From the Saute Pan: Cake Pops

Whoever said you shouldn't bake your own birthday cake didn't realize how much fun it could be!  Especially if you try cake pops.  What's a cake pop?  It's the new trend in baking, and they're so cute and delicious!  The process is a little involved, but it's well worth it!

You can use a box mix for the cake as well as canned icing, but I made my own of both.  (More fun that way!)

Dish: Cake Pops

Eaten With: A glass of milk

Ingredients: Chocolate cake, cream cheese icing, white chocolate chips, regular chocolate chips

How To Make It:

Chocolate Cake

1. Heat your oven to 350*.  Grease a 9x13 baking pan.

2. Stir together 2 cups white sugar, 3/4 cup cocoa powder (regular or dark), 1.5 tsp baking powder, 1.5 tsp baking soda and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.  (I used my stand mixer.)

3. Add 2 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 2 tsp vanilla extract.

4. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. 

5. Mix in 1 cup boiling water.  Warning: The batter will be thin!  It's okay!  

6. Pour batter into the pan. 

7. Bake 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. 

8. Cool 10 minutes on a wire rack, then tap cake out of the pan.  Cool completely.  (I cooled it overnight.)

Cream Cheese Icing

1. Whip 8 oz softened cream cheese with 4 tbsp butter.

2. Add in 2 cups confectioners sugar.

3. Add 1 tbsp of milk.  Add more as necessary to get to the correct consistency.

Cake Pops

1. Crumble the cooled cake.  (This is the hardest part - destroying a perfectly good cake!)

2. Pour icing into the crumbs and mix.  You'll have to use your fingers!  Mix until the cake has completely absorbed the icing.

3. Refrigerate until firm.  

4. Cover baking sheet with wax/parchment paper.  

5. Roll the cake mixture into small balls (about 2 inches in diameter).  Place on the baking sheet.

6. Melt a little of the chocolate chips.  (About a tbsp.)

7. Dip a lollipop stick in the melted chocolate, then insert into a cake ball.

8. Put the finished balls into the fridge or freezer to harden.  (I didn't have room in my freezer, but the fridge worked fine.)

9. Melt the chocolate.  (I did it in the microwave, but I really want a double boiler!)

10. Dip each ball into the chocolate.  How much you dip it is a matter of artistic and personal preference.  :)

11. Stick the cake pops in Styrofoam to harden.  (They harden quickly!)

Just had to bite into one!