Craving a bite-sized dessert that’s rich, chocolatey, and fun to eat? These brownie cake pops are bite-sized indulgence at its best. With a fudgy brownie center, a creamy binding ingredient, and a crisp chocolate shell, these handheld delights are irresistible. Topped with colorful sprinkles, they’re just as fun to look at as they are to devour. If you love chocolate and easy desserts, these cake pops will quickly become a go-to favorite for any occasion.
Table of contents
Ingredient lineup
Making brownie cake pops is all about achieving the perfect balance between fudgy brownies, creamy binding ingredients, and a crisp chocolate shell. Here’s everything you’ll need to create these decadent, bite-sized treats.
The essentials
- Brownies: the base of the cake pops, providing a rich, fudgy texture. Use homemade or store-bought brownies.
- Chocolate frosting: binds the brownie crumbs together for a smooth, rollable consistency.
(Substitute: cream cheese for a tangy twist or peanut butter for a nutty flavor.) - Lollipop sticks: essential for turning brownie balls into cake pops.
Chocolate coating
- Semisweet chocolate or candy melts: create a smooth, crisp shell that holds everything together.
(Substitute: white chocolate for a sweeter variation or dark chocolate for a richer taste.) - Coconut oil or shortening: helps thin the melted chocolate for easier dipping and a glossy finish.
Optional flavor boosters
- Espresso powder: a pinch deepens the chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla extract: enhances the sweetness and richness.
- Salt: balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
Optional toppings
- Flaky sea salt: enhances the deep chocolate flavor with a subtle salty kick.
- Sprinkles: adds a fun, colorful touch.
- Drizzle of white or dark chocolate: creates a bakery-style finish.
- Crushed nuts: adds a crunchy contrast to the smooth chocolate shell.
Step-by-step directions
Making brownie cake pops is simple, and the result is a rich, chocolatey treat with a smooth, crisp coating. Follow these steps for a perfect batch.
Prepare the brownies
Use your favorite homemade brownie recipe or grab a store-bought batch to save time. Let them cool completely to prevent them from becoming too sticky when shaping the cake pops.
Make the brownie mixture
Break up the cooled brownies into fine crumbs with your hands or a fork; no need for perfection!. Add 2–3 tablespoons of chocolate frosting and mix until the texture is moist and moldable but not overly sticky. It should feel firm enough to roll into a ball without falling apart. If it’s too dry, add frosting a teaspoon at a time until it sticks together.
Shape and chill the cake pops
Roll the brownie mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball, pushing it halfway in. Freeze for 20–30 minutes until firm but not frozen solid.
Melt the chocolate coating
Microwave the chocolate in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and glossy. Stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening for a glossy finish and easier dipping.
Dip and decorate
Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, twirling gently for an even coat. Let the extra chocolate drip off, then quickly decorate with sprinkles, nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate before it hardens. Place the dipped cake pops upright in a foam block or a lined baking sheet to set. Let them harden at room temperature or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes until firm. Your brownie cake pops are ready to enjoy. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Pro oh là là tips
Want to make your brownie cake pops even better? Try these fun twists and perfect pairings!
Customization and variations
- Add a flavor twist: mix orange zest, peppermint extract, or espresso powder into the brownie mixture for a unique boost.
- Surprise the center: press a mini marshmallow, caramel square, or peanut butter cup inside each brownie ball for a gooey treat.
- Upgrade the coating: dip in white chocolate, ruby chocolate, or matcha-infused white chocolate, then roll in crushed cookies, toasted coconut, or cocoa powder for extra crunch.
- Make them festive: use seasonal sprinkles or drizzle contrasting chocolate to match holiday themes.
Pairings and serving ideas
- Pair with a warm drink: enjoy with a vanilla chai or a coconut coffee for a cozy combination.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit: add a plate of strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas for a bright contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Turn them into a dessert board: arrange with almond flour chocolate cookies and chocolate-covered almonds for an indulgent spread.
- Create an elegant plated dessert: serve with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm salted caramel sauce.
- Make them brunch-worthy: add them to a waffle and fruit platter for a fun morning treat.
Frequently asked questions about brownie cake pops
What is the trick to making cake pops?
The key to perfect cake pops is the right texture. The brownie and frosting mixture should be moist but not sticky, so it holds its shape. Chilling the cake pops before dipping prevents them from falling apart. Using high-quality chocolate and a bit of coconut oil or shortening ensures a smooth, even coating.
What not to do when making cake pops?
Avoid using too much frosting, as this can make the mixture too soft to roll. Don’t skip chilling the cake pops before dipping, or they may break apart in the chocolate. Also, never dip them into overly thick chocolate, as this can cause cracking or uneven coating.
Why are my cake pops falling apart when I dip them in chocolate?
If cake pops are falling apart, they are likely too soft or too warm. Make sure to chill them for at least 20–30 minutes before dipping. Another common mistake is not securing the lollipop stick. Dip the tip of the stick in melted chocolate before inserting it into the cake pop to help keep it in place.
Should you thin out chocolate before dipping cake pops?
Yes! Thick chocolate can make dipping difficult and create a heavy coating that cracks. To thin it out, mix in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening per cup of melted chocolate. Stir until smooth for an even, glossy finish.
Are cake pops supposed to be doughy?
Cake pops should be moist and fudgy, not raw or overly doughy. Too much frosting can make them too soft; adjust by adding more crumbled cake. Chilling before rolling helps them hold their shape with the perfect texture.
These brownie cake pops are the perfect combination of rich, fudgy brownies, smooth chocolate coating, and a pop of color from festive sprinkles. They are great for parties, birthdays, or just treating yourself to a little indulgence. Whether you keep them classic or get creative with different toppings, they are guaranteed to impress. Want to add a personal touch? Try drizzling white chocolate or rolling them in crushed nuts.
How do you like to decorate your brownie cake pops? Share your ideas in the comments. I’d love to see your creations!
Bon appétit!
Recipe card
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Brownie cake pops
- Total Time: ~1 hour
- Yield: 12–15 cake pops 1x
Description
These brownie cake pops are rich, fudgy, and coated in smooth chocolate. They are perfect for parties, gifts, or whenever you need a bite-sized chocolate treat!
Ingredients
- Brownies (homemade or store-bought)
- 2–3 tbsp chocolate frosting
- 12–15 lollipop sticks
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate or candy melts
- 1 tsp coconut oil or shortening
- ½ tsp espresso powder (optional)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or white chocolate drizzle (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the brownies
Bake or use store-bought brownies. Let them cool completely, then crumble them into fine crumbs using your hands or a fork.
2️⃣ Make the brownie mixture
Mix in 2–3 tablespoons of chocolate frosting until the mixture is moist and moldable but not sticky. Add more frosting one teaspoon at a time if needed.
3️⃣ Shape and chill the cake pops
Roll into 1 to 1.5-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Insert a lollipop stick into each, then freeze for 20–30 minutes until firm.
4️⃣ Melt the chocolate coating
Melt semisweet chocolate or candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening for a smooth consistency.
5️⃣ Dip and decorate
Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Decorate immediately with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate. Let them set at room temperature or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes.
Notes
Pro oh là là tip: for extra stability, dip the lollipop stick in melted chocolate before inserting it into the brownie ball. This helps secure it when dipping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 20–30 minutes