Last updated on September 6th, 2023 at 07:53 pm
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s not only adorable but also irresistibly delicious, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m going to share with you my tried-and-true method for easy red velvet cake pops that will have you grinning from ear to ear. These bite-sized delights are perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get poppin’ in the kitchen!
General Instructions on How to Make Cake Pops
Making cake pops might sound complex, but fear not – it’s much simpler than you think! Essentially, cake pops are just crumbled up cake that’s mixed with frosting, formed into a ball and coated in a chocolate shell. Here’s a quick rundown of the process:
Bake the Cake: Start by baking your favorite cake. It could be from a box mix or homemade – the choice is yours! Let it cool completely.
Crumble the Cake: Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor.
Mix in Frosting: Add a generous amount of frosting to the cake crumbs. Mix until the mixture can be easily rolled into balls and resembles a thick cookie dough.
Roll into Balls: Roll the cake mixture into small, even-sized balls. Place them in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes to firm up.
Insert Sticks: Melt a bit of chocolate and dip the tip of each cake pop stick into it before inserting into the cake balls. This helps secure the sticks in place.
Dip and Decorate: Dip each cake pop into melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, get creative with your decorations – sprinkles, crushed nuts, drizzled chocolate – the possibilities are endless!
Set and Enjoy: Place the decorated cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or a tall glass to allow the chocolate coating to set. Once set, they’re ready to be devoured!
Tools Necessary to Make Cake Pops
The joy of making cake pops lies not just in the end result, but also in the process itself. To whip up these delectable treats, you’ll need a few basic tools:
Cake Pop Sticks: These are essential for creating the classic cake pop look. They are also labeled as lollipop sticks in stores, some times. I usually get mine at Michael’s.
Melting Chocolate or Candy Melts: These coatings give your cake pops a glossy finish and hold your decorations in place. Please, please, please do NOT use regular chocolate chips and expect the same results. Chocolate chips are not made for melting! I have heard that you can add some oil to regular chocolate chips to get results similar to those of melting chocolate, but I personally have not tried that method.
Styrofoam Block or Cake Pop Stand: Perfect for holding your cake pops upright while the chocolate coating sets. You can buy styrofoam blocks at most craft stores, usually near the fake flowers.
Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and make the cleanup process a breeze.
Food Processor: While not mandatory, a food processor makes it easy to crumble the cake into fine crumbs.
Ideas for Decorating Cake Pops
Now comes the exciting part – decorating your cake pops! This is where you can let your creativity run wild. Here are some fun ideas to spark your imagination:
Sprinkle Magic: Sprinkle freshly coated cake pops with colorful sprinkles that match the occasion. Think rainbow sprinkles for birthdays and pastel shades for baby showers.
Elegant Drizzles: Drizzle contrasting colored melted chocolate over your cake pops for an elegant touch. It’s a simple technique that adds a gourmet flair.
Textured Delights: Roll your cake pops in crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or cookie crumbs for an added crunch and flavor dimension.
Character Creations: Use colored fondant or edible markers to craft adorable faces, flowers, or any designs you fancy.
Glitter Glam: Edible glitter is a surefire way to add a touch of glam to your cake pops. It’s especially perfect for celebrations and special occasions. See how to make edible glitter here.
How to Make Red Velvet Cake Pops
Now, let’s dive into crafting those irresistibly velvety red cake pops. Personally, I believe that the frosting makes the cake! That being said, I believe it is perfectly acceptable to make cake pops using a cake mix, but I do believe that the frosting should be homemade if at all possible. You just can’t beat the robust flavor that homemade frosting gives!
Ingredients:
1 red velvet cake, baked and cooled (I used the Duncan Hines mix)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Candy melts (you can choose your color)
Cake pop sticks
Assorted decorations (sprinkles, edible glitter, etc.)
Instructions
Crumble the cake: Crumble the red velvet cake into fine crumbs. I used a food processor.
Make the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add in vanilla. Slowly add in powdered sugar one cup at a time until you have a thick, rich frosting.
Divide up your frosting: Start with about half of the frosting and then add more to your liking/to get the proper texture. This recipe doesn’t require a full batch of frosting if you use a cake from a box. I used about ¾ of the total frosting.
Combine: Mix the cake crumbs with the cream cheese frosting until well combined. Keep adding and mixing frosting with your cake crumbs until you get the desired texture. You want to be able to form the cake pops into balls that hold their shape without drooping or falling apart.
Shape and Chill: Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a tray. Chill in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes.
Dip in chocolate: Melt the candy melts according to the package instructions. Stick the cake pop sticks into the melted candy and insert them into the cake balls. Dip each cake pop into the melted candy coating, allowing the excess to drip off.
Optional Decorate. I chose to decorate my cake pops with a colored drizzle. You could also drip your still-wet cake pops in sprinkles, edible glitter, nuts or anything else.
Set and Enjoy: Place the decorated cake pops in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to let the coating set. Once set, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
There you have it, folks – a delightful adventure into the world of easy, delicious red velvet cake pops! These bite-sized treats are not only scrumptious but also a joy to make and share. If you’re looking for another easy cake pop recipe, check out these Creamy Light Lemon Cake Pops!
Easy Red Velvet Cake Pops
Equipment
- 48 cake pop sticks
- styrofoam block or cake pop stand
Ingredients
- 1 red velvet cake I used the Duncan Hines mix
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
- Melting chocoate I used at least 24 oz total for this recipe
Instructions
Prepare Red Velvet Cake
- Bake your red velvet cake according to the instructions and allow to cool completely.
- Place chunks of cake in food processor and pulse until you have very fine crumbs
Make Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth
- Slowly add in powdered sugar and vanilla. Continue beating at medium speed until everything is smooth.
Assemble Cake Pops
- Divide your frosting in half (approximately). Set aside the one half for later use.
- Add your cake crumbs to half your frosting slowly, continuing to mix
- Add in more frosting 1/4 cup or so at a time until you reach a thick, cookie dough-like consistency. You want your dough to hold its shape without any help.
- Shape your dough into balls. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Decorate Cake Pops
- Melt melting chocolate according to instructions on the package.
- Dip the end of a cake pop in the chocolate, and then stick into a chilled cake pop.
- Dip entire cake pop in melted chocolate and gently maneuver a spoon around to pour/cover the cake pop in melted chocolate.
- Let excess chocolate drip off. Decorate cake pop with sprinkles, etc. and place in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to dry. Because I drizzled mine in more chocolate, I actually allowed the outer coating to set first, but you can choose whatever works for you!
- Store your cake pops in the fridge and enjoy!
