I was at Target the other day (no surprise there) and couldn’t resist all of the cute Easter and spring items! These pastel treat sticks were just begging me to make cake pops with them! Plus there was a lemon cake mix right below them, so how could I resist?? Cake pops are pretty simple to make, except dipping them can be challenging. Half of these lemon cake pops looked pretty and the other half were a disaster. At least they all tasted good! I baked the lemon cake and then mixed it with cream cheese frosting to form the cake balls. Then I used this vanilla flavored candy coating for dipping. I have issues with white chocolate getting too hot and thick, so this seems to work best for me.
When it comes to dipping, make sure the cake balls are nice and cold! I leave mine in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before coating them. Don’t freeze them, though! I tried this with a few of mine and after I dipped them the coating would harden so fast it was difficult to add sprinkles quick enough. Also, after a while they started sweating and the coating would crack. Lesson learned: only chill in the fridge! When they are cold, dip the stick into the coating before sticking it into the cake ball. Then dip the cake ball into the melted coating, tap the stick along the edge of the bowl to remove any excess and then add sprinkles (I used these mini sugar pearls). To dry, I poked holes in the bottom of a cardboard box and placed them let stand for about 30 minutes before storing in the fridge.
Lemon Cake Pops
Light lemon flavor mixed with tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect spring treat!
Ingredients
- 1 lemon cake mix + ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. cream cheese frosting (amount may vary)
- 24 oz. vanilla flavored coating or candy melts
- cake pop sticks
- food coloring optional
- sprinkles optional
Instructions
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Bake cake according to directions on the box. Let cool then remove from pan and place in a large bowl. Use your hands to break it up into fine crumbs.
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Add frosting to the cake pieces and mix with your hands until the "dough" will hold its shape, but isn't too soft. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed. Roll about a tablespoon of the cake mixture into a ball. Place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Repeat until you run out of cake and then place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours.
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Melt coating according to directions (typically microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until melted). I find it easiest to use a mason jar or liquid measuring cup since they are pretty deep. This makes it easier to dip the cake balls. Stir in desired food coloring.
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Dip 1/2 inch of the cake pop stick into the coating, then stick into the cake ball. Dip into the candy coating until fully covered. Tap the stick on the edge to remove any excess coating. Add sprinkles if desired then let dry. I poke holes in the bottom of a cardboard box and let them stand until the coating is hard.
