Colorful cake pops, dipped and decorated, make graduation sweet. Ideal for school-themed celebrations.
# What You Need:
→ Cake
01 - 1 box (about 15 oz) vanilla or chocolate cake mix, plus eggs, oil, and water as per package instructions
02 - OR 1 homemade 9-inch round cake, fully cooled
→ Frosting
03 - 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting or buttercream frosting
→ Coating & Decoration
04 - 12 oz candy melts in school colors or white chocolate with colored food coloring
05 - 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening (optional, for thinning chocolate)
06 - Sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar in coordinating colors
07 - 24 lollipop sticks
08 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (for tassels or accents)
09 - Fondant in school colors (optional, for cap decorations)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Prepare and bake the cake following package or recipe guidelines. Let it cool thoroughly prior to proceeding.
02 - Break the cooled cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor and transfer to a mixing bowl.
03 - Add frosting gradually, mixing until the crumbs bind and form a dough-like consistency. Do not over-moisten; use only enough to hold the cake together.
04 - Scoop 1 tablespoon portions and roll each into uniform balls. Repeat until you have 24 balls.
05 - Arrange the cake balls on a lined baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or freeze for 20 minutes until firm.
06 - Place candy melts or chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring after each. If needed, add vegetable shortening for a smooth texture.
07 - Dip the tip of each lollipop stick in melted chocolate, then insert halfway into each cake ball. This anchors the stick securely.
08 - Immerse each cake pop completely in the melted coating. Gently tap off excess and ensure an even finish.
09 - While coating is wet, embellish with sprinkles and colored sugar. For graduation caps, affix a fondant square and press a mini chocolate chip with melted chocolate to form the tassel.
10 - Place the dipped cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand. Allow coating to harden fully before serving.
