This is obviously an older project, but you never know when this might come in handy. Bakerella posted about making these cupcakes right before Valentine's Day. I looked at them for a long while and realized that these could be taken to the next level with some very simple tweaks. Hence, Cupid Cake Pops.
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 6+ hours
Expense: Moderate (depending upon how many items you already have)
Materials: Cake mix and appropriate baking supplies, construction paper or cardstock, lollipop sticks, cellophane wrappers, ribbons, candy coating, frosting, cookie cutter (1" or less) wax or parchment paper
For perhaps the first day since spring began, it is actually a nice "spring-ish" day. Have you completed your big spring cleaning, Reader? I'm still working on that (slowly), but it's coming along. I think that when the weather is warm, I enjoy eating more than ever. So, I had a nice excuse to bake up some delicious. If you worked with me, you'd be eating some chocolate fudge cake pops right about now.
Since you do not work with me, I wanted to share this with you so you can surprise your own coworkers. I've made cake pops before (wow, they looked so lumpy), but I think my skills have somewhat improved. Due to the recent "cake pop-ularity," companies are starting to create items for them. Wilton made the carriers (which I decked out using Hallmark's adhesive ribbon available in stores) and they also have a stand for decorating cake pops (but make sure you use styrofoam to dry your pops!). Actually, if you search their site, you'll come across a lot of great supplies.
I often salivated over the oh-so-delectably-photographed cake pops on Bakerella. Since I was already expecting to be snowed in this weekend, I decided to give them a try. They only require a bit of baking experience, so this is easier to do than you might think. All it takes is a box cake (or your own special recipe) and a can of frosting to make the balls that will become cake pops. From there, you need some melted candy wafers to cover the pops making them look like pops. With edible markers, you can add fun faces (even though it is not necessary. For detailed directions, visit Bakerella's blog. Good luck with yours. My own images of the process and the results are after the jump.
Above image via Bakerella. All others via yours truly.
