Football Cake Pops

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Cake pops are a fun and creative way to bring a little sweetness to any occasion. These mini cake bites on a stick are perfect for parties and gatherings, and the best part?

You can make them look like just about anything you want. Since we’re gearing up for the big game, what better way to show off your baking skills than by turning them into footballs?

Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving a fun treat, these football cake pops are sure to score a touchdown with your guests!

Easy to make, full of flavor, and a great conversation starter—let’s get baking!

Table of Contents

Football Cake Pops Recipe

Ingredients

(Makes 50 football-shaped cake pops)

1 box of chocolate cake mix
The usual cake ingredients (like eggs and vegetable oil)
1 can of chocolate frosting
1 bag of chocolate candy melts
Microwave-safe container for melting the chocolate
Vegetable shortening (to help thin out the chocolate)
4-inch lollipop sticks (wooden or paper)
A styrofoam block or cake pop stand for drying
White decorating gel or pen to create the laces

Instructions

Prepare the cake mix as per the instructions on the box, baking in a 9×13″ pan. Let it cool completely once done.
Once cooled, crumble the cake into small pieces using your hands or a fork. The smaller the pieces, the better.
Add half of the frosting jar to the crumbled cake. Mix gently with a spoon until the mixture resembles a dough-like consistency. It should hold its shape but not be too dry.
Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Take small portions of the cake mixture, roll them into balls, and then gently shape them into footballs. Place them on the sheet and chill for around 15-20 minutes.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate candy melts in 30-second bursts, stirring each time. If it thickens, mix in a bit of shortening to smooth it out.
Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then carefully insert it into each football. Allow it to set for a few minutes to secure the stick.
Once the stick is secure, dip each football into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully covered. Tap the stick gently on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate, then place the stick in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to dry.
Heat the white decorating pen or gel as instructed. Use it to draw laces onto the footballs. Allow the laces to dry completely.

Easy Tips For Making Football Cake Pops

Making cake pops can be a fun but tricky process. Here are some simple tips to help you get the best results:

Make sure the cake is completely cool: If the cake is too warm, it might not crumble properly and could make the mixture too sticky.
Don’t overmix the frosting: Add the frosting gradually to avoid making the dough too moist. The right consistency should be like cookie dough—firm enough to hold its shape but not too wet.
Shape the cake pops evenly: Roll the dough into uniform balls to ensure all the pops are the same size. This will make the chocolate coating look neater and give them a professional touch.
Chill the cake balls: Once shaped, let the cake balls chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This helps them stay firm when you dip them in chocolate.

Variations For Football Cake Pops

There are so many ways to add a twist to your cake pops. Here are some fun ideas to try:

Use different cake flavors: While chocolate is a popular choice, you can use vanilla, red velvet, or even carrot cake to create different flavors.
Decorate with team colors: Get creative with the decorations! You can use colored candy melts or icing to match your favorite team’s colors.
Try different coatings: Instead of chocolate candy melts, you can coat your cake pops with candy coatings in fun colors. Just make sure they harden properly.
Fill them with surprises: Add a little twist by placing a small piece of chocolate or candy inside the cake pop before dipping it. When you bite into it, there’s a fun surprise!

How To Store Football Cake Pops?

Cake pops are best when they’re fresh, but they can last for a few days if stored properly. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Room temperature storage: If you’re planning to eat them within a few days, you can store cake pops at room temperature in an airtight container. Keep them away from heat or direct sunlight to avoid the chocolate coating melting.
Refrigeration: If you need to keep them for a longer period, storing them in the fridge is a good option. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent the coating from becoming too hard.
Freezing: You can also freeze cake pops to keep them fresh for a longer time. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Can I Refrigerate Cake Pops Overnight Before Dipping?

Yes, you can refrigerate cake pops overnight before dipping them in chocolate. In fact, chilling the cake balls before dipping can help them firm up, making it easier to coat them without falling apart. Here’s how to do it:

Let the cake balls cool and shape them: After crumbling the cake and mixing in the frosting, roll the mixture into cake balls and shape them to your desired size.
Refrigerate for a longer chill: Place the shaped cake balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. This helps the cake pops hold their shape during dipping.
Dip after chilling: Once you’re ready to dip, take the cake pops out of the fridge, and proceed with the dipping process. The coating will stick better, and the cake pops will stay firm.

Why Are My Cake Pops Falling Apart When Dipping?

Cake pops falling apart during dipping can be frustrating, but it usually happens for a few common reasons. Here’s why it might happen and how you can prevent it:

Cake mixture is too moist: If you added too much frosting, the cake mixture can become too wet and soggy. This makes the cake balls soft and difficult to handle. You can fix this by adding more cake crumbs to dry it out a little. The texture should be firm and moldable, like cookie dough.
Not enough chilling: If the cake balls haven’t been chilled enough before dipping, they can be too soft and fall apart. Always chill the cake balls for at least 15-20 minutes, or overnight if needed, to help them firm up.
Too much pressure when dipping: When you dip the cake pops, make sure to do it gently. If you push the stick in too hard, the cake ball can crack or fall apart. Dip the stick in the chocolate coating first before inserting it into the cake ball to create a stronger hold.
Chocolate coating is too hot or thin: If the candy melts or chocolate is too hot or too thin, it might not coat the cake pop properly. Be sure to melt the chocolate in small increments, stirring it between, and add a little shortening or vegetable oil to thin it out if needed. This will help the coating set smoothly without causing the cake pop to break apart.