# What You'll Need:
→ Cake
01 - 1 box vanilla or chocolate cake mix (approximately 14 oz), plus ingredients as per package instructions
→ Frosting
02 - ½ cup cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream (4 oz)
→ Decoration & Coating
03 - 17.5 oz white chocolate or candy melts in assorted colors
04 - 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother coating)
05 - Assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, and small candies
06 - 24 mini pretzel loops or candy-coated chocolate pieces for ornament tops
07 - Edible gold or silver luster dust (optional)
# How-To:
01 - Prepare cake according to package directions. Allow to cool completely.
02 - Break cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
03 - Gradually add frosting to cake crumbs, mixing until mixture holds and can be shaped.
04 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls. Place on parchment-lined tray.
05 - Refrigerate cake balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
06 - Melt white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Stir in shortening if needed for thinner consistency.
07 - Dip one end of a lollipop stick into coating, then insert halfway into each cake ball. Chill for 10 minutes to set.
08 - Fully dip each cake pop into melted coating, gently tapping off excess.
09 - Before coating sets, decorate cake pops with sprinkles, glitter, or candies. Attach mini pretzel loop or candy for ornament top.
10 - Place pops upright in foam block or stand to allow coating to fully set.
11 - Lightly dust with edible gold or silver luster dust if desired for shimmer.
