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Homemade chocolate cake pops dipped in glossy melted chocolate and topped with rainbow sprinkles
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Chocolate Cake Pops

Rich, fudgy chocolate cake pops made completely from scratch soft, moist chocolate cake blended with creamy frosting, rolled into perfect bite-sized balls, and dipped in silky melted chocolate. These pops are fun to make, beautiful to gift, and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite!
Prep Time45 minutes
Active Time30 minutes
Resting Time1 hour
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snacks
Cuisine: American, Homemade Treats
Keyword: chocolate cake pops, chocolate dessert, easy cake pops, homemade cake pops, party treats
Yield: 4 people
Calories: 280kcal
Author: Jenna Cooper
Cost: $5

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl Large enough for batter and crumbs
  • 1 Whisk For combining ingredients
  • 1 Baking pan (8-inch round or square) For baking the cake
  • 1 Cooling rack To cool the cake evenly
  • 1 spatula For mixing frosting and cake crumbs
  • 1 Baking Sheet To chill cake balls
  • 40 Lollipop sticks For the pops
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate measurements
  • 1 Microwave-safe bowl For melting chocolate

Materials

For the Chocolate Cake

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk or milk
  • 1/2 cup hot water

For the Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Coating & Decoration

  • 12 oz melting chocolate or candy melts dark, milk, or white
  • Assorted sprinkles, nuts, or coconut optional

Instructions

  • Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease or line an 8-inch pan. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, oil, and buttermilk. Mix gently, then stir in the hot water until smooth. Pour into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
  • Step 2: Crumble and Mix
    Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl. Add frosting a spoonful at a time and mix until the texture holds together like dough.
  • Step 3: Roll and Chill
    Scoop out one tablespoon of the mixture, roll into balls, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for at least 1 hour.
  • Step 4: Insert Sticks
    Dip each lollipop stick into melted chocolate and insert it halfway into each cake ball. Chill again for 15 minutes to secure.
  • Step 5: Dip and Decorate
    Melt the remaining chocolate. Dip each cake pop, covering it completely, and gently tap off excess chocolate. While still wet, decorate with sprinkles or nuts.
  • Step 6: Set and Enjoy
    Stand the cake pops upright in a foam block or box. Allow them to set completely before serving or storing.

Notes

For a smoother coating, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to melted chocolate.
If the mixture is too wet, add a spoonful of extra cake crumbs.
You can freeze undecorated cake pops for up to one month; thaw before dipping.
Use candy melts if you prefer faster setting and easy coating.