Red velvet cake meets bite-sized perfection in this easy-to-make cake pop recipe. Whether you’re hosting a party, whipping up homemade gifts, or just craving a sweet treat, red velvet cake pops are a fun and delicious way to elevate any occasion. With their vibrant color, moist texture, and smooth candy coating, these treats never fail to impress.
This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from baking and forming to dipping and decorating. Plus, you’ll pick up helpful tips for creating the perfect cake pops every time.
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cake Pops
A Delightful Combination of Flavors and Fun
- Velvety cake and creamy candy coating merge into a delectable, irresistible dessert.
- Perfect for special occasions, party favors, or just because.
Customizable and Creative
- Easily decorate them to match any theme or event.
- Add your personal touch with unique toppings or drizzle designs.
A Rewarding Homemade Experience
- You control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher and tastier result.
- Making these pops is surprisingly fun and easy, even for first-timers.
Now, let’s gather what you’ll need to get started.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the red velvet cake pops:
- Red velvet cake mix
- Eggs (as per cake mix instructions)
- Water (as per cake mix instructions)
- Vegetable oil (as per cake mix instructions)
- Vanilla frosting (about 1/3 cup)
- White candy melts (approximately 12 ounces)
- Dipping aid chips (optional, for a smoother coating)
Equipment
- Cake pop sticks
- Cake pop former or scoop
- Baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Styrofoam block or cake pop stand
Got everything ready? It’s time to bake and create!
How to Make Red Velvet Cake Pops
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the red velvet cake mix.
- Prepare the batter: Combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and oil in a large mixing bowl. Whisk or use an electric mixer until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Bake the cake according to the package instructions, ensuring it’s cooked through by inserting a toothpick into the center (it should come out clean).
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely. This prevents it from crumbling too much during the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pops
Crumble the Cake:
- Remove the dry edges of the cake, then crumble the remaining cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a fork.
Add Frosting:
- Add about 1/3 cup of vanilla frosting to the crumbled cake.
- Use a spoon or your hands to mix well, ensuring the consistency is soft but firm enough to form shapes.
Form Cake Balls:
- Scoop and shape the mixture into uniform balls using a cake pop former or your hands. Aim for 1-inch balls (not too big, or they might fall apart).
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Insert Sticks and Freeze
Prepare Candy Melts:
- Melt a small portion of white candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
Attach Sticks:
- Dip the tip of each cake pop stick into the melted candy, then insert it into the center of a cake ball, going about halfway through. This acts as a “glue” to hold the sticks in place.
Chill the Pops:
- Place the cake pops upright on a baking sheet or in a Styrofoam block and freeze for about 15 minutes, until firm.
Step 4: Dip and Decorate
Melt Remaining Candy:
- Melt the rest of your candy melts in the same way, adding dipping aid chips for a smoother consistency if desired.
Dip the Cake Pops:
- Hold each cake pop by the stick and dip it into the melted candy. Slowly pull it up, letting the excess coating drip off.
- Tap your wrist lightly to remove any remaining drips and ensure an even coating.
Decorate and Set:
- Place the dipped cake pops upright in a Styrofoam block to dry.
- For additional flair, drizzle them with red candy melts or top with sprinkles before the coating fully sets.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cake Pops
- Choose a Quality Cake Mix: A good-quality mix gives a moist, flavorful base.
- Don’t Overdo the Frosting: Adding too much can make the cake pops too soft to hold their shape.
- Keep Them Cold: Working with chilled cake pops helps maintain their structure during dipping.
- Use Dipping Aid Chips: These chips make it easier to achieve that smooth, glossy candy coating.
Storing Your Cake Pops
Store finished cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.
Why Homemade Cake Pops are Worth It
Making cake pops at home isn’t just about crafting a delicious dessert—it’s about creating something personal and unique. When you make them yourself, you can experiment with ingredients and decorations to match your taste and style. Plus, they’re sure to leave anyone who receives them impressed and delighted.
Now that you have a step-by-step guide, it’s time to bring these red velvet cake pops to life. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or just yourself (we won’t judge!), this recipe guarantees a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Happy baking and enjoy every bite!