Valentine's Day Cake Pops

This very unique idea came to me via my mom, who sent me this book she found at Target called "Cake Pops" by Bakerella. I had just recently heard of "cake balls" and this book uses the same technique, but puts them on sticks to add to that cuteness factor. They are very easy to make and the possibilities are endless. I kept this batch small and simple since it was my first one and for Ahnika's class of 4 kids.

Ingredients:

• 1 box of cake mix, any flavor
• 1 tub of frosting, any flavor
• 32 oz. candy coating

"Accessories":

• 48 lollipop sticks
• wax paper
• Styrofoam blocks
• candy bags
• edible markers

The supplies listed above are for a full size cake that makes approx. 48 pops. I made eleven pops from 1/4 of a cake and then froze the other 3/4 for later.

1. Bake the cake in a 9 X 13 inch pan as directed on box. Let cool completely

2. Crumble cake into large bowl until fine. You don't want large chunks and your hands or a fork work well. (Watch out for side and top pieces that sometimes get a little chewier than the middle of the cake)

3. Add 3/4 container of frosting and combine with a large spoon until you can't see the frosting anymore and cake is moist. (I would suggest adding half and then mixing in a little at a time. I only used 3T for 11 pops and they were a little wetter than I would've liked)

4. Roll mixture into 1 1/2" round balls and place on wax paper. Freeze for 15 mins. Remove from freezer and use 1 1/2" heart shaped cookie cutter to shape them. Place back in freezer for 15 mins.

5. Melt candy coating according to package directions. Working in small batches, dip 1/2" of lollipop stick into the chocolate and gently press it no more than 1/2 way into the bottom of the heart. Carefully dip heart, now on stick, and coat, taping excess off.

6. Insert stick into styrofoam to dry. (I used an old shoe box with holes in it)

7. Write messages on using edible marker. Store in bags, or air tight container at room temperature.

I think the kids, and teachers, will like them. I know I did. And yes, I did write something raunchy on one of them and gave it to my husband. Come on, it's Valentine's Day!