Have you ever made homemade cake pops? Like from scratch? Bakers make it look so easy, BUT IT ISN’T. These Donut Hole Cake Pops are my easy hack for the delicious treat.
To make cake pops the old fashioned way, first you have to bake a cake, then manually destroy it to blend with homemade frosting. Some folks have cake pop molds which make it slightly easier and use a boxed cake mix, but still. Then put them on cake pop sticks and hope the texture of your cake blend is just right so they don’t fall off. Perfect cake pops are hard to make!
But they are so cute and perfect for so many events like a baby shower, bridal showers, birthday parties and any other event you can dream up. They are also great for a gift basket and hostess gifts.
So the next time you have to make dessert for a special occasion and cake pop recipes come to mind, remember this is the best way to make them. And so easy!
Secret Ingredient
So what’s our secret to making them so easily? We use donut holes. Yep, handy little pieces of cake that are already in the exact shape you need them. No need to use a cookie scoop or destroy your beautiful vanilla cake.
Donut holes come in two varieties, cake and yeast forms. The cake have the texture of cake while yeast are more of a light pastry. Look for unglazed donut holes because the chocolate coating won’t stick if they are. I’ve had to call the bakery (or Dunkin’ Donuts) to ask for a special order of unglazed, but it is totally worth it.
They naturally have some uneven shape, but the dip in chocolate will help to smooth and even, as will the decorations.
Donut Hole Cake Pops Ingredients
The ingredient list is short, and that’s what makes these cake pops so simple and easy!
- Unglazed donut holes – Make sure they are unglazed; this allows the chocolate to be able to stick to the donut holes better. Otherwise it will just slide right off.
- Melting chocolate wafers (candy melts) – we like using a base of white chocolate for more decorating ideas, but milk and dark chocolate work well too, as does colored chocolate options
- Treat sticks – These are easily found at any local grocery store or craft store. They are usually down the baking or treat aisle. They are most commonly white, but feel free to use fun colors if you can find them!
How to Make Donut Hole Cake Pops
The process is relatively easy, but make sure you read our tips so they turn out perfect!
- This optional and might not be required of all your donuts. Donut holes tend to be irregular in size and shape; so using the heat from your hands, gently roll them between your palms will help to smooth out any unsightly bumps or dents. If you coat the pop in sprinkles, this won’t be necessary as they will cover up any flaws.
- Melt the chocolate wafers according to the package directions. We prefer a double boiler, but microwave works too. If not using melting wafers, use semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil. This helps it melt smooth and shiny.
- Stick a treat stick into the melted chocolate and then into the donut hole. The small amount of chocolate acts like glue to help the stick stay secure. Make sure the chocolate fully cools before you dip the whole donut so it stays secure.
- Carefully dip the whole cake pop into the melted chocolate and either swirl or spoon it over so it is fully covered. Allow the excess chocolate to drip upside down for about 1 minute, this gives it time to set up and create the best coating.
- Transfer it to your cake pop stand, homemade or purchased and allow to fully set… unless you plan to cover the whole thing in sprinkles. In that case, very gently roll it in a shallow bowl or dish. Do not press down to hard, just enough for the tacky chocolate to pick up the sprinkles and attach.
- If you intend to drizzle more chocolate, allow them to dry fully, then melt second chocolate color in a microwave-safe candy piping bag. Snip the end and drizzle as desired. Sprinkle can be applied to tacky drizzle as well.
Donut Hole Cake Pops Variations
The other option is to ditch the treat sticks together and just make cake balls. These are similar to Oreo Truffles or Buckeyes in that they are round, except for the flat part that will hit parchment to let them dry.
Follow the same instructions, just skip the part about adding a stick. Use a fork to dip the whole ball into the chocolate and then tap any excess off. Set it on parchment or wax paper to set. Same rules apply for decorating.
Tips for Melting Chocolate
- Melting chocolate, like many other things in the kitchen, is chemistry and science.
- You need the optimal temperature to make sure your chocolate melts to a silky-smooth consistency, don’t do it over high heat, keep it at medium.
- Skip the microwave and use a double boiler. The microwave heats too fast and too hot.
- If you do need to use the microwave, use it at 50% power or defrost mode and go slow, 15 second intervals.
- Don’t fully boil the water in your double boiler. Get it hot enough to melt the chocolate, but not to a rolling boil.
- Put the top pot on with chocolate after the water has come to temperature.
- Stir constantly while melting. It should only take a minute or so.
- Use immediately and while shiny.
- If chocolate gets too hot, it gets clumpy and matte.
- You can try to revive it by adding 2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening, but sometimes you are better off just starting over.
Storage and Freezing
Storage: You can purchase a cake pop stand or use a piece of styrofoam from the local craft store. Cakes pops can also be laid in an airtight container separated by sheets of parchment paper or wax paper. They stay good for about 3-5 days.
Freezing: Cake pops can be frozen, but be mindful that chocolate, while still safe to eat, can thaw looking chalky and could crack. Thaw at room temperature.
More Easy Dessert Recipes
Donut Hole Cake Pops
Ingredients
- 18 unglazed donut holes
- 2 cups chocolate melting wafers
- Sprinkles or additional chocolate for decorating
Instructions
- Roll each donut hole in your palms to try and smooth it into the best perfect ball possible.
- Melt the chocolate wafers according to the package directions, we prefer a double boiler, but microwave works too.
- Stick a treat stick into the melted chocolate and then into the donut hole. Allow the chocolate to dry/set and then carefully dip the whole cake pop into the melted chocolate. Allow to drip upside down for about 1 minute, then transfer to your cake pop stand, homemade or purchased.
- If you are planning to use sprinkles, roll in a shallow plate of desired sprinkles while chocolate is still tacky. If you intend to drizzle more chocolate, allow them to dry fully, then melt second chocolate color in a microwave-safe candy piping bag. Snip the end and drizzle as desired. Sprinkle can be applied to tacky drizzle as well.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings.
Mirlene
These cake pops are the cutest! I’ll be making these for my kids. I’m sure theyll love the sprinkles over the donut holes!
Catherine
Cake pops are always such a fun treat and brighten up the table no matter the occasion. These look so yummy! I love the idea of using donut holes for this too…so easy!
Michelle
These make cake pops way easier!
Beth
These are super cute! I thin they’d be great birthday party snacks or gifts. Love it.
Jayne
This recipe was fun and easy. We made it with the kids. They love cake pops. It was a big hit.
Heather
These are so clever and cute!! What a great easy dessert idea. Can’t wait to try these donut pops.