Creating flag-themed cake pops involves simple steps. Follow this guide to make your treat come to life:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Cake Mix: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased baking pan. Bake according to the package instructions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool the Cake: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Crumble the Cake: After cooling, crumble the cake into a large bowl until fine crumbs form.
6. Mix with Frosting: Gradually add the frosting to the crumbled cake. Mix until combined; it should be moist but not soggy.
7. Form Balls: Take small portions of the cake mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
8. Insert Lollipop Sticks: Dip one end of a lollipop stick into melted candy melts, then insert it into the center of each cake ball. This helps secure it.
9. Chill the Pops: Place the cake pops in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
10. Melt Candy Melts: In the meantime, melt the red, white, and blue candy melts in separate bowls as directed on the packaging.
11. Dip the Pops: Dip each cake pop into the melted candy melts, fully coating it. Allow excess to drip off.
12. Decorate: While the candy coating is still wet, add sprinkles or use edible markers to decorate in flag designs.
13. Let Dry: Place the decorated pops upright in a block of Styrofoam or a cake pop stand and let them set completely.