Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or two 8×8-inch round cake dishes and bake in a 350 degree F oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely, then crumble it with a fork in a large bowl or in the baking dish. Stir the frosting into the crumbled cake, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze until chilled.
Use a cookie scoop and your hands to roll the mixture into evenly sized small balls and place on large baking sheet. You want to try make them all a consistent size – aim for the size of a ping pong ball.
Freeze again until balls are hard.
Remove the chilled dough balls and give them another little roll to smooth out the sides. Then place on a cookie sheet.
Melt candy melts in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a double boiler. Dip the end of the stick into the melted chocolate, then stick into one of the frozen cake balls.
Do this with all of them and put back in freezer till they are solidified.
Gently dip balls into the melted chocolate or spoon the chocolate onto balls and twirl to coat, letting the excess chocolate drizzle off onto parchment paper. Decorate with the white or festive sprinkles.
Place them upright in a styrofoam block, or a cardboard box to harden to 2-3 minutes. There you have it, the perfect treat for your next celebration!
STORING THE LEFTOVER CAKE POPS
So, you’ve had your fun making those adorable St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops, and now you’re wondering what to do with the leftovers, right? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Storing these treats is as easy as pie—or should I say, as easy as cake pops!
First things first, if you’re planning to savor them in the next couple of days, just pop them into an airtight container and slide them into the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious, ready for you to indulge in whenever you get that sweet craving.
Just make sure they’re not sitting next to anything with a strong odor – you don’t want your cake pops smelling like last night’s onion soup!
But hey, if you’re thinking longer-term, you can totally freeze these little delights. Wrap each cake pop in plastic wrap, then put them all in a zip-top freezer bag or another airtight container.
They’ll be good for about a month – perfect for when you need a quick treat to brighten up your day. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight, and they’ll be as good as new!
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS
First off, when you’re mixing your cake crumbs with frosting, aim for a texture that’s moist enough to hold together, but not so gooey that it falls apart.
Think playdough – it should be pliable and not stick to your hands. If it’s too dry, add a bit more frosting; too wet, a touch more cake crumbs.
Now, when rolling your cake balls, don’t go overboard with the size. Keep them bite-sized for that perfect pop-in-your-mouth experience.
And when you’re shaping them into shamrocks, patience is key. Use a gentle touch to avoid squishing them, and if they’re being stubborn, let the mixture chill for a bit longer.
Chilling is crucial! Once you’ve shaped your cake pops, chill them in the freezer before dipping. This helps them set and makes the chocolate coating process a breeze.
Speaking of dipping, make sure your melted chocolate is smooth and not too hot – you want a nice, even coat without melting your shamrocks away.
Decorations are where you can let your creativity shine! Use a variety of sprinkles, edible glitter, or even fondant accents to bring your cake pops to life.
And remember, less is sometimes more. A simple drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of gold sugar can look super elegant.
Finally, display your cake pops with pride! Whether you’re setting them up in a pot of gold or arranging them on a festive platter, presentation is everything. It’s all about creating that ‘wow’ factor that’ll have everyone reaching for more.
FAQS
CAN I USE A SHEET PAN TO BAKE MY CAKE?
No, I would recommend sticking to the cake pan size recommended on the back on the boxed cake mix.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET A SMOOTH FINISH ON THE CAKE POPS?
After forming your cake bite into a ball shape using the palm of your hand, dip the tip of your cookie stick into melted candy and insert it into the corner of your cake pop.
This helps the cake pop stay on the stick. Then, dip the cake pop into the melted candy in a medium-sized bowl and tap off any excess on the side of the bowl for that smooth finish.
CAN I ADD GREEN SPRINKLES WITHOUT MAKING A MESS?
Sprinkle a teeny tiny bit of St. Patrick’s sprinkle mix over the wet candy coating, or roll the cake pop gently in a bowl of sprinkles. Make sure to do this right after dipping, so they stick!
Sure! You can mix the crumbled white cake with small amounts of frosting using just a spoon or spatula until it reaches the right consistency. A hand mixer is handy for a smooth blend, but it’s not a must.
To prevent clumping, melt the green candy melt in small increments and stir frequently. If it seems too thick, you can add a teeny tiny bit of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to thin it out.