The Magic of Homemade Cake Pops: A Fun and Easy Guide with Betty Mafla of Shimmer & Delights
Creating beautiful, delicious cake pops at home may seem intimidating, but according to Betty Mafla of Shimmer and Delights, it’s a lot easier than most people think. In this lively kitchen segment, Betty walks us through a simple, beginner-friendly recipe that anyone can recreate—from kids to seasoned bakers. With just a few household ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can whip up bakery-worthy treats perfect for parties, gifts, or simply enjoying at home.
A Simple and Versatile Cake Pop Base
Every great cake pop begins with a solid cake base. Betty starts with a classic boxed cake mix—a method she recommends for convenience and consistency. To prepare the batter, combine:
1 box of cake mix
3 eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup of water (or milk, or even sour cream for added richness)
While the mixture can be stirred by hand, Betty suggests using an electric mixer for a smoother, lump-free result. Once combined, the batter goes into a greased, thick baking pan. Betty notes that thicker pans prevent the edges from burning, helping the cake bake evenly.
Bake the cake at 350°F for 35 minutes, until it's soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden.
Transforming Cake into Cake Pops
Once the cake has cooled, the fun really begins. Betty crumbles the cake with her hands, creating a soft, moist texture that easily breaks apart. The goal: a fine, even crumb.
To form the cake pop mixture, she adds two tablespoons of icing—just enough to bind the crumbs into a dough-like consistency. After mixing, the texture should feel smooth, moist, and easy to shape.
Next, roll the mixture into evenly sized balls. Betty uses a small mold to ensure her cake pops are uniform, but forming them by hand works perfectly too.
Adding the Sticks and Preparing for Decoration
Before inserting the sticks, dip each one into melted chocolate. This simple trick helps the stick adhere securely once inserted into the cake ball, preventing slipping during dipping.
With the sticks in place, the cake pops are ready for the decorative stage—a highlight of the entire process.
Decorating Like a Pro
Cake pops are wonderfully customizable, which is why Betty loves them for all kinds of celebrations: weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays, holidays, and more.
Using melted chocolate, sprinkles, edible glitter, or themed decorations, you can match your cake pops to any event. Betty demonstrates how a simple dip in chocolate followed by creative toppings transforms a basic treat into something elegant and festive.
She also showcases silicone molds for geometric shapes, hearts, and other designs—ideal for leveling up your presentation with minimal effort.
Endless Creativity in Every Bite
Cake pops are more than just a dessert—they’re a fun, hands-on activity that brings people together in the kitchen. This simple recipe is approachable for beginners but versatile enough for more advanced decorators. With Betty’s tips, you can craft cake pops that look professionally made while enjoying the process every step of the way.
Whether you’re preparing treats for a celebration or simply exploring your creative side, cake pops offer the perfect blend of fun, flavor, and artistry.
And as always, you can follow Betty at @shimmeranddelights for more delicious tutorials and decorating inspiration.
