As I was scrolling through my social media feed one afternoon, pictures of colorful cake pops caught my eye, each one more delightful than the last. It inspired me to create my own version—one that wouldn’t compromise on health or taste. Enter these Vegan Cake Pops: a fun, guilt-free treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth without any of the dairy or eggs. The combination of rich chocolate cake and creamy frosting, all coated in smooth dairy-free chocolate, is simply irresistible.
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Whether you’re having a cozy gathering with friends or just want to indulge after a long day, these delightful bites are not only easy to make but also a total crowd-pleaser. With just a quick prep time and a little patience while they freeze, you’ll have the perfect dessert in no time. Grab your cake pop sticks, and let’s get baking!
Why You'll Love This Vegan Cake Pops
- These Vegan Cake Pops are incredibly easy to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- With a rich chocolaty flavor that is sure to delight everyone, they make for a scrumptious treat without compromising on taste.
- Their versatility allows you to customize them with different toppings or colors for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday parties.
- Plus, their vibrant appearance makes them a stunning centerpiece on any dessert table, guaranteed to impress your friends and family.
Vegan Cake Pops Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create these delightful Vegan Cake Pops!
For the Cake
- Vegan chocolate cake mix – a 15.25 oz box is perfect for that rich, chocolaty flavor.
- Water – 1 cup to prepare the cake mix per package instructions.
- Vegan butter – 1/2 cup, melted, adds moisture and richness to the cake.
For the Frosting Mixture
- Dairy-free frosting – 1 cup to bind the crumbled cake together and impart delicious sweetness.
For the Coating
- Dairy-free chocolate chips – 1 cup, melted, for that luscious outer layer that makes cake pops irresistible.
For Assembling
- Cake pop sticks – 12 sticks make it easy to enjoy these Vegan Cake Pops.
How to Make Vegan Cake Pops
Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 8-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
Prepare cake mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the vegan chocolate cake mix with 1 cup of water. Follow the package instructions, pour the mixture into the greased pan, and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
Cool and crumble: Once the cake is baked to perfection, let it cool completely. Then, crumble the cake into fine pieces using your hands or a fork, creating a delightful texture for your pops.
Combine frosting: In a large mixing bowl, add the crumbled cake and 1 cup of dairy-free frosting. Mix well until everything is fully combined, creating a mixture that holds together when pressed.
Roll into balls: With your hands, roll tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture into balls. Place each ball on a parchment-lined tray and gently insert a cake pop stick into each one, ensuring it’s secure.
Freeze: Place the tray in the freezer for about 1 hour or until the cake pops are firm to the touch, making them easier to coat.
Melt chocolate and coat: While waiting, melt 1 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. Once melted, dip each cake pop into the chocolate, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off. Return to the tray to set.
Optional: Decorate with colorful sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Vegan Cake Pops Variations
Feel free to make these Vegan Cake Pops your own by trying out these fun and delicious twists!
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to cater to gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor.
Nut Butter Bliss: Add 1/4 cup of your favorite nut butter into the frosting mixture for a creamy, nutty surprise.
Fruit Fusion: Mix in 1/2 cup of finely chopped fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing flavor kick.
Spiced Delight: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice into the cake mix for a warm, aromatic twist.
Coconut Crunch: Roll the dipped cake pops in shredded coconut before the chocolate hardens for a tropical flair.
Chili Chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the melted chocolate for a spicy contrast that tantalizes the taste buds.
Matcha Magic: Substitute the dairy-free chocolate chips with melted white chocolate swirled with matcha powder for a vibrant green treat.
Zesty Shake: A dash of orange or lemon zest in the frosting mix can brighten up the flavor, adding a delightful citrus twist.
Each of these variations invites you to explore new flavors while keeping the essence of these easy, delightful Vegan Cake Pops!
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Cake Pops
Room Temperature: Keep Vegan Cake Pops at room temperature for up to 2 days, ideally in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Fridge: Store cake pops in the fridge for up to a week. Use a covered container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors.
Freezer: Freeze uncoated cake pops for up to 2 months. After rolling them into balls, place them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: For best results, let frozen cake pops thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. If already coated, microwave them in short bursts at low power to soften slightly before enjoying.
What to Serve with Vegan Cake Pops?
Elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that complement the indulgent sweetness of these guilt-free treats.
Fresh Fruit Skewers: Bright, juicy pieces of seasonal fruit provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate, balancing flavors perfectly.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this vegan topping adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the cake pops’ chocolatey morsels.
Nutella Dip: Create a dreamy dipping station with warm Nutella (or a vegan alternative), inviting everyone to dive into delightful indulgence.
Tea Party Punch: Serve a fruity, herbal tea punch to wash down the sweetness, offering a light and effervescent experience for your guests.
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce brings out the cocoa notes in the cake pops while adding a touch of elegance to every bite.
Chocolate Almond Milk: This creamy, chocolatey beverage acts as a perfect accompaniment, reinforcing the cake’s flavor and offering a vegan-friendly option.
Espresso Shots: For a more sophisticated twist, serve a shot of espresso alongside the cake pops, creating a delightful sweet and bitter contrast that coffee lovers will adore.
Cinnamon Sugar Dust: Dusting these pops with a hint of cinnamon sugar adds an aromatic twist, elevating the flavor profile and making them even more special.
Let your imagination run wild with these pairing ideas, ensuring every gathering is memorable and delicious!
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Cake Pops are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to indulge in delicious treats while saving time on busy days! You can prepare the cake base up to 24 hours in advance by baking it, letting it cool completely, and then crumbling it before refrigerating. The rolled cake balls can also be made up to 3 days ahead; simply freeze them until firm and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, melt the dairy-free chocolate chips and dip each cake pop, allowing the excess to drip off before serving. Taking these steps will keep your Vegan Cake Pops just as delightful as when freshly made!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Vegan Cake Pops, ensure your cake is completely cool before crumbling, as warm cake can become gummy and hard to work with.
- For a more cohesive mixture, make sure to thoroughly combine the crumbled cake with frosting until it holds together well; adjust the amount of frosting if necessary for perfect consistency.
- When rolling the cake mixture into balls, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and achieve a smooth finish.
- Finally, while melting the dairy-free chocolate, use a low heat to avoid burning and dip the pops swiftly for an even coating.
Vegan Cake Pops Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my cake mix is fresh enough to use?
Absolutely! You can check the expiration date on the box. Additionally, look for signs like a strong dry smell or clumps in the mix. If it smells stale or has a discolored appearance, it might be best to use a new box.
How should I store my Vegan Cake Pops?
Very! For room temperature storage, keep the pops in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, place them in the fridge for up to a week, again using a covered container to avoid drying out. If you’re looking to store them longer, you can freeze uncoated cake pops for up to 2 months.
What’s the best way to freeze Vegan Cake Pops?
I often make it simple! After rolling your cake pop balls, place them on a tray lined with parchment paper, then freeze for about 1 hour until firm. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to squeeze out any excess air. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh!
I’m allergic to nuts. Are these Vegan Cake Pops safe for me?
Absolutely! As written, these Vegan Cake Pops do not contain any nuts, making them a great option for those with nut allergies. However, always check the labels on your specific ingredients like cake mix and frosting to ensure they are nut-free, as cross-contamination can occur.
What do I do if my cake pops are falling off the sticks?
Very! If you find that the pops are sliding off the sticks, it usually means the mixture is too dry or not held together well. Make sure you’ve combined the crumbled cake and frosting thoroughly. If they still aren’t sticking, freeze them a little longer before coating or use a bit of melted chocolate at the base of the stick to help secure it.
Can I use different types of cake mix for my Vegan Cake Pops?
Absolutely! The more the merrier. Feel free to experiment with different cake flavors, like vanilla or red velvet. Just ensure they remain vegan-friendly! Each variation will bring a unique twist to the delightful flavor and appearance of your cake pops.
Vegan Cake Pops
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Combine the vegan chocolate cake mix with 1 cup of water in a mixing bowl and pour into the greased pan. Bake for about 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely, then crumble it into fine pieces.
- Mix the crumbled cake with 1 cup of dairy-free frosting until fully combined.
- Roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and insert cake pop sticks.
- Freeze the tray for about 1 hour until the cake pops are firm.
- Melt 1 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips and dip each cake pop, allowing excess to drip off.
