Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package red candy melts
- Lollipop sticks
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
Special equipment needed:
- Cake pop maker or mini muffin tin
- Piping bag or plastic bag with corner cut off
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the cake pop maker or mini muffin tin according to instructions.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour the batter into the cake pop maker or mini muffin tin and bake according to instructions.
4. Once the cake pops are done, remove them from the maker or tin and let them cool completely.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This will be the frosting for the cake pops.
6. Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes from the cooled cake pops.
7. Insert a lollipop stick into the bottom of each heart-shaped cake pop.
8. Melt the red candy melts according to instructions.
9. Dip each cake pop into the melted candy melts, making sure to cover the entire cake pop.
10. Let the excess candy melts drip off, then place the cake pop onto a piece of wax paper to dry.
11. Once the candy melts have hardened, use the piping bag or plastic bag to pipe the frosting onto the cake pops in a decorative pattern.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Cake pop maker or mini muffin tin: 350°F
Candy melts: Melt according to package instructions
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 cake pops
Nutritional information:
Calories: 180
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 140mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Vanilla cake mix can be substituted with any flavor of cake mix.
- Red candy melts can be substituted with any color of candy melts.
- Lollipop sticks can be substituted with wooden skewers or paper straws.
Variations:
- Use different cookie cutters to create different shapes for the cake pops.
- Add food coloring to the frosting to create different colors.
- Add sprinkles or other decorations to the cake pops before the candy melts harden.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cake pops are completely cooled before dipping them into the candy melts.
- Use a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl to melt the candy melts.
- If the frosting is too thick, add more milk. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Storage instructions:
Store the cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Cake pops can be reheated in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cake pops on a decorative platter or cake stand.
Garnishes:
Add edible glitter or gold leaf to the cake pops for a festive touch.
Pairings:
Serve the cake pops with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
No side dishes needed.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake pops are too dry, add more milk to the cake batter.
- If the candy melts are too thick, add a little vegetable oil to thin them out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly before starting.
Food history:
Cake pops originated in the United States in the early 2000s and have since become a popular dessert around the world.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, vanilla, and chocolate.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake pops as a dessert at a party or as a sweet treat for Valentine's Day.
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