03 pm

      my DD loves cake pops! what a great idea!!

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        March 19, 2021 at 9:22 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    7. Laura says

      March 17, 2021 at 7:59 am

      Cake pops are so cute and fun to eat! I love how simple this recipe is by using cake mix. Will definitely be trying this out. Thanks for the recipe!😊

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        March 18, 2021 at 9:25 am

        No problem Laura, thanks for the comment!

        Reply
    8. Vanessa says

      March 16, 2021 at 11:36 pm

      Food on a stick is always fun! My kids love these and they also make a perfectly portioned little treat for me!

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        March 18, 2021 at 9:24 am

        Thanks Vanessa! My kids love them too.

        Reply
    9. Bernice Hill says

      March 16, 2021 at 4:28 pm

      Very cool! I think I would like this style of cake pop much better than the had formed ones. These are especially cute for Springtime!

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        March 17, 2021 at 11:23 am

        They are much easier! Thanks Bernice!

        Reply
    10. Chef Jez says

      March 09, 2021 at 10:21 am

      Extremely tasty and a big hit with the guests! The whole batch was gone in a couple hours and I received compliments from the vast majority. A very well done recipe that will be bookmarked. Thanks inthekitch.net!

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        March 09, 2021 at 10:35 am

        Thanks for the compliment Jez!

        Reply
    11. Becca says

      October 29, 2020 at 6:21 am

      Are these mini or full size?how many inches are they when baked?

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        October 29, 2020 at 8:24 am

        Hi Becca. It does depend on the cake pop maker you have but mine are about 1 1/2" in diameter, which is pretty standard.

        Reply
    12. Rebecca says

      October 27, 2020 at 6:55 am

      Trying today

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        October 27, 2020 at 8:25 am

        Enjoy, Rebecca!

        Reply

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