Strawberry cake pops

Strawberry cake pops have become a delightful treat in many households, including mine. These bite-sized confections combine the moistness of strawberry cake with a sweet coating, making them perfect for parties, gifts, or a fun baking project. I love how versatile and charming they are, bringing joy to both kids and adults alike.

Tools You Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the essential tools:

• Cake Pan: A standard 9×13-inch pan works well for baking the cake.
• Mixing Bowls: Various sizes for preparing the batter and frosting.
• Electric Mixer: Handheld or stand mixer to blend ingredients smoothly.
• Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for placing the cake balls.
• Lollipop Sticks: Available at most craft or baking supply stores.
• Piping Bag: Useful if you plan to add decorative touches.
• Styrofoam Block: To hold the cake pops upright while they set.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 box of strawberry cake mix (15.25 ounces)
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

For the frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar

For the coating:

• 16 ounces white candy melts
• Sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

1. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well blended. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch cake pan and bake according to the package instructions, usually about 28-31 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Prepare the Frosting: While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
3. Combine Cake and Frosting: Once the cake has cooled completely, crumble it into fine crumbs in a large bowl. Add a small amount of frosting to the crumbs and mix thoroughly. The mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape when rolled into a ball but not overly sticky.
4. Form the Cake Balls: Scoop portions of the mixture and roll them into balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Insert the Sticks: Melt a small amount of the white candy melts. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy and insert it halfway into each cake ball. This helps secure the stick in place.
6. Chill the Cake Pops: Refrigerate the cake pops for about 30 minutes to firm them up before dipping.
7. Coat the Cake Pops: Melt the remaining white candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Dip each cake pop into the melted candy, allowing any excess to drip off. If desired, add sprinkles or sanding sugar while the coating is still wet.
8. Let Them Set: Place the coated cake pops upright into a styrofoam block to dry completely.

Expert Tips

• Consistency Matters: Achieving the right consistency in your cake and frosting mixture is key. If it’s too dry, add a bit more frosting; if too moist, add more cake crumbs.
• Melting Candy Melts: Melt the candy melts slowly, stirring frequently to prevent overheating, which can cause clumping.
• Decorating: For a festive touch, consider drizzling contrasting colored candy melts over the coated cake pops or adding themed sprinkles.

Strawberry Cake Pops FAQ

• Can I use homemade cake instead of a mix? Absolutely! A homemade strawberry cake works wonderfully and adds a personal touch.
• What if I don’t have lollipop sticks? You can use sturdy paper straws or even pretzel sticks as alternatives.
• How long do these cake pops last? When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can last up to a week.
• Can I freeze them? Yes, you can freeze undecorated cake pops. Thaw them in the refrigerator before adding the coating.

Ways to Serve

Strawberry cake pops are versatile and can be served in various settings:

• Party Favors: Individually wrap them in clear bags tied with ribbons to match your event’s theme.
• Dessert Tables: Arrange them in decorative stands for an eye-catching display.
• Gifts: Present them in a decorated box as a sweet homemade gift.

Storage Tips

To keep your cake pops fresh:

• Room Temperature: If consuming within a day, they can be kept at room temperature.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Avoid Humidity: Keep them away from humid areas to prevent the coating from becoming sticky.

Conclusion

Making strawberry cake pops at home is a fun and rewarding experience. With their delightful appearance and delicious taste, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.

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