What’s the best thing to do with leftover cake? Make cake pops of course! Here’s an easy cake pops recipe made using just 5 ingredients. It’s easier than you think – here’s how to make cake pops with leftover cake.
You don’t have to bake a cake especially for cake pops (although you can if you like). You can use offcuts, leftovers, cupcakes – anything really – to make these easy cake pops. I made these using the offcuts from the red velvet mini cakes I made earlier.
How to Make Cake Pops with Leftover Cake – a Step by Step Guide
1. Crumble the Cake
Begin by crumbling your leftover cake into fine crumbs. You can do this with your hands or use a food processor for a more uniform texture. Place the cake crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the White Chocolate Ganache
Add your ganache to the cake crumbs. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more until the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency. The ganache will not only bind the crumbs but also add moisture and flavour, and when it sets firm it will give you a solid surface for your coating. .
3. Shape the Cake Balls
Take approximately 30 grams of the cake mixture and roll it into a smooth, compact ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used. Place the cake balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Insert the Sticks
Melt a small amount of candy melts or chocolate chips, dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, and then insert it into the center of each cake ball. This will help secure the stick to the cake pop.
5. Chill the Cake Pops
Place the cake pops in the refrigerator for about an hour minutes to firm up. This will make them easier to dip in the coating without falling apart.
6. Coat the Cake Pops
Melt the remaining candy melts according to the package instructions. Dip each cake pop into the melted coating, allowing any excess to drip off. You can also gently tap the pop on the side of the bowl to remove excess coating.
7. Decorate
While the coating is still wet, you can sprinkle the cake pops with your choice of decorations – colorful sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even drizzle with a contrasting chocolate color.
8. Let Them Set
Place the cake pops upright in a cup, jar or use a cake pop stand to allow the coating to set completely.
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Easy Cake Pops Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Small saucepan
- Greaseproof Paper
- Small Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 200 grams leftover cake
- 180 grams white candy melts
- sprinkles
White Chocolate Ganache
- 100 grams white chocolate
- 35 mililitres double cream
Instructions
- The first job is to make the chocolate ganache. Break the white chocolate into chunks and put in a bowl. Put the double cream in a saucepan and bring to the boil before pouring over the white chocolate. Stir the mix until it's combined and then set aside. Don't let this set too hard – you want it to be the consistency of peanut butter so you can mix it into the cake.
- Take your cake leftovers and crumble them into a mixing bowl, making sure there aren't any large chunks. You can use your hands or a fork for this job.
- Add the ganache to the cake crumbs and mix through, squeezing the mixture to make sure it's really well combined.
- Form balls weighing about 30g and put them on a baking sheet covered in greaseproof paper. You should get 10.
- Put them in the fridge to chill for an hour.
- After about 50 minutes, melt your candy melts gently, either using a microwave on 10 second bursts or using a bowl over a small pan of boiling water. When they are melted, take your cake pops out of the fridge.
- Gently reshape the cake pops if needed – depending on the consistency of your cake pop mix when they went in the fridge they may have "drooped" and need rerolling a little.
- Dip one end of a lollipop stick into the candy melts and then insert into the cake pop balls. You might want to rest them in a cup or glass to keep them upright.
- Let them chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to set the candy melts.
- Add a teaspoons of oil of the candy melts to thin it down a little bit.
- Take the cake pops out of the fridge. One by one, dip them into the candy melts mixture, tapping the stick on the edge of the bowl and turning the cake pop as you do, to get any excess candy melts off. Put your finger on the lollipop stick and twist the stick to get a nice neat finish on the cake pop.
- The cake pop coating should be set within an hour. When it's set, remelt the candy melts mixture if you need to. Spoon some into a piping bag and drizzle over the cake pops. Add some sprinkles to the top and voila!
How to Store Cake Pops
The cake pops can be stored at room temperature in an air tight container. They will last for up to a week once they have been made.
How to Transport Cake Pops
If you need to transport cake pops, they will be absolutely fine laid down in a tupperware or other container once the candy melt coating has set.
Can You Make Cake Pops in Advance?
Yes! You can make these and freeze them for up to 6 weeks. Just make sure you give them time and space to thaw out before you enjoy them.
Turning leftover cake into cake pops is not only a creative way to reduce food waste but also a fun and rewarding baking project. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, special occasions, or just as a delightful snack. So, the next time you have extra cake, don’t toss it—transform it into cake pop perfection!
I’d love to see if you make these! Tag me on Instagram @adozensundays
