Cakesicles are just like cake pops but even bigger and shaped like popsicles. If you are a cake pop lover then you will absolutely love these cakesicles, with that same yummy cake filling and chocolate shell on the outside.
Growing up I have always loved eating cake. When I discovered cake pops I was in heaven, they are so good. So naturally the idea of a cakesicle intrigued me. I mean how can you go wrong with cake mixed with frosting covered in chocolate? You can’t!
Cakesicles are really easy to make at home, time to impress your friends and family with these delicious treats. In this recipe, I will show you a couple of different methods that you can use to make cakesicles. If I can do it, you can do it. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
In order to make cakesicles you need just a handful of ingredients and a few tools:
- Cake – You need to bake a cake. Any cake mix cake will work or you can use a homemade cake recipe if you like. You can do vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, etc.
- Frosting – You can use store-bought frosting or something like a homemade buttercream frosting. The frosting will act like glue and hold the cake crumbs together.
- Chocolate – There are several options for chocolate that you can use. Candiquik works great for dipping, but you can use Candy melts, which are very popular, candy bars, chocolate chips, etc.
Tools
- Small cakesicle molds
- Large cakesicle molds
- Gloves
- Treat bags
- Spoon
- Bowls
- Pastry brush
- Cake spatula or knife
- Bags
Step 2: How to make cakesicles
To begin you will need to bake a cake. If you like you can use any number of homemade cake recipes or of course you can use a box cake as well, it is totally up to you. Once the cake is baked allow it to cool completely.
Now it is time to break up that cake! There are a few ways you can do that. Place the cake in a bowl and crumble it up with your hands. Wear gloves if you like, especially if you are going to sell them or give them away. I don’t always wear gloves if I am making them for myself, and my hands are always clean.
Another option is to put the cake into a plastic bag and mash it up with your hands. Then pour the crumbs into a bowl. Either way works great!
Now add two heaping tablespoons of frosting, you may need a little bit more, to the cake crumbs and then mix and knead that frosting and crumbs together until well combined and it forms a play dough consistency. When you squeeze it together it should hold its shape well.
This is the exact same technique that we would do when making the inside filling for cake pops.
Step 3: Cakesicles Method 1 – Dipping
There are a few different methods for forming the cakesicles. In this first method, what I refer to as the dipping method, take the cakesicle filling and stuff it into the mold. Make sure the top is level.
Then gently insert the popsicle sticks into the little slits in the mold, and push it into the cake so it is a little more than halfway in.
Now, place the mold in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes, this will allow the cakesicles to firm up and make it easier to dip, without falling off the stick.
Take your Candiquik, chocolate chips, candy melts, etc. and melt them in a microwave safe bowl in the microwave. Use the defrost setting or use half power, and turn it on for 30 seconds, then stir the chocolate. Heat again for 30 seconds, and stir until completely melted.
You can also use the double boiler method if you like. Place a pot on the stovetop with about 1 inch deep of water. Rest a large bowl, metal or pyrex on top of the pot. Set the heat to medium, as the water heats steam will warm the bottom of the bowl and gently melt the chocolate.
Remove the mold from the freezer. Gently squeeze the sides of the mold and tilt and pull the cakesicle from the mold. Then dip it in the chocolate. I like pouring the melted chocolate in a glass, because it is easier to dip. Tilt the cakesicle so it gets cover completely. Then pull it out of the chocolate and let the excess drain off.
Place the dipped cakesicle onto a sheet pan or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat so it can set.
Step 4: Cakesicles Method 2 – Painting
The next method for making homemade cakesicles, I call the “painting” method. This is a very common method, and works well for larger molds.
Take the melted chocolate, whichever kind that you want, and spoon some into each mold. Then spread it out and paint up the sides of the mold with the back of the spoon or a pastry brush. Or you can tilt the mold all around and allow the melted chocolate to flow up onto the sides coating them.
Next, put in the popsicle stick a little bit of the way. If the mold is brand new, before putting the chocolate in it, poke the stick through the little slit. To make sure it is open all the way.
Once all the sides are coated, remove any excess with the spoon, you don’t want the layer of chocolate to be super thick. Scrape off any chocolate that may have gotten on top of the mold.
Then place the mold in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the chocolate or candy melts to set.
Once the chocolate sets, take the mold out of the fridge, and add a little more chocolate around the sides of the mold this will strengthen the sides a bit.
Now, take the cakesicles filling mixture and pack it into the mold, using your fingers to poke it underneath the stick. Don’t fill it all the way to the top, leave a little room for the top layer of chocolate.
Next, you can slide the sticks in so they are a little more than halfway in. Pack down the cake mixture again.
Place more chocolate on top and spread it out so it covers the whole top. Use a cake spatula to scrape off any excess. Then place the cakesicles into the fridge for 20 minutes or so to allow the top chocolate to set.
Step 5: Decorating the cakesicle
After the chocolate sets, remove the mold from the fridge, and then gently pry it out of the mold. Don’t push too hard on the stick, it might press it through the top. Now it is time to decorate them.
While the cakesicles are on the sheet pan, you can drizzle a different color of chocolate on top if you like. Just put the melted chocolate in a plastic sandwich bag and snip off the corner, then gently squeeze the thin stream of chocolate and zig-zag it over the cakesicle.
There are so many other ways you can decorate them as well. Be creative! Allow the decorations to set and then they are ready to eat!
Step 6: Packaging the cakesicles
You can leave them as is, or a fun way to package them is to put them in individual treat bags. They come with twisty ties, or you can use a colorful ribbon or something. This is a perfect way to make them as gifts or ready to sell.
I encourage you to try both different methods and figure out which way you like the best. The bigger ones, get a bit heavy and are harder to dip, sometimes the cake falls of the stick, so keep that in mind.
Have fun with different designs, and enjoy your homemade cakesicles!
How long do cakesicles last?
If your house is relatively cool, the cakesicles will last about a week at room temperature. Or you can store them in the fridge for a few weeks. They can also be frozen for a few months.
Here are some other cake recipes you may like:
Cakesicles
Equipment
- Small cakesicle molds
- Large cakesicle molds
- Gloves
- Treat bags
- spoon
- Bowls
- pastry brush
- Cake spatula or knife
- bags
Ingredients
- 1 standard cake mix with ingredients (or homemade cake, I have several recipes for those)
- 2 heaping tbsp of frosting you may need more, winds up being around 1/2 cup (homemade or storebought)
- 2 to 3 cups of chocolate or more (Candy melts, candy bars, chocolate chips, Candiquik)
Instructions
- Start by baking a basic cake, use a box cake mix, or homemade recipe. After it is done baking allow it to cool completely.
- Place the cake in a large bowl. Use your fingers and break the cake up into crumbs. Clean your hands, also wearing gloves is a good idea if you are making them for someone else.You can also break the cake up in a bag.
- Now add two heaping tablespoons of frosting to the bowl of cake crumbs. Mix the frosting in with your fingers, and knead it along with the crumbs until all combined, add a bit more frosting as needed to create a playdough-like consistency. It should hold its shape when pressed together.
- There are a couple of methods to form the cakesicles. The first is the dipping method. Take some cake mixture and pack it into the mold until it is level with the top. Then gently slide in the popsicle stick until a little more than halfway. Once done, place the mold in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes until it hardens up.
- Melt your chosen chocolate in the microwave, using bursts of 30 seconds then stirring with the defrost mode or half power, until melted.Or on the stovetop with the double boiler method. Place a pot with about an inch of water on the stovetop, set the heat to medium. Set a larger metal or pyrex bowl on top, as the water heats the steam with warm the bowl melting the chocolate.
- Take the mold out of the freezer and gently remove the cakesicles from the mold. Then dip them in the chocolate. If you pour the melted chocolate in a tall slender glass it makes dipping them a little easier. Once dipped hold it above the bowl or glass and allow the excess chocolate to drain off. Then place them on a sheet pan or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to set.
- An alternative way is the painting method. This works great for larger molds. Add some melted chocolate to the mold, then use a spoon or pastry brush to spread out the chocolate in the mold and paint it up on the sides. Slide the popsicle stick in just a little bit. You can also tilt the mold all around, with the chocolate in it, which will coat the sides. Either way.
- Now place the mold in the fridge for 20 minutes until the chocolate sets. Remove it from the fridge and add more chocolate to the sides of the mold to strengthen them. Stuff the molds full of cake mix leaving a bit of room at the top. Slide the sticks in so they are a little more than halfway in the mold. Press the cake mixture back down and pack it tightly.
- Next, pour more chocolate on top and smooth it out so the top is completely covered. You can use a cake spatula to scrape the top smooth if you like. Place it back in the fridge for 20 minutes or so until it sets.
- Once the chocolate sets, remove them from the fridge and gently remove them from the molds. Now you can do some decorations if you like. I like to add some melted chocolate to a little plastic bag, snip off the corner, and then drizzle a different color of chocolate over it. There are so many possibilities. Allow the decorations to set, and serve. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Do you like the recipe? Please give it a rating and comment down below, I really appreciate it. If you make it tag me on Instagram @inthekitchenwithmatt. Also, sign up for the newsletter so you won’t miss out on any of my new posts and recipes.
Hi Matt, so delicious?
Who first came up with this technique and where is it from?☺️Thank you☺️
Thank you, Sena! The cake pop was invented by Angie Dudley “Bakerella” in 2008, in the United States. I don’t know if the cakesicle came from the cake pop or if it was being made elsewhere. According to this article, cakesicles were invented in Australia https://www.stlmag.com/dining/cakesicles/
Hey i tried the dipping method and unfortunately for me the dipping didnt go good, the molds was spot on but the dipping coating did not look nice and smooth like yours it looked lumpy. I want to try again soon please let me know where could i have went wrong. And how long does it take the chocolate coating to harden.
Hi Lia! Glad to hear you tried it. With the dipping method, it really depends on the kind of chocolate you use. Some will set at room temperature in 15 minutes, actual chocolate will take longer and should be put in the fridge. If your chocolate isn’t smooth, it may not be fully melted. You can add 1 to 2 tsps of vegetable shortening to the chocolate when melting it, which will make it runnier and easier to dip. Or just use the CandiQuik kind. It melts super easy and smooth.
Hi
When I make these after they set do I leave them in the fridge or out? And how long do they last?
You can do either. 🙂 They will last fine at room temperature for up to 5 to 6 days. 🙂 They may crack in the fridge, but not always.
Hi there i was looking at your recipe and for the 2/3 cups what would that be in grams or even ounces?
Hi Olympia, it isn’t 2/3 cups, it is 2 to 3 cups. 🙂 You may need more or you may need less, it doesn’t have to be exact. 340 to 510g If you need more, just melt more chocolate. 🙂 I hope that helps! Let me know how they turn out if you try them.
Hi Matt, i recently tried both method but once i take them out of the freezer, they break while i unmold it from the silicone mold. Also during dipping, the cake falls of the stick. Can you please let me how i can overcome this and fix it? Thank you
Hello, it sounds like maybe you added a bit too much frosting to the cake, if it is too soft it can fall off the stick easier. Be gentle when removing them from the molds, gently push them up out of the mold and then point it at an angle and pull it out by the stick that should help with the method, especially with brand new silicone molds, sometimes they are pretty tight around the stick. Let me know if those tips work. 🙂 Also what chocolate are you using? If the chocolate is too thick, you will have a hard time dipping the cakesicles as well.
Hi Matt, thanks for your quick response. Can you guide me on how much frosting i should use. Very new to making cakesicles so any advise will help. I used compound chocolate and added vegetable oil to thin it. Thank you
Only about 2 heaping tablespoons are needed. But it depends on how moist the cake is, to begin with. 🙂 Compound chocolate should be fine. Maybe try and thin it out just a bit more.
This is something that I have never tried. It looks super easy, although a bit time consuming. I may have to try this one on the weekend!
Definitely try it sometime, they are so fun to make and super yummy!
Another fabulous idea!
This looks like a fun activity to do with my niece. Looks delicious and seems easy and quick to make.
Awesome!
Cakesicles looks so salivating. I have to try out this recipe not only for my daughter but for myself too. Love it!
Definitely try it sometime! 🙂
Cakesicles are so popular now! It’s so easy to make and kids love to design it. Perfect Thanksgiving idea for me!
Indeed! Such a fun and popular treat.
I love these it look so delicious and easy to make. I would love to try this Cakesicles ideas! I will save this post! Thanks a lot!
Thank you! 🙂 You are welcome!
I love this idea. I bookmark your site. I have planing to make this on Christmas. Thank you.
Thank you!
Wow! Making these cakesicle is really fun. Kid’s definitely will have a great time on this one plus these looks very delicious and it’s a unique recipe.
Thank you!! 🙂
Those cakesickles looks absolutely delicious! I’d love to try making this with the kids, I’m sure they would enjoy this.
Thank you so much! 🙂
What a delicious and yummy treat! I love cake pops too! I can totally relate when you said you were in heaven when you discovered these! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
You are so very welcome, glad you liked it! 🙂
Do you use oils to flavor or color dye to color your candiquiks? Which color brand is best?
You can color the white candiquik or even white candy melts. Any one of them should be fine. There isn’t a “best” one. I don’t normally color or flavor them, because I like the color and flavor that they already are. 🙂
Now this is how you do cake! I have to make up a batch of these. They’re a lot of fun, and they look really good.
Thank you! Definitely try it sometime, so fun to make and eat! 🙂
YASSSS!!! I love cake pops and made some during early quarantine. BUT CAKESICLES—these I gotta try! Yum, Yum, and YUM!!! Thank you for the recipe!
You are so very welcome! Yes, if you like cake pops you will love these!
Hey…can you use buttercream frosting (made with margarine instead of butter) in this recipe?(butter is really expensive in our country)
Hi Stacy! Yes that should work just fine. 🙂
Thank you for your detailed explanation. I’ve tried the both method, hence, the dipping method is faster and suits my future busniss but I felt that for dipping method, it can’t stay for many hours at room temperature rather that the mold method which we did tempering and the chocolate will not be melted at room temp.
How can I control my dipping method to not let the cakesicles to melt ?
Thanks again for your deep explanation
Hello, and you are very welcome! the only way to do it is to temper the chocolate if you are using chocolate with cocoa butter. Or use something like candy melts or the candiquik, which don’t require tempering. 🙂
I made this with my kids and they had so much fun, they loved it! I will definitely make this recipe next time one of my kids will be celebrating their birthday. Thank you for sharing an awesome recipe!
That is awesome! So glad you made it and liked it. 🙂
Looks so good! Can’t wait to try this one.
Thanks so much, Katie!
These are SO fun!! I can’t wait to make them with my kids! They will LOVE them!
Thank you!! 🙂 So fun to make with the kids.