This easy cakesicles with cake mix recipe is the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. It is similar to a cake pop with a fun popsicle shape.
I’ll show you step by step how easy it is to make these cake popsicles without frosting using the dipping method.
Jump to:
- Cakesicles vs Cake Pops
- How To Make Cakesicles With Cake Mix
- Chocolate Options For Dipping
- How To Add Color Candy Wafers Melts and Almond Bark
- How To Melt The Chocolate
- Sprinkles & Toppings
- Cakesicles Tools & Supplies
- Storage & Leftovers
- Step by Step Photos and Directions
- Cakesicles Recipe (Step By Step)
Cakesicles vs Cake Pops
Cakesicles are basically a popsicle cake pop. They both have a moist and flavorful cake dough and a crisp chocolate coating.
The size is the biggest difference, cakesicles can be up to three times bigger depending on the silicone mold used.
Check out this Cake Pop Recipe that uses the same cake dough or make these White Chocolate Covered Strawberries if you have extra melted chocolate.
Silicone Mold Options
Using a silicone mold is a must when making cakesicles. There are so many shapes and sizes available online and craft stores.
The traditional shape has two main sizes. The small silicone mold has an interior size at about 2.7 inches and large about 3.6 inches.
I recommend using the small size for the dipping method. The dipping method is perfect if you are making bunch of cakesicles for an event or if you are making both cakesicles and cake pops.
How To Make Cakesicles With Cake Mix
The easiest way to make homemade cakesicles is to use a boxed cake mix without frosting.
The secret to making cakesicle dough without frosting is to bake a flavorful cake and mix it in a stand mixer while it’s still hot.
Steam helps the cake bind together into a moist dough consistency that it perfect for pressing into the silicone mold.
Then placed into the freezer for a short time which helps to remove the cake lollipops from the mold easily.
It’s ready to be dipped into melted chocolate and decorated with melted chocolate and sprinkles.
Ingredients For Cake Dough
Cake Mix - Any brand or flavor.
Butter - Salted butter is preferred. You can substitute sour cream as well.
Eggs - Three whole eggs.
Milk - Replace the water with milk for extra flavor. You can use water in pinch.
Extract- Vanilla imitation or pure extract will do.
More Flavor - Can add a touch of sugar if you would like an extra sweet flavor.
Chocolate Options For Dipping
There are two main options for dipping, premium chocolate or compound chocolate. Premium chocolate has high percentage of cocoa butter and compound chocolate has a high percentage of palm kernel oil.
Compound chocolate is very easy to melt and dip with. When looking for options you’ll see so many names.
- Candy Melts
- Candy or Confectionary Coating
- Candy or Melting Wafers
- Almond Bark
Some of these options are budget friendly and the others are more premium.
Candy Melts and Almond Bark
Budget friendly options are almond bark and candy melts. They are on the sweeter side but are so easy to melt in the microwave and dip.
Candy melts comes in a variety of colors and flavors, which is perfect if you do not want to purchase food coloring or flavoring.
Premium Candy Wafers
Candy Wafers are very popular with professional treat makers. It melts easily, taste great and when dipped the chocolate coating is smooth.
You’ll notice the thinner consistency when it’s melted as well. Popular options are Ghirardelli, Merckens, Eleven O’One or Sweet Shop.
How To Add Color Candy Wafers Melts and Almond Bark
When coloring candy wafers, melts or almond bark, you will need an oil based food coloring.The brand above is from Wilton and called Candy Colors but Color Mill is a very popular brand as well. Do not use gel or water based coloring, the chocolate will seize up and become clumpy.
Melt the candy melts or bark as directed on the package. Add a very tiny drop of coloring and mix with a spoon, add more if needed.
How To Melt The Chocolate
The easiest and most convenient way to melt compound chocolate is in the microwave on the defrost setting. You can start melting at about 30 seconds remove and mix. Intervals at 15 seconds until fully melted and smooth.
If you would like a precise dipping temperature use a digital candy thermometer at around 90°F.
The other popular method is using double boiler on the stovetop. Fill a saucepan a ¼ of the way with water and bring to a simmer and reduce to low heat. Place a stainless steel mixing bowl over it, then add the chocolate and stir until completely melted.
Thick Chocolate
If the chocolate coating is too thick add a touch of coconut oil, EZ thin, vegetable shortening or oil.
This will help when dipping to get a smooth coating consistency.
Sprinkles & Toppings
Add a pop of color or crunch with sprinkles and toppings. There are so many options online, at the grocery or party store.
Right after the cake pop is dipped sprinkle the topping right away for it adhere to the melted chocolate coating.
- Colorful Sprinkles
- Sanding Sugar
- Pearls
- Luster Dust
- Edible Shimmer Spray
- Mini Floral Candy Decorations - Can use silicone molds
- Coconut
- Toasted Nuts
- Mini Chocolate Chips
- Melted Dark Chocolate Drizzle
- Melted Butterscotch Chips
- No Bake Crunch Toppings - Crumble Cookie Flavors
Check out these 2-3 Ingredients Crunch Recipes- Strawberry Shortcake, Banana Pudding, Toasted Almond, Eclair, Nutter Peanut Butter Chocolate, Funfetti Birthday Cake.
Cakesicles Tools & Supplies
You can find lots of tools and options at your local craft stores and online.
Stand Mixer - To make the cake dough a stand mixer with the paddle attachment is ideal. I have not tried to use a hand mixer or mixing it by hand.
Please be careful if you do because the cake is very hot and steamy when it’s being mixed.
Molds - Traditional silicone cakesicles molds in two main sizes. The small silicone mold has an interior size at about 2.7 inches and large about 3.6 inches.
Melt Chocolate Tools - I almost always use a microwave to melt the chocolate. Heat proof glass jar or 16oz deli container are popular choices as well as jar spreader or spatula for mixing.
Candy thermometer to check for a precise temperature and toothpick to burst any air bubbles after dipping.
Sheet Pans - Pans lined with parchment paper is used to place the cake popsicles on after it’s been dipped or placing them in the freezer or refrigerator to harden up.
Sticks - Options include wood craft sticks, clear acrylic sticks or even metallic glitter lollipop sticks.
Decorating and Packaging - Decorating or piping bags to drizzle melted chocolate, sprinkles, treat bags 4in x 6in, twist ties and ribbon or twine.
These are so easy to decorate with a simple drizzle and sprinkles.
Storage & Leftovers
Since this cakesicles recipe does not use highly perishable ingredients like buttercream frosting or cream cheese it’s safe to stay at room temperature for up to 5 days.
The cake dough can be made up 3 days before dipping and stored in an airtight container at room temperature on the counter. If you need to extend it even more, store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Troubleshooting & Tips
If you notice the chocolate has cracked after dipping and drying, this happen when there is a fluctuation in temperature. For example very cold cake dough and warm chocolate. Allow the dough to warm up for about 20 minutes after it’s removed from the refrigerator.
Reheat the melted chocolate for about 15 seconds if you notice it has thickened up.
Don’t skip the freezer step, this allows the cakesicles to be removed easily from the silicone mold and help to prevent the craft or lollipop stick from falling off.
These cakesicles are perfect for a party, event or holiday. Package them individually and display them next to other sweet treats.
Step by Step Photos and Directions
Make The Cake Dough
- Grab the cake pop dough ingredients and prep them.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line the baking pan with parchment paper.
3. In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract and milk or water. Mix well.
4. Add the dry boxed cake mix.
5. Place into the stand mixer and mix for 2 minutes.
6. Using a rubber spatula mix to make sure there are no dry lumps. You want a smooth cake batter.
7. Pour cake batter into the parchment lined baking pan.
8. Place cake into the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Try not to over bake the cake or the cake pop dough will be too dry.
9. Carefully remove the cake from the oven and cover the pan with foil for 10 minutes.
10. Covering the cake will help to trap the steam and moisture.
11. While the cake is still hot place into the mixing bowl of the stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
12. Mix for about 5 minutes or until the cake pop dough has come together.
13. The cake dough will be soft with a texture similar to play dough. Let the dough fully cool about 15-20 minutes.
14. Store the cake dough in an airtight container.
Molding & Decorating
15. Grab the silicone cakesicle molds and the cake pop dough.
16. Portion the cake dough into the silicone molds using a cookie scoop or spoon. Press until the dough is evenly distributed into the mold.
17. Place the wood craft or lollipop stick into the slit of the mold about ¾ the way up.
18. Put the molds into the freezer for about 20 minutes. This allows the cake dough to firm up and be easily removed from the mold.
19. Remove the cakesicles from the mold.
20. Place them on a parchment lined sheet pan. Let them rest for 10-15 at room temperature to warm up a bit.
Melting The Chocolate & Dipping
21. Grab the melting chocolate melts, wafers or almond bark.
22. Melt the candy melts or chocolate wafers according to the package instructions in a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, deli container or microwave safe glass cup.
23. Use a thermometer at temp around 90°F, for best results.
24. You want the chocolate texture to easy to pour or drip, if it seems to thick add a touch of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to thin it out.
25. Grab the cakesicle.
26. Dip it into the melted chocolate without twisting the stick.
27. Use a tap tap motion to remove the excess chocolate and toothpick to pop any air bubbles.
28. Remove the excess chocolate by lightly dragging against the rim of the cup.
29. Place them back on the sheet pan lined sheet.
30. Allow to dry or set up the melted chocolate.
Decorating
31. Grab the supplies to decorate including sprinkles, food coloring and icing bags.
32. You can coloring extra melted chocolate with oil based food coloring. Place the colored chocolate into piping or zipper bags for easy drizzling.
33. Make sure the dipped cakesicles are fully dried before decorating.
34. Drizzle and sprinkle. Allow to fully harden or dry.
35. It's ready to be packaged individually and served. Enjoy.
Cakesicles Recipe (Step By Step)
Equipment
- 9x13 or 10 inch Baking Pan
- Cakesicles Silicone Molds
- Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment
- Microwave Safe Bowls
- Parchment Paper and Foil
- Rubber spatula
- Thermometer
- Sheet Pans
- 16 Craft or Lollipop Sticks
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon
- 2 Cup Measuring cup or Tall Glass
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
- 1 15oz Cake Mix
- ½ cup Butter, Melted
- 3 Eggs
- 1 cup Milk or Water
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 12-16 oz Candy Melts, Chocolate Melting Wafers or Almond Bark
- Sprinkles or Other Decorations (Optional)
- Vegetable Shortening or Coconut Oil
Instructions
Making The Cake Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line the baking pan with parchment paper.
- In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract and milk or water. Mix well.
- Add the dry cake mix and mix for 2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula mix to make sure there are no dry lumps.
- Pour cake batter into the parchment lined baking pan.
- Place cake into the oven and bake for 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Try not to over bake the cake or the cake pop dough will be too dry.
- Carefully remove the cake from the oven and cover the pan with foil for 10 minutes. This will help to trap the moisture.
- While the cake is still hot place into the mixing bowl of the stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
- Mix for about 5 minutes or until the cake dough has come together. The dough will be soft with a play dough texture. Let the dough fully cool about 15-20 minutes.
Molding and Decorating
- Portion the cake dough into the silicone molds using a cookie scoop or spoon. Press until the dough is evenly distributed into the mold.
- Place the wood craft or lollipop stick into the slit of the mold about ¾ the way up.
- Put the molds into the freezer for about 20 minutes. This allows the cake dough to firm up and be easily removed from the mold.
- Remove the cakesicles from the mold and Place them on a parchment lined sheet pan. Let them rest for 10-15 at room temperature to warm up a bit.
- Melt the candy melts or chocolate wafers according to the package instructions in a 2-cup liquid measuring cup or tall drinking glass. You want the chocolate texture to easy to pour or drip, if it seems to thick add a touch of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to thin it out. Use a thermometer at temp around 90°F, for best results.
- Take each cakesicle and dip them into the melted chocolate without twisting the stick. Use a tap tap motion to remove the excess chocolate and toothpick to pop any air bubbles. Remove the excess chocolate by lightly dragging against the rim of the cup.
- Place them back on the sheet pan lined sheet to dry or set up the melted chocolate.
- It's time to decorate to your preference. A drizzle of melted chocolate and sprinkles are classic choices.
- Allow the cakesicles to fully harden. It's ready to package and serve. Enjoy.
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