Preheat your oven according to the cake mix package instructions, typically around 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cake mix by following the instructions, then pour into a greased cake pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, usually 25–30 minutes. Once baked, cool the cake completely on a wire rack.

Break the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl using your hands or a fork, ensuring no large chunks remain.

Add your chosen frosting to the crumbled cake in the bowl. Mix thoroughly until well combined and shape the mixture into uniform balls, about one inch in diameter.

Refrigerate the shaped cake balls for about 30 minutes to help them firm up.

Melt the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power. Dip the end of each cake pop stick into the melted candy before inserting it into the center of a cake ball.

Fully immerse each chilled cake ball into the melted candy melts, allowing excess to drip off. Ensure the coating is smooth and glossy.

Insert the cake pop sticks into a Styrofoam block or stand and allow the candy coating to set at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes.