Easy Strawberry Cake Pops Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Strawberry cake pops are the ultimate bite-sized dessert that combines the fruity sweetness of strawberries, creamy frosting, and a smooth candy coating. Whether you’re making these for a party or a casual treat, they’re perfect for all strawberry lovers. If you’re looking for another indulgent strawberry dessert, try this delightful Strawberry Tres Leches Cake—a rich, moist sponge cake soaked in strawberry milk and topped with whipped cream. Together, these two desserts will create a stunning strawberry-themed dessert table that everyone will love.

What makes strawberry cake pops so special is their delightful appearance and mouth-watering flavor. Their beautiful pink color and smooth candy coating make them visually stunning, while the combination of cake and frosting delivers an irresistible burst of sweetness. Plus, these pops are easy to customize—you can add decorations, drizzle chocolate, or even create themed designs for any occasion.

If you’ve been intimidated by the thought of making cake pops, don’t worry! This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, from baking the cake to achieving the perfect coating. By the end, you’ll have a batch of gorgeous, homemade strawberry cake pops that will wow everyone, whether served at a party or enjoyed as a treat with your afternoon coffee.

Let’s dive in and explore how you can make these adorable treats right at home!

What Are Strawberry Cake Pops?

Strawberry cake pops are miniature desserts that pack big flavor into small, bite-sized portions. These treats are made by crumbling baked strawberry cake and mixing it with frosting to form a dough-like consistency. The cake mixture is then shaped into balls, inserted onto lollipop sticks, and coated with melted candy or chocolate. The final touch involves decorating the cake pops with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or chocolate drizzles for a polished and festive look.

These sweet treats are perfect for:

Celebrations: Birthdays, Valentine’s Day, weddings, and baby showers.
Dessert tables: Their small size makes them ideal for serving at parties or gatherings.
Gifts: Wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon, they make adorable homemade gifts.

Strawberry cake pops stand out because of their vibrant pink color and fruity flavor. They’re a fun alternative to traditional cupcakes or cookies and can be made ahead of time, making them a stress-free option for hosts and bakers alike.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cake Pops

To create perfect strawberry cake pops, it’s important to use the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you’ll need:

1. Strawberry Cake Mix

Using a boxed strawberry cake mix is the easiest way to ensure your cake pops are both delicious and consistent. Popular brands like Duncan Hines Moist Strawberry Supreme and Betty Crocker Super Moist Strawberry work well for this recipe.

Additional Ingredients for Cake Mix: Follow the instructions on the box, which typically include:
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil

Pro Tip: If you want a more vibrant pink color, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the cake batter before baking.

2. Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberry cake. While store-bought frosting works in a pinch, homemade frosting takes the flavor to the next level.

Ingredients for Homemade Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp heavy cream

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
Gradually add heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.

3. Candy Melts or White Chocolate

To coat your cake pops, you’ll need melted candy melts or white chocolate. Candy melts are ideal because they melt smoothly, harden quickly, and come in a variety of colors, including pink and white. Brands like Wilton offer high-quality candy melts that are easy to work with.

Alternative Option: White chocolate chips can be used instead, but you’ll need to add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil per 8 oz of chocolate to ensure it melts and coats evenly.

Pro Tip: Always melt candy melts in short intervals in the microwave (30 seconds at a time), stirring in between to prevent burning.

4. Lollipop Sticks

Lollipop sticks are essential for turning cake balls into cake pops. They’re available in various sizes, but 4 to 6-inch sticks are ideal for this recipe. You can find them at craft stores, baking supply shops, or online retailers.

5. Sprinkles or Decorations

Decorations give your strawberry cake pops a festive and polished look. Here are some popular options:

Red or pink sanding sugar
Heart-shaped sprinkles (perfect for Valentine’s Day)
White or dark chocolate drizzle
Edible glitter for an extra sparkle

Pro Tip: Decorate your cake pops immediately after dipping them in candy melts so the toppings stick before the coating hardens.

6. Optional Flavor Enhancements

If you want to enhance the strawberry flavor or add a unique twist, consider these options:

Strawberry extract: Add 1 teaspoon to the cake batter for a more intense flavor.
Freeze-dried strawberries: Crush freeze-dried strawberries and sprinkle them over the cake pops.
Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the coated cake pops for a sophisticated finish.

Equipment You’ll Need

In addition to the ingredients, here’s a list of basic equipment to make your strawberry cake pops successfully:

9×13 baking pan (for baking the cake)
Parchment paper (to prevent sticking)
Mixing bowls and whisk
Cookie scoop (to measure evenly-sized cake balls)
Microwave-safe bowl (for melting candy)
Lollipop sticks (for holding the cake pops)
Styrofoam block or cake pop stand (for drying the cake pops)

By gathering these ingredients and tools ahead of time, you’ll be fully prepared to create picture-perfect strawberry cake pops. Each element—whether it’s the moist strawberry cake, the creamy frosting, or the smooth candy coating—plays an important role in delivering both flavor and presentation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Strawberry Cake Pops

Creating strawberry cake pops may seem tricky at first, but following this simple step-by-step guide will ensure success. From baking the cake to dipping and decorating, each stage is explained in detail to help you make perfect cake pops.

1: Prepare the Strawberry Cake

Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly.
Prepare the Cake Mix:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, water, and oil as directed on the box.
- Mix until the batter is smooth, using a hand mixer or whisk to remove any lumps.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread it evenly for consistent baking.
- Bake for 28–31 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Pro Tip: If using a dark or nonstick pan, check the cake a few minutes earlier to avoid over-baking.
Cool the Cake:
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This step is essential because a warm cake will not mix properly with the frosting.

2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Combine the Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, beat 4 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until creamy.
Add Heavy Cream:
- Gradually add 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Tip: If you prefer a sweeter frosting, add a little more powdered sugar. For a lighter texture, add an extra splash of heavy cream.

3: Crumble the Cake and Mix with Frosting

Crumble the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, break it into large chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Use clean hands or a fork to crumble the cake into fine crumbs. The smaller the crumbs, the smoother the cake pop texture.
Combine with Frosting:
- Add 3–4 tablespoons of cream cheese frosting to the cake crumbs. Start with a small amount and gradually add more if needed.
- Mix the frosting into the cake crumbs with your hands or a spatula until the mixture has a dough-like consistency.

Pro Tip: Avoid adding too much frosting; otherwise, the cake balls may turn out soggy. The mixture should hold together when rolled into a ball but not feel overly wet.

4: Roll the Cake Balls

Measure the Cake Mixture:
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure out equal portions of the cake mixture (about 1 tablespoon per ball).
Roll the Balls:
- Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth, round ball.
- Place the rolled balls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Chill the Cake Balls:
- Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and chill the cake balls for at least 30 minutes. This helps firm them up and makes them easier to dip later.
- Tip: Do not skip this step—chilling the cake balls prevents them from falling apart when dipped in candy melts.

5: Melt the Candy Coating

Prepare the Candy Melts:
- Place white or pink candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the candy melts are completely smooth and melted.
Thin the Coating (If Needed):
- If the candy coating is too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to thin it out. Stir until well combined.

6: Dip the Cake Pops

Attach the Sticks:
- Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted candy coating (about ½ inch deep).
- Insert the coated end of the stick into the center of a chilled cake ball, pushing it about halfway through.
- Let the candy coating set for a few seconds to secure the stick.
Dip the Cake Pops:
- Hold the cake pop by the stick and dip it into the melted candy coating. Tilt the bowl slightly and swirl the cake pop to ensure even coverage.
- Gently tap off any excess coating by lightly tapping the stick against the side of the bowl.
Decorate Immediately:
- While the candy coating is still wet, sprinkle the cake pops with sanding sugar, sprinkles, or crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Place the dipped cake pops upright in a cake pop stand or a Styrofoam block to let them dry completely.

7: Let the Cake Pops Set

Allow the cake pops to dry at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes, or until the candy coating has hardened completely.

8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the candy coating has set, your strawberry cake pops are ready to serve! Arrange them in a decorative stand, wrap them in clear bags for gifts, or display them on a dessert table.

Now that you’ve mastered the step-by-step process, your strawberry cake pops will look professional and taste incredible.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cake Pops

To ensure your strawberry cake pops turn out smooth, delicious, and picture-perfect every time, here are some expert tips:

Chill the Cake Balls Properly:
- Always chill the rolled cake balls for at least 30 minutes before dipping them in melted candy. This firms them up, preventing them from falling apart or crumbling during dipping.
Don’t Add Too Much Frosting:
- Add frosting gradually to the cake crumbs. Too much frosting makes the mixture wet and sticky, which can cause soggy cake pops or balls that won’t hold their shape.
Thin Out the Candy Coating:
- If your candy melts are too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to thin them. A thinner coating ensures a smooth, even finish.
Work in Batches:
- Keep the remaining cake balls in the freezer while dipping a few at a time. This prevents them from softening before coating.
Secure the Stick:
- Dip the tip of the lollipop stick into melted candy before inserting it into the cake ball. This acts like glue, holding the stick in place.
Decorate Quickly:
- Add sprinkles, sanding sugar, or crushed freeze-dried strawberries immediately after dipping, before the candy coating hardens.
Avoid Overheating the Candy Melts:
- Melt candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Overheating can make the coating lumpy or seize up.

Different Variations of Strawberry Cake Pops

Take your strawberry cake pops to the next level with these fun and delicious variations:

1. Chocolate-Coated Strawberry Cake Pops

Replace white candy melts with dark or milk chocolate for a rich, decadent twist.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cake pops for an elegant finish.

2. Vegan Strawberry Cake Pops

Use a vegan strawberry cake mix and replace eggs with a flaxseed or applesauce substitute.
Use dairy-free frosting (made with vegan cream cheese) and vegan-friendly chocolate for dipping.

When discussing the vegan or gluten-free variation, you can link to the gluten-free recipe:

“For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. If you’re looking for an easy and moist gluten-free dessert, check out our Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake recipe for inspiration!”

3. Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Pops

Add crushed graham crackers to the cake crumbs before mixing with cream cheese frosting.
Dip in white chocolate and sprinkle with more graham cracker crumbs for a cheesecake-like flavor.

4. Pink Drizzle Cake Pops

Use white candy melts for coating and drizzle melted pink candy melts on top for a fun and festive design.

5. Freeze-Dried Strawberry Cake Pops

Crush freeze-dried strawberries into powder and mix it into the frosting for an intensified strawberry flavor.
Sprinkle the powder over the dipped cake pops for a pop of color and flavor

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cake Pops

Even though strawberry cake pops look simple, a few common mistakes can lead to challenges. Here’s what to avoid to ensure perfect results every time:

1. Adding Too Much Frosting

Adding too much frosting can make the cake mixture overly sticky and soggy. This prevents the cake balls from holding their shape.
Solution: Add frosting gradually, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency.

2. Skipping the Chilling Step

Skipping the chilling step causes the cake balls to fall apart when dipped in the candy melts.
Solution: Always chill the cake balls for at least 30 minutes in the freezer before dipping. They need to be firm to hold their shape.

3. Overheating the Candy Melts

Overheating candy melts can make them thick, lumpy, or unusable.
Solution: Melt candy melts in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each round, until smooth. Add coconut oil if the coating is too thick.

4. Not Securing the Sticks

If you don’t secure the sticks, the cake pops can slide off during dipping.
Solution: Dip the tip of the lollipop stick in melted candy coating before inserting it into the cake ball. Allow the “glue” to set for a few seconds.

5. Rushing the Dipping Process

Dipping cake balls too quickly can result in uneven coating or bubbles.
Solution: Dip the cake pop at a slight angle, swirl gently, and tap off excess coating against the edge of the bowl.

6. Not Decorating Quickly Enough

If decorations aren’t added immediately after dipping, the candy coating will harden, and toppings won’t stick.
Solution: Decorate each cake pop as soon as it’s dipped while the coating is still wet.

How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Cake Pops

Proper storage is essential to keep your strawberry cake pops fresh, flavorful, and beautiful. Here’s how to store them:

At Room Temperature

Cake pops can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days if they are coated with candy melts or chocolate.
Place them in an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can melt the coating.

In the Refrigerator

For longer storage, keep the cake pops in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Wrap the cake pops individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Refrigeration keeps the frosting and cake fresh but may cause slight condensation on the coating.

In the Freezer

To store cake pops for an extended period, freeze them for up to 2 months. Here’s how:
- Place the dipped and dried cake pops in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag.
- Thaw the cake pops in the refrigerator for several hours before serving to prevent moisture buildup.

Pro Tip: To avoid freezer burn, wrap each cake pop individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.

FAQs About Strawberry Cake Pops

1. What Not to Do When Making Cake Pops?

When making cake pops, there are a few mistakes you should avoid:

Skipping the chilling step: Without chilling, cake balls will fall apart during dipping.
Adding too much frosting: This makes the cake mixture overly sticky or soggy, preventing it from holding its shape.
Overheating candy melts: Overheated candy melts become thick and unusable. Always melt in short intervals, stirring frequently.
Rushing the dipping process: If you dip too quickly or don’t tap off excess coating, the candy layer will be uneven or bubbly.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll ensure your strawberry cake pops look polished and taste delicious.

2. Do You Have to Refrigerate Cake Pops Before Dipping?

Yes, you must refrigerate or freeze cake pops before dipping. Chilling the cake balls helps them firm up, which prevents them from falling off the lollipop sticks or crumbling when coated in melted candy.

How long to chill?

Chill in the freezer for about 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours.
They should feel firm to the touch but not completely frozen, as this can cause the candy coating to crack.

3. How Much Is a Strawberry Cake Pop at Starbucks?

At Starbucks, a single strawberry cake pop typically costs between $2.25 and $2.75 in the United States, depending on location and regional pricing.

Starbucks cake pops are made with a moist cake center, coated in pink candy melts, and decorated with white sprinkles. While convenient, homemade strawberry cake pops are far more budget-friendly and customizable!

4. Why Are My Cake Pops Soggy?

Soggy cake pops are usually caused by adding too much frosting to the cake crumbs. When there’s too much moisture, the mixture becomes sticky and dense.

How to Fix Soggy Cake Pops:

Start with small amounts of frosting and add gradually until the mixture holds together like dough.
If the cake pop mixture is already too wet, you can try chilling it in the refrigerator to firm it up.
For best results, use a 1:3 ratio of frosting to cake crumbs to maintain the right texture.

Conclusion

Strawberry cake pops are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. While they shine on their own, pairing them with savory dishes can elevate your entire meal. If you’re planning a complete menu, don’t miss out on trying our Best Pot Roast Seasoning. This easy-to-make spice blend will transform your pot roast into a flavorful centerpiece, balancing out the sweetness of the cake pops beautifully. From start to finish, you’ll have a meal that satisfies everyone’s cravingst.

By following this step-by-step guide, you now have all the tools to make beautiful and delicious cake pops at home. From preparing the cake and mixing the frosting to dipping, decorating, and troubleshooting common mistakes, you can master this treat with ease. Don’t forget to experiment with variations like chocolate-dipped cake pops, vegan-friendly options, or cheesecake-inspired flavors to keep things exciting.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the creative process of making strawberry cake pops. They make excellent gifts, party favors, or a sweet addition to any dessert table. Best of all, homemade cake pops are not only budget-friendly but also allow you to personalize every detail to your liking.

Happy baking, and enjoy your delicious strawberry cake pops! 🍓✨