Why are My Cake Pops Cracking?

Cracked cake pops are one of the worst baking nightmares. You roll the balls, dip them into chocolate, and leave them on the stick to dry. Guess what? 5 minutes later, those smooth cake pops are all cracked!

But why does this happen? Why does the chocolate on the cake pops develop cracks?

If you want to know the reason and end this problem once and for all, this is just the right place. I will tell you exactly why this happens and what you can do to get smooth cake pops every single time. Trust me – I went through the process hundreds of times!

What is a Cake Pop?

A cake pop is a small ball of cake that’s been mixed with frosting, put on a stick, and covered with a coating like chocolate or candy. It’s like a mini cake on a stick that you can hold and eat easily. People often decorate them in different colors and designs for parties or special treats.

What Causes Cake Pops to Crack?

Cake pops usually don’t crack. If done right, they should have a smooth chocolate coating. But if your cake pops crack, there must be certain reasons behind it – which include:

1. Dry or Crumbly Cake Mixture
   

   When making cake pops, mixing the cake crumbs with just the right amount of frosting is crucial. If the mixture is too dry or crumbly, it won’t stick together well. As a result, when you shape the cake pops, they may crack or fall apart. 

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2. Temperature Issues
   

   Temperature plays a significant role in the final texture of cake pops. If the cake balls are too cold when you dip them in melted chocolate or candy coating, the sudden temperature change can cause cracks.

3. Thick Coating or Moving Too Much
   

   The coating on cake pops should be applied smoothly and evenly. If the coating layer is too thick, it can put pressure on the cake pop as it dries, leading to cracks. 

   Also, moving the cake pops around too much while the coating is setting can also cause cracks to form. 

How to Keep Cake Pops From Cracking?

Now that we know what causes cake pops cracking, let’s have a look at what you can do to get smooth and perfect cake pops every time. 

1. Proper Cake and Frosting Mixture

Ensure your cake and frosting mixture is well combined and moist enough to hold together without being too crumbly. The mixture should stick together easily when rolled into balls.

2. Allow Cake Balls to Rest

After shaping the cake balls, let them rest in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to firm up. This helps them hold their shape better when you insert the sticks and when you dip them in the coating.

3. Temperature Control

Allow the cake pops to come to room temperature before dipping them in melted chocolate or candy coating. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracking. If necessary, you can briefly chill the shaped cake pops in the refrigerator to firm them up before dipping, but let them sit at room temperature for a bit before coating.

4. Smooth Coating Application

When dipping the cake pops into the melted coating, ensure the coating is smooth and not too thick. Hold the cake pop at an angle and rotate it gently to coat evenly. Tap off any excess coating and allow the excess to drip off before placing it upright to dry.

5. Avoid Excessive Movement

Once coated, avoid moving the cake pops around too much. Place them upright (stick-side up) in a foam block or cake pop stand to dry. Let them set completely without touching or moving them until the coating is firm.

6. Store Properly

After decorating, store the cake pops in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can cause the coating to melt or the cake pops to sweat, potentially leading to cracks.

Last Words

Before you go, let me tell you one important thing – cracked cake pops taste equally good. If you’re a first-time baker, don’t be so hard on yourself. Just relax and try the above-mentioned tips the next time you make cake pops. 

Remember to invest in proper equipment and high-quality ingredients too. I personally love using a cake pop stand and cake pop scoop. It makes the process so much easier. 

What tools do you use? Let me know in the comments below!