Halloween Cake Pops

Tips on How to Make and Decorate Cake Pops

• You can use a homemade cake recipe, but a boxed cake mix will also work just fine. In addition to this cake recipe, I have also made cake pops with my Vanilla cake recipe. I also usually use homemade frosting, but store-bought frosting works great as well.
• Use a small cookie scoop to scoop out the dough so you have equal portions.
• For making well-rounded balls I find using my hands and gently rolling the dough between palms works the best.
• Use a soft styrofoam block to place the cake pops into after dipping into the coating.
• Use a tall drinking glass or jar filled with enough coating to submerge the cake ball completely.
• Don’t add too much frosting or cake pops will not hold together. Add a bit at a time until cake holds together.
• Rolled cake pops must be well chilled before coating. I refrigerate for at least 1 hour and work in batches so cake pops stay chilled.
• Be sure to dip the tip of the lollipop stick into the candy melts and insert about half-way into the cake balls. This will help hold the stick in place.

Step by step instructions on how to decorate and assemble.

1. After the cake is baked and cooled completely, crumble into a large bowl.
2. Add frosting a couple of tablespoons at a time, mix thoroughly. You may not need all the icing, the consistency should form soft balls that hold together.
3. Use a small cookie scoop to make even-sized pieces of  the dough, then gently roll dough between the palm of your hands to make round, even balls. Place on wax paper. This recipe should make 45-50 balls.
4. Melt about 2 tablespoons of the orange candy melts in the microwave. I use 50 percent power and only until melted. You can also melt the candy melts in a double boiler.
5. Next dip the tip of  the lollipop stick into orange candy melts, then insert into the cake balls. Be sure to insert the stick about half way into the ball.
6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until the cake pops firm up.
7. Melt remaining orange candy melts. I pour the melted candy melts into a glass cup that is deep and wide enough to completely submerge the cake pop to coat.
8. Dip each cake pop into the candy melts and cover completely with coating. Remove and softly tap the stick on edge of the glass to remove any excess coating. This will help in getting a smooth coating.
9. Place cake pops into a soft styrofoam block or cake pop holder and refrigerate until coating hardens.
10. Add stems using a thick mix of confectioners sugar and green gel food coloring. (apply with a toothpick)
11. The Jack O’Latern face is painted on with a mix of confectioners sugar and black gel food coloring. You can also us a Food Writer.