If you’re looking for a healthy comfort food that feels festive, fun, and customizable for any celebration, these Easy Cakesicles will absolutely steal the show. Cakesicles are the ultimate budget-friendly recipes for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you want a grab-and-go treat that’s both adorable and delicious. Think cake pops, but bigger, bolder, and shaped like popsicles! With endless ways to decorate, flavor, and fill, these creative treats are perfect for quick family meals, healthy meal plans for two, and even premade lunch meals that feel like dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cakesicles are a total crowd-pleaser. The soft cake center is mixed with just enough creamy frosting to hold together, then pressed into a popsicle mold for that signature shape. Dip them in melted chocolate or colorful candy melts and let your imagination run wild with decorations—sprinkles, edible glitter, or a drizzle of chocolate all work perfectly.
Whether you’re planning a themed birthday bash, need good meal prep plans for parties, or just want something fun to make with kids, these no-bake delights fit right in. Cakesicles are portion-controlled, easy to hold, and great for make-ahead best meal prep healthy dessert trays. They’re also freezer-friendly for those busy weeks when you want a meal prep microwave lunch treat waiting for you.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
The real magic of cakesicles is how flexible they are. Use any flavor of cake—vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, lemon, or even carrot cake. Mix in your favorite frosting, whether it’s homemade, store-bought, or even a whipped cream cheese. Candy melts come in every color imaginable, making it simple to match your party theme or holiday palette.
Cakesicles can be dressed up for weddings and showers or decorated simply for an after-school snack. You can even add a hidden surprise—like a chocolate candy, jam, or caramel—right in the middle for extra excitement. For high protein meal options, use a protein cake base and Greek yogurt frosting for a boost. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
- 1 baked cake (any flavor, about 9×13-inch, cooled and crumbled; halal/vegan/gluten-free options as needed)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup frosting (store-bought, homemade, or vegan)
- 2 cups candy melts or chocolate chips (assorted colors and flavors, halal-friendly if needed)
- Popsicle sticks
- Sprinkles, edible glitter, or drizzle for decorating
- Silicone cakesicle mold
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Bake your cake according to the recipe or box instructions. Let it cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor.
- Add frosting a spoonful at a time, mixing until the mixture holds together like playdough. Too much frosting will make them soft—add just enough for the cake to be moist but firm.
- Firmly press the cake mixture into the cakesicle molds, making sure it fills the corners. Insert a popsicle stick into each, pressing more cake around the stick to secure.
- Freeze the filled molds for 20–30 minutes (or longer if needed) so the cakesicles become firm and are easier to dip.
- Melt candy melts or chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, following the package directions. Stir until smooth. If you’d like a glossier finish, stir in a teaspoon of coconut oil.
- Remove cakesicles from the mold. Dip each one into the melted coating, tapping off the excess. If you want a thinner shell, use a spoon to help coat.
- Immediately add sprinkles, edible glitter, or any decorations you like while the coating is still wet.
- Place dipped cakesicles on parchment paper and let the coating set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
Tips for Best Results
- Use a silicone cakesicle mold for easy shaping and removal.
- Start with a little frosting and add more only as needed—your mixture should be dense enough to hold its shape on a stick.
- Don’t skip the chilling step before dipping; it keeps cakesicles from crumbling in the chocolate.
- If the chocolate coating cracks, let your cakesicles warm up a bit before dipping and allow melted chocolate to cool slightly before using.
- Work in batches if making a large quantity—keep uncoated cakesicles in the fridge while you dip.
- Use halal, vegan, or gluten-free cake and frosting for any dietary needs.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Swap regular cake for a protein cake and use Greek yogurt frosting for a high protein ready made meal treat.
- Make them vegan with dairy-free cake, vegan frosting, and plant-based candy melts.
- For gluten-free cakesicles, simply use gluten-free cake and frosting.
- Add a surprise by stuffing each cakesicle with a small chocolate candy, jam, or nut butter.
- Go festive with red and green candy melts for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or pastels for Easter.
- Marble your coating by swirling two or more colors of candy melts before dipping.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped nuts or coconut over the wet coating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Baked cake (any flavor, homemade or boxed, gluten-free or vegan if needed)
- Frosting (buttercream, cream cheese, or vegan)
- Candy melts or chocolate chips
- Popsicle sticks
- Sprinkles, edible glitter, or extra chocolate for drizzling
- Cakesicle silicone mold
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange cakesicles upright in a decorated jar or foam block for a party centerpiece.
- Wrap individually in clear cellophane and tie with ribbons for party favors or edible gifts.
- Place on a platter with other finger foods for meals for two delivered or healthy boxed meals at events.
- Use pastel colors for baby showers or weddings, and bold colors for birthdays or school events.
- Add to meal prep plans for a sweet surprise in lunchboxes.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Serve with a tall glass of milk or hot cocoa for a classic sweet treat.
- Pair with iced coffee or a fruity smoothie for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- For a brunch buffet, offer cakesicles alongside a full English breakfast or fresh fruit platter.
- Set out with no prep healthy lunches or after-school snacks for a fun twist.
- Enjoy with a cup of tea and fresh fruit salad for a light dessert.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Store cakesicles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, wrap each cakesicle individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- No reheating needed—just thaw at room temperature or enjoy straight from the fridge.
- Avoid humid environments, which can cause the candy coating to sweat or become sticky.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Cakesicles are perfect for making ahead for parties—prepare and decorate a day or two before your event.
- Freeze uncoated cakesicles, then dip and decorate after thawing for freshest results.
- If gifting, let cakesicles come to room temperature before packaging to prevent condensation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding too much frosting makes cakesicles too soft to shape or dip—start small and add slowly.
- Not chilling the cake mixture can cause cakesicles to break when you insert the stick or dip in chocolate.
- Coating cakesicles while too cold or with too-hot chocolate can lead to cracking.
- Using too thin of a chocolate coating may cause cake to peek through—double dip if needed for better coverage.
- Not using enough cake in the mold can cause holes or uneven cakesicles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the difference between cakesicles and cake pops?
Cakesicles are larger, popsicle-shaped, and made with molds; cake pops are smaller, round, and often hand-rolled.
Can I make cakesicles without a mold?
Yes! Shape by hand or use cookie cutters, then insert sticks and dip.
Do I have to use candy melts?
No, tempered chocolate or white chocolate (tinted with food coloring) works great.
Can I use leftover cake?
Absolutely—this is a great way to use up leftover cake or cupcakes.
How much frosting do I need?
Add gradually until the mixture holds together like dough.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes, they store beautifully in the fridge or freezer.
How do I keep the coating from cracking?
Avoid extreme temperature differences between the cakesicle and the melted chocolate.
What kind of sticks should I use?
Use popsicle sticks for best stability.
Are cakesicles kid-friendly?
Definitely—kids love helping make and decorate them!
Can I decorate with icing?
Yes! Royal icing, edible markers, or extra melted chocolate all work.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Cakesicle silicone mold
- Mixing bowl
- Food processor (optional)
- Spatula and spoon
- Microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Popsicle sticks
- Tray for chilling and serving
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Cakesicles
Ingredients
- 1 9×13-inch baked cake (any flavor, cooled and crumbled; halal/vegan/gluten-free as needed)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup frosting (store-bought, homemade, or vegan)
- 2 cups candy melts or chocolate chips (halal, assorted colors/flavors if desired)
- sprinkles, edible glitter, or drizzle for decoration (optional)
- 12 popsicle sticks
Instructions
- Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor.
- Add frosting a spoonful at a time, mixing until the mixture holds together like dough.
- Firmly press the cake mixture into the cakesicle molds. Insert a popsicle stick into each, making sure the mixture holds the stick securely.
- Freeze for 20–30 minutes, or until firm.
- Melt candy melts or chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. If using multiple colors, melt each separately.
- Carefully remove cakesicles from the molds. Dip each one into the melted coating, tapping off any excess. Use a spoon to help cover if needed.
- Place the dipped cakesicles on parchment paper. Immediately add sprinkles, edible glitter, or drizzle with another color if desired.
- Let the coating set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
