Cake Pops

Cake pops ready for a baby shower!

Ever since I stumbled upon Bakerella's website a while back, I've notice these cute concoctions popping up all over.  Honestly, I'm not sure why I waited so long to give cake pops a whirl because they are so darn easy and fun to make!  A company baby shower was the perfect excuse to me to finally give it a go.  Time consuming, yes, but definitely something easy enough that even the little bakers could enjoy making!  The internet is loaded with cake pop recipes but I believe I have mine memorized and that's what I'll share with you because it worked.

INGREDIENTS

cake mix
can of frosting
2 bags candy melts (I used Wilton)
sprinkles, jimmies, sugar sparkles (if desired)
candy/cookie sticks (I used Wilton)
block or wreath of styrofoam

DIRECTIONS
1. First, you'll need to make a cake.  Just a plain 9 x13, out of a box (or scratch if you're so inclined), cake any flavor you want.  I chose devil's food (it's what I had in the pantry).  Make the cake according to directions, let it cool completely.

2. Next, find a large bowl.  Transfer the cake by pieces into the bowl.  Yes, you are destroying the cake you just made!  This is where the little ones can have fun.  Pound the heck out of the cake!  Add the can of frosting at this point and stir it all together until it becomes this sweet smelling ball of dough.  Don't eat it!  I covered the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for about 1/2 hour to set.

3. Fun begins....Line a large cookie sheet with wax paper.  Remove cake dough from fridge.  Start rolling into 1" balls and lay onto cookie sheet (kind of like making buckeyes at Christmas).  This dough will make a ton.  Mine made between 40-50!  Not bad.  Go ahead....try one.  You know you want to.  Place cookie sheets with cake dough back in fridge to set for another 15-30 min.

4. Melt your chocolate bark or candy melts according to package directions in microwave safe bowl.  Careful not to scorch.  I played it safe and would heat for 20, stir, heat for 20, stir again, etc.  I also added a spoonful of Crisco just to smooth and thin the texture a bit, but that's not required!

5. Remove cookie sheets with cake dough.  Dip cookie/candy sticks ends into melted candy and stick into center of each ball to act as an anchor.  The candy will harden like glue and make it less likely for the ball to slide off when dipping later.

6. Showtime!  Dip each ball careful to let excess candy drip before decorating.  Stick finished cake pop into styrofoam to dry!