Name: Chocolate Cake Pops Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 6 Tablespoons (32g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder (1/3 cup + 1 Tbsp); 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (120ml) canola, vegetable, or melted coconut oil; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water; 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 cup (41g) unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder; 2–3 teaspoons heavy cream or milk; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 24 ounces (680g) candy melts (or semi-sweet chocolate bars); Sprinkles

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 61 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love bite-sized treats, you are going to adore this Chocolate Cake Pops Recipe. These little bundles of joy combine rich, moist chocolate cake with silky chocolate coating that melts in your mouth. Perfect for parties, gifting, or just cheering yourself up on a rainy day, these cake pops are as fun to make as they are to eat. Get ready to wow your taste buds and impress friends with a dessert that’s simply irresistible and visually delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A smooth, round cake pop is dipped in a thick dark brown chocolate coating, held by a white stick, floating gently in a clear glass measuring cup filled with melted chocolate. The cup sits on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a clear bowl filled with colorful rainbow sprinkles and another container holding white sticks. Part of a white tray with colorful sprinkles pattern is visible at the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be intimidated by the list; these ingredients are simple pantry staples that pack a punch when combined. Each item plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance that make this Chocolate Cake Pops Recipe so special.

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled): Provides structure so the cake is light but sturdy enough for shaping.
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the moist crumb.
6 Tablespoons (32g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder (1/3 cup + 1 Tbsp): Delivers that deep, rich chocolate flavor that’s not overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent for a tender crumb.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
1/2 cup (120ml) canola, vegetable, or melted coconut oil: Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down.
2 large eggs, at room temperature: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Intensifies the overall flavor with its warm aroma.
1/2 cup (120ml) hot water: Extracts and enhances the cocoa’s natural flavor for a luscious cake.
6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature: Creates a creamy frosting base.
3/4 cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting to the perfect consistency.
1/2 cup (41g) unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder: Adds richness and chocolate intensity to the frosting.
2–3 teaspoons heavy cream or milk: Adjusts frosting’s texture for a silky finish.
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Boosts the frosting’s flavor depth.
24 ounces (680g) candy melts (or semi-sweet chocolate bars): For that beautifully glossy, hard coating that keeps the pops hold together and look stunning.
Sprinkles: Adds a festive, colorful touch and is entirely optional but highly recommended!

How to Make Chocolate Cake Pops Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease your preferred 9-inch pan—round, square, or even a springform—to ensure your cake comes out cleanly and bakes evenly. This step sets the stage for success.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake

In a large bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry, then add hot water and whisk until the batter is smooth with no lumps. The hot water is the secret behind that ultra-moist texture and rich chocolate flavor. Pour into your greased pan and bake for 25–27 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely—this is crucial for your cake pops to hold their shape.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

Using a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat softened butter on medium for about 2 minutes until creamy and smooth. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides for even mixing! Add confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of heavy cream or milk, and vanilla extract; beat on low speed to combine, then crank it up to high for 3 minutes to create a luscious frosting. If it feels too thick, add a bit more milk or cream until it reaches a perfect spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Combine Cake and Frosting

Crumble the cooled cake into the bowl with your frosting, making sure there are no large clumps. Blend gently using your mixer on low speed until all the frosting is incorporated and the mixture is moist and sticky. This combination is what transforms the cake into pop-ready dough.

Step 5: Form Cake Balls

Take about 1 scant tablespoon (roughly 20 grams) of the cake-frosting mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet. Chill them in the refrigerator for 2 hours or freeze for 1 hour until firm. This step makes dipping easier and keeps the shape intact.

Step 6: Melt the Coating

Melt your candy melts or semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe container or using a double boiler. Heat in 20-second increments, stirring well between each until completely smooth. Allow the coating to cool slightly before using—too hot and it will crack when cooled on the cake pops.

Step 7: Dip and Decorate

Remove just a few cake balls from the fridge at a time. Dip one end of a lollipop stick into the coating about half an inch, then insert it into the center of a cake ball. Dip the entire cake ball into the coating, cover it thoroughly, and gently tap off any excess. Before the coating sets, decorate with your favorite sprinkles. Place the pops upright into a polystyrene block or a box lined with parchment paper to dry completely for about an hour. Repeat until all your cake balls are beautifully dressed.

How to Serve Chocolate Cake Pops Recipe

The image shows a group of cake pops standing upright on white sticks, arranged closely together on a light wood surface with a white marbled background. Each cake pop has a smooth round ball shape coated in either dark brown or white chocolate. The white chocolate cake pops are decorated with bright, colorful sprinkles in shades of blue, pink, green, yellow, orange, and purple, scattered evenly on top. The dark chocolate ones also have a few sprinkles but fewer than the white ones. Sprinkles are also scattered loosely around the base on the surface. The photo is taken at a close angle, focusing on the texture and color of the cake pops. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkles are a classic topping for a reason—they add a playful pop of color and texture that makes these treats perfect for celebrations. You can also try crushed nuts, edible glitter, or drizzle with contrasting chocolate for an elegant touch. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Side Dishes

Serve your cake pops alongside a fresh fruit platter, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate. These pairings balance the chocolatey richness and provide a nice variety of textures and temperatures.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Chocolate Cake Pops Recipe on a decorative foam block covered with colorful tissue paper or ribbons for a fantastic centerpiece. Use mason jars filled with candies or sprinkles as holders for an adorable party favor display. You can also wrap each pop individually in cellophane tied with a ribbon, turning them into charming edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover cake pops will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keep them upright if possible to protect their shiny coating and avoid melting or smudging.

Freezing

To freeze, place frozen cake pops on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They freeze well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to keep them fresh and prevent condensation from affecting the coating.

Reheating

Cake pops are best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them a bit softer, let them sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it may soften the coating too much or cause it to crack.

FAQs

Can I use boxed cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch?

Absolutely! A boxed chocolate cake mix can be a convenient shortcut. Just be sure to let the baked cake cool completely before combining with frosting for your pops.

What if I don’t have candy melts? Can I use regular chocolate?

You can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate bars, but candy melts are specially formulated to harden smoothly and hold their shape, which is why they’re preferred for cake pops.

How do I prevent the coating from cracking after dipping?

Let the coating cool slightly before dipping and work quickly with chilled cake balls. Also, avoid rapid temperature changes by not putting hot-coated pops directly into the refrigerator.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, and double-check your other ingredients for gluten content to keep it safe for sensitive diets.

How long will the cake pops last at room temperature?

They are best enjoyed within a day if left out at room temperature, especially on warm days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about holding a perfectly coated, irresistibly chocolaty cake pop in your hand. This Chocolate Cake Pops Recipe is a celebration of texture, flavor, and fun rolled into one delightful bite. Whether you’re new to cake pops or a seasoned pro, this recipe invites you to get creative and enjoy every delicious step. So grab those ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen!