Holiday Cake Pops Recipes

HOLIDAY CAKE POPS

Steps:

• Prepare desired-flavor cake mix according to package directions. Use any suggested pan size and bake according to package directions. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Line trays or baking sheets with parchment or waxed paper; set aside.
• Remove cooled cake from pan and crumble into a very large mixing bowl. Add desired-flavor frosting. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Using a small scoop, drop mixture into 1 1/2-inch mounds onto prepared trays; roll mounds into balls and freeze for 30 minutes.
• In a small microwave-safe dish heat 1 ounce of the coating (about 1/4 cup) on 50% power (medium) for 60 seconds until melted and smooth, stirring once. Dip one end of each lollipop stick into melted chocolate and poke sticks into balls (this helps the balls stay on the sticks). Freeze for 30 to 60 minutes more or until balls are firm.
• Place remaining candy coating and chopped chocolate in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until melted and smooth, stirring frequently. Working in batches, dip balls into melted chocolate mixture. Allow excess to drip off; place balls on clean waxed paper-lined trays or baking sheets.** After coating is set, transfer to storage containers and store, covered, in refrigerator. Let stand at room temperature at least 30 minutes before serving. Basic Butter Frosting
• In a medium mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add 2/3 cup powdered sugar, beating well. Slowly beat in 2 tablespoons milk and vanilla. Gradually beat in the remaining 2 cups powdered sugar. If needed, beat in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to make a frosting of spreading consistency.

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT CAKE POPS WITH MIRROR GLAZE

Steps:

• For the cake pops: Prepare and bake the cake according to the package directions for a 9-by-13-inch pan. Let cool completely.
• Meanwhile, put the white chocolate and heavy cream in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth, stirring halfway through, about 1 minute. (You can also use a double boiler.) Carefully remove from the microwave and add the orange extract; stir to combine.
• When cool, crumble the cake finely into a large bowl and add the dried cranberries and orange-white chocolate ganache. Mix with a rubber spatula or your hands until the mixture is very well combined, completely moistened and holds together when pinched.
• Using a 3/4-ounce scoop, scoop rounded mounds of the mixture and shape into balls and place on a baking sheet. You should have about 36 balls. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
• For the white chocolate shell: Put the white chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth, stirring halfway through, about 1 minute. (You can also use a double boiler.) Carefully remove from the microwave and stir once more to make sure no lumps remain.
• Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the chocolate shell and stick halfway into a cake ball. Dip the entire cake ball in the chocolate shell, letting any excess drip off, then press the stick into the Styrofoam block to stand upright. Repeat with the remaining balls and sticks. Refrigerate the cake pops until completely chilled and set, about 1 hour.
• For the mirror glaze: Sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup water in a small bowl; stir and set aside 5 minutes. Combine the remaining 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan with the granulated sugar and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat until the sugar has dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, then add the gelatin mixture and stir to dissolve.
• Put the white chocolate chips in a large bowl and set a fine-mesh strainer on top. Pour the gelatin mixture through the strainer to catch any small lumps; remove the strainer. Let stand 5 minutes for the chocolate to soften, then stir with a rubber spatula until smooth. Tint with food coloring (divide the glaze in half if you are using more than 1 color), then let sit, stirring occasionally, until thickened and a thermometer registers 90 degrees F. Transfer to a tall, wide glass container (such as a wide-mouth mason jar) for easy dipping.
• Working one at a time, dip the cake pops into the mirror glaze to completely coat letting any excess drip off. Return to the foam board (it may continue to drip for a minute or two). Transfer to the refrigerator to set completely, about 1 hour. (Even after setting, mirror glaze stays sticky, so make sure to space the pops apart).
• Using a small, clean art brush, dust the peanut butter cups with edible gold pearl dust, then place one on top of each cake pop "ornament" (see Cook's Note). Keep chilled until ready to serve.

EASIEST CAKE POPS EVER

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine cookies and cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix until well blended.
• Form mixture into twenty four 1 1/2-inch balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet and secure a lollipop stick in each one. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
• While the cake pops are chilling, place candy melts in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until melted, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Remove cake pops from the refrigerator. Dip each one in the melted candy coating, allowing any excess to drip off. Return to the lined baking sheet and sprinkle immediately with sprinkles. Let sit until coating has completely set, about 10 minutes.