Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz/432g) yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
- 1/2 cup (113g) cream cheese frosting, store-bought or homemade
- 12 oz (340g) chocolate candy melts (milk, dark, or white chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil (optional)
- Sprinkles, edible glitter, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, etc.
- Small amount of melted chocolate of opposite color for detail design
- Cake or Cake Mix Ingredients
Instructions:
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the cake according to the box instructions (or your own recipe) and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Crumble the Cake: Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl. Remove any crusty edges if desired.
- Mix in the Frosting: Add the cream cheese frosting to the crumbled cake. Mix thoroughly with your hands or an electric mixer until a dough-like consistency forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Roll into Balls: Roll the mixture into evenly sized balls (about 1-inch in diameter). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the Cake Balls: Place the baking sheet with the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate candy melts in a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently until smooth. Add shortening or coconut oil for a smoother consistency if needed.
- Dip the Sticks: Dip the tip of each cake pop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it halfway into a chilled cake ball. This helps secure the stick.
- Dip the Cake Pops: Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Gently tap off any excess chocolate.
- Decorate: Immediately decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or other desired toppings before the chocolate sets.
- Dry: Insert the cake pops into a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to dry completely.
- Detailing (optional): Dip a toothpick into a contrasting melted chocolate and gently drop or line across the cake pops to create your desired design.