Cake Pops

Happy Valentine’s Day! Hope everyone is having a great day whether it’s with a partner, family or simply just treating yourself. Today, my post is a bit different in that it is more of a tutorial. I don’t normally do tutorials because I don’t think I have the authority to do tutorials just quite yet. I’m still learning just like everyone else but cake pops/balls are so fun to make and I wanted to show how easy they are to make. I first saw these cute little creations on Bakerella’s blog; now while she didn’t invent them I would venture to say she put them on the map.

I’ve made these for Christmas, birthdays, and large gatherings and I can tell you there are a hit every time. I’ve seen people make these as hostess gifts or as favors for weddings. One box of cake mix can make 60 to 75 cake balls depending on how big your balls are-so it is actually very cost effective. I made red velvet cake balls with pink coating but you can try different combinations and I’m sure I’ll post other combinations to come.

Tutorial:

This is your cast of characters: one box of cake mix, 16-oz can of cream cheese frosting, chocolate bark or candy melts (you will need about 3 bags for an entire box of cake balls). If the idea of boxed cake mix and canned frosting makes you want to fall over-you can make them from scratch and in fact I have. But, I will tell you my husband can not tell the difference between the two!

Make your cake according to the directions on the box.

When the cake has cooled, it’s time to get messy. Get in their with your hand and crumble it up. Then add the cream cheese frosting.

Mix, Mix, Mix! Then stick in the fridge to cool. The mix needs to be cool in order for balls to form.

Form the balls and lay on wax paper, then stick in the fridge. I recommend sticking them in the fridge overnight. I usually make the cake and balls at night and take them out when I’m ready I coat them. They don’t need to be coated right away so that will give you some leeway.  I know some people freeze them and take them out as they are ready to coat them. Whatever you do is up to you but I will say at the very least freeze the for a couple hours or refrigerate for at least 6 hours.

Your now ready for the fun part. I recommend melting the coating in batches ( I do it in the microwave) as it is easier to deal with and if you get crumbs in the coating it’s not a crisis to melt your next batch in a new dish. I use a little spoon to coat and take out. Make sure to lay them on way paper so they don’t stick to anything.

Let them sit to dry. The candy coating only takes a couple minutes to harden.

Now stick the lolipop sticks in or serve them as balls and take a bite

Enjoy!