# Components:
→ Cake
01 - 1 box (about 14 oz) vanilla or chocolate cake mix plus ingredients per package
→ Frosting
02 - 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream (4 oz)
→ Decoration & Coating
03 - 1 lb white chocolate or candy melts (assorted colors)
04 - 2 tbsp 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)
# Method Steps:
01 - Prepare cake according to package directions; bake and cool completely.
02 - Break cooled cake into fine crumbs inside a large mixing bowl.
03 - Add frosting gradually, mixing until mixture holds together 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 chocolate or candy melts in microwave-safe bowl until smooth; stir in shortening if needed for thinner consistency.
07 - Dip one end of each lollipop stick into melted coating and insert halfway into each cake ball; chill 10 minutes to set.
08 - Fully coat each cake pop by dipping into melted coating; gently tap off excess.
09 - Before coating sets, decorate with sprinkles, glitter, or candies; attach mini pretzel or candy atop as ornament hook.
10 - Stand pops upright in styrofoam block or cake pop stand until coating fully sets.
11 - Optionally dust with edible luster dust for shimmering effect.
