How to Make Cake Popsicles: Delicious Treats on a Stick
Cake popsicles are made by mixing crumbled cake with frosting, shaping the mixture into small forms (often popsicle-shaped), inserting a stick, and then dipping them in melted chocolate or candy coating. This results in adorable, portable, and delicious treats that are perfect for parties, gifts, or any occasion.
The Allure of Cake Popsicles
Cake popsicles have exploded in popularity in recent years, moving beyond simple cake balls on a stick to intricately decorated miniature works of art. Their appeal lies in several key factors:
- Portability: Perfect for individual servings and easy to eat on the go.
- Customization: Endless possibilities for flavors, colors, and decorations.
- Presentation: Visually appealing and impressive, especially when creatively decorated.
- Versatility: Suitable for various occasions, from children’s birthday parties to elegant events.
The trend has been fueled by social media, where stunning cake popsicle designs are regularly shared, inspiring bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
Creating delightful cake popsicles requires a few key ingredients and tools:
Ingredients:
- Cake: Any flavor cake will work; boxed cake mix or homemade are both suitable. Leftover cake is a great way to use it up!
- Frosting: Cream cheese frosting, buttercream, chocolate ganache, or any frosting that complements your cake flavor.
- Chocolate/Candy Coating: Melting wafers or chocolate chips (with added shortening or coconut oil for smooth melting) provide the outer shell. Candy melts come in various colors for creative decorating.
- Popsicle Sticks: Standard size wooden or plastic popsicle sticks are ideal.
- Sprinkles/Decorations: Toppings like sprinkles, edible glitter, chocolate shavings, and candy pieces add visual appeal and flavor.
Equipment:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining cake and frosting.
- Spatula/Spoon: For mixing ingredients.
- Baking Sheet: To place the finished popsicles.
- Parchment Paper/Silicone Mat: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
- Double Boiler/Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting chocolate.
- Spoon/Fork: For dipping and decorating.
- Popsicle Mold (Optional): To create uniform popsicle shapes.
- Cake Pop Stand (Optional): To hold the popsicles upright while the chocolate sets.
The Step-by-Step Process: From Crumble to Creation
Making cake popsicles involves a straightforward process:
- Bake or Crumble the Cake: Bake your cake according to the recipe instructions or crumble leftover cake into a large bowl. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before crumbling.
- Add Frosting: Gradually add frosting to the crumbled cake, mixing until a dough-like consistency is achieved. The amount of frosting needed will vary depending on the cake’s moisture content. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. Avoid over-frosting, as this can make the mixture too sticky.
- Shape the Popsicles: Roll the cake mixture into small balls or press it into popsicle molds. If using molds, fill them completely and gently press the mixture down. Remove excess mixture to create clean edges.
- Chill the Popsicles: Place the shaped cake popsicles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. Chilling is essential for preventing the popsicles from falling apart during dipping.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate or candy coating in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, stirring frequently until smooth. If using chocolate chips, add a small amount of shortening or coconut oil to thin the chocolate and create a smoother consistency.
- Dip the Popsicles: Remove the chilled cake popsicles from the refrigerator. Dip the tip of a popsicle stick into the melted chocolate and insert it into the popsicle, pushing it about halfway through. This helps the popsicle adhere to the stick. Then, dip the entire popsicle into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is completely covered.
- Decorate and Set: Immediately add sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorations while the chocolate is still wet. Place the decorated popsicles on a cake pop stand or back on the lined baking sheet. Allow the chocolate to set completely, which usually takes about 15-30 minutes. Refrigerate for a faster setting time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While the process is simple, several common mistakes can hinder your cake popsicle success:
- Using too much frosting: This results in a sticky, difficult-to-handle mixture.
- Not chilling the popsicles: Popsicles that are not properly chilled are more likely to fall apart when dipped in chocolate.
- Using chocolate that is too thick: Thick chocolate can be difficult to work with and may not create a smooth coating.
- Dipping at the wrong temperature: Chocolate that is too hot can melt the popsicle, while chocolate that is too cold may set too quickly and create a clumpy coating.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Leaving enough space between popsicles prevents sticking and allows for easier decoration.
Delicious Flavor Combinations to Try
Experiment with different cake and frosting combinations to create unique and mouthwatering cake popsicles:
| Cake Flavor | Frosting Flavor | Chocolate/Coating |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla | Chocolate | Milk Chocolate |
| Chocolate | Peanut Butter | Dark Chocolate |
| Red Velvet | Cream Cheese | White Chocolate |
| Lemon | Lemon Buttercream | Yellow Candy Melts |
| Strawberry | Vanilla | Pink Candy Melts |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought cake instead of baking one from scratch?
Yes, absolutely! Using store-bought cake is a fantastic time-saver. Just make sure it’s a moist cake, and crumble it well before mixing with frosting.
What type of chocolate is best for dipping?
Candy melts or melting wafers are often the easiest to use, as they melt smoothly and set nicely. However, you can also use high-quality chocolate chips, adding a bit of shortening or coconut oil to help with melting and consistency.
How do I prevent my cake popsicles from cracking?
Cracking often occurs due to temperature differences. Ensure your popsicles are thoroughly chilled before dipping in warm chocolate. Avoid drastic temperature changes.
How do I make sure the popsicle sticks stay in place?
Dip the tip of the popsicle stick in the melted chocolate before inserting it into the cake pop. This acts like a glue, helping the stick adhere firmly. Also, ensure the cake mixture is not too soft.
How long can I store cake popsicles?
Cake popsicles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing odors.
Can I make cake popsicles without a mold?
Yes, you can easily shape them by hand. Roll the cake mixture into evenly sized balls or create other desired shapes.
What if my chocolate is too thick?
Add a small amount of shortening, coconut oil, or vegetable oil to thin the chocolate. Heat in short intervals in the microwave or use a double boiler, stirring frequently until smooth.
Can I use different types of frosting?
Absolutely! Experiment with different frostings to find your favorite flavor combinations. Cream cheese frosting, buttercream, chocolate ganache, and even fruit preserves can all work well.
My cake popsicles are too crumbly. What can I do?
Add a small amount of frosting until the mixture binds together properly. Be careful not to add too much, as this can make them too sticky.
How do I prevent air bubbles in my chocolate coating?
Tap the popsicle gently against the side of the bowl after dipping to release any trapped air bubbles. You can also use a toothpick to pop any visible bubbles.
Can I add flavoring to my cake pop mixture?
Yes! Extracts like vanilla, almond, or lemon can be added to the cake mixture to enhance the flavor. You can also add sprinkles or small chocolate chips to the mixture.
What is the best way to decorate cake popsicles?
The possibilities are endless! Use sprinkles, edible glitter, chocolate shavings, candy pieces, or even royal icing. Let your creativity shine and have fun with it!