How to Make Cake Pops Without Sticks

Co-authored by Maria Short

Last Updated: August 5, 2024

Cake pops are always a fun treat for a party. If you don't have lollipop sticks, or simply don't want to use sticks, there are many options. You can use paper straws or even candy sticks, like cinnamon or peppermint sticks. You can insert a spoon instead. You can also simply serve the cake pops as cake balls. Whichever method you choose, cake pops are a delightful dessert for a variety of occasions.

Ingredients

Cake

1 and 2/3 (400 mL) cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) baking powder
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 mL) baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) salt
1/2 cup (120 mL) unsalted butter
1 cup (240 mL) granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons (30 mL) pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240 mL) whole milk

Frosting

7 tablespoons (105 mL) of unsalted butter
1 and 3/4 (420 mL) cups confectioners' sugar
3 teaspoons (45 mL) heavy cream or milk
1 teaspoon (5 mL) pure vanilla extract

Coating

40 ounces (about 1.2 liters) white chocolate candy melts

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Making Your Cake

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Measure out your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Place the ingredients in a mixing bowl and use a fork or wire whisk to whisk everything together into an even mixture. Set this aside for now. ^{[1]
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2
Blend the butter and sugar. Measure the butter and sugar into a separate mixing bowl. Using an electronic mixer, mix the butter and sugar together until you have an even mixture. ^{[2]
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- If you don't have an electronic mixer, you can also mash the butter and sugar together using a wooden spoon.
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3
Beat in the egg. Add your egg to the butter and sugar mixture. Use an electronic mixer to beat the egg in until you have an even mixture. ^{[3]
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- If you don't have an electronic mixer, you can stir the egg into the batter using a spoon.
4
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk. Pour in a small amount of the dry ingredients and beat them in using an electronic mixer. Then, add in a splash of the milk and beat it in as well. Continue this pattern until you've added all the dry ingredients and milk. When you're done, your mixture is smooth and even throughout. ^{[4]
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- Continue using a spoon if you don't have an electronic mixer.
Grease a 9 inch (23 centimeter) springform pan with a non-stick spray. Pour your mixture into the pan using a spatula. ^{[5]
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Start by baking the cake for 30 minutes and add additional time one minute at a time if necessary. If you press down on the cake's top, it will spring back up when it's done. You can stick a toothpick or fork in the center of the cake. If it comes back out clean, the cake is done. ^{[6]
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Remove the cake from the oven and set it on a cooling rack. After a few minutes, unscrew the spring form pan and remove the cake from the baking tray. Transfer the cake to a plate and let it cool for a few hours or overnight.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Forming Your Cake Balls

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Measure out all your frosting ingredients into a single mixing bowl. Use an electronic mixer to beat the ingredients together until you have a smooth, even frosting. ^{[7]
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Use a knife to cut along the outer edge of the cake. The outer edge is a little thicker, and difficult to roll into balls. It should be removed and discarded before you form your cake balls.
Cut a criss-cross pattern running through the cake. This should break the cake into four roughly even pieces.
Wash your hands first. Then, use your hands to crumble all four pieces of cake into tiny crumbs over a mixing bowl. Keep crumbling until all four pieces of cake are broken into small crumbs. ^{[8]
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Pour all your frosting into your crumbled pieces of cake. Use a mixing spoon to mix the ingredients together until you have an even mixture. ^{[9]
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6
Form cake balls with your hands. You can use a small ice cream scoop or just your hands to remove small amounts of the cake and frosting mixture. Use your hands to roll the cake mixture into firm, smooth balls. ^{[10]
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- The size of your cake balls is up to you. There are no strict rules to follow regarding size.
Place your cake balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Place the tray in the refrigerator for two hours. ^{[11]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Coating Your Cake Balls

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1
Melt your coating. Place your white chocolate candy melts in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave the melts for one minute. Then, remove them from the microwave and stir. Microwave the melts for an additional 15 to 20 seconds before removing and stirring again. Keep microwaving the melts in 15 to 20 second intervals until they're fully melted. ^{[12]
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- If you prefer a chocolate flavor, you can use chocolate candy melts instead.
Even if you don't intend to use sticks, it can help to at least use a toothpick to avoid getting the white chocolate on your fingers. Dip each cake pop into the white chocolate until it's completely coated. Hold it over the bowl for a few seconds after dipping so excess chocolate can drip off. ^{[13]
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Set your cake pops on a baking tray with parchment paper. Place them in a cool spot in your kitchen for a few hours until the coating dries. ^{[14]
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Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Finding Alternatives to Sticks

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You can simply serve the cake pops without any handles. Cake pops without handles are known as cake balls and can be just as appealing at a party. ^{[15]
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If you would prefer an edible handle, use a stick-shaped candy. You can use cinnamon sticks or peppermint sticks for your cake pops.
Take a small plastic spoon. Insert the tip into the cake pop. This can be a great alternative to a traditional lollypop stick. ^{[16]
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If you need an alternative to lollipop sticks because you can't find them, try using toothpicks. These are an easy substitute that you can buy at most grocery stores.

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Can I use popsicle sticks?

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Yes. They might be a little short, but they will work if you have nothing else.

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How to Make Cake Pops Without Sticks

Ingredients

Steps

Making Your Cake

Forming Your Cake Balls

Coating Your Cake Balls

Finding Alternatives to Sticks

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