Cake Pops - A step by step how to

Cake pops are amazing. They are little bundles of cake bits mashed in frosting, then dipped in candy. I mean what's not to love. Seriously. If you think these little treats are too complicated for you to make, you're wrong. They are super easy, anyone can do it and I'm going to walk you through it today. 

What you need:
*Cake (flavor of your choice, made from scratch or from a mix)
*Frosting (flavor of your choice, made from scratch or canned)
*Melting candy for coating (almond bark, candy melts, chocolate, etc.)
*Lollipop sticks
*Large Styrofoam block or cake pop stand
*Parchment paper

Step 1: Bake a cake. This cake can be your favorite recipe from scratch or made from a cake mix. It really just depends on your personal preference and what kind of time you have on your hands. It can be any flavor you want, the possibilities are endless. You can't go wrong here, trust me. You will need enough cake for a 9"x13" pan or two 8" round pans. For these particular pops, I used a yellow cake mix. Baked the cake according to the box instructions and let cool completely before handling. 
             

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, crumble half of the cooled cake using your hands, a fork, or a food processor until there are no large pieces remaining. If you made a 9"x13" pan, just cut cake in half down the middle. If you made round cakes only use one layer. Cake freezes really well so just stick the remaining half in the freezer and you'll have cake already made for the next time you want to make cake pops! 

Step 3: Add in frosting of choice. Approximately 1 cup, this will differ depending on the type of cake you made and the type of frosting. It may take a little more or a little less than 1 cup. Add frosting 1/2 cup at time. Mix cake crumbles and frosting together until completely combined. The mixture should be very thick, kind of like play dough consistency.  

Step 4: Form cake mixture into balls. They should be able to hold their shape once formed. If they don't, the mixture consistency is too thin. I like to use a small cookie scoop to help me, but if you don't have one just use your hands. Place formed balls onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let cake balls sit in the fridge to firm up, at least 30 minutes. 

Step 5: Take the chilled cake balls out of the fridge. Melt a small amount of almond bark, candy melts, chocolate, etc. in bowl. Dip the lollipop sticks in melted candy and stick into cake balls just half way. Once all the cake pops have a stick, place back into the fridge until candy is set and has hardened around the lollipop stick. 

Step 6: Melt remaining dipping candy, according to package instructions, in a bowl that will be deep enough to completely submerge the cake pop. Dip each cake pop into melted candy coating, gently tap off any excess coating.

Step 7: Let cake pops "dry". I have a cake pop stand for this step or you can use a large Styrofoam block. Once the cake pops are about half way dry, you can add sprinkles, sugars, etc. Or, let pops dry all the way and drizzle more melted chocolate/candy over the tops, or pipe icing in a decorative design. Decorate as your heart desires. Once the candy coating is completely set, they are ready to eat. Enjoy!

*These particular pops were made for a March Madness party. I love watching the games. Go Louisville!!