# What You'll Need:
→ Cake
01 - 1 box (14 oz) vanilla or chocolate cake mix with required package ingredients
→ Frosting
02 - 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream
→ Decoration & Coating
03 - 17.6 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)
# Directions:
01 - Prepare and bake the cake according to package instructions. Allow it to cool completely.
02 - Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
03 - Gradually add the frosting to the crumbs, mixing until the mixture is firm enough to hold its shape.
04 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls. Arrange on a tray lined with parchment paper.
05 - Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
06 - Melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring for smoothness. Add shortening if a thinner consistency is desired.
07 - Dip one end of a lollipop stick into the melted coating, then insert halfway into each cake ball. Chill the assembled balls for 10 minutes to set.
08 - Fully dip each cake pop into the melted coating, tapping off excess gently.
09 - Before the coating sets, add sprinkles, edible glitter, or candies. Attach a mini pretzel loop or candy piece atop each as the ornament hook.
10 - Place cake pops upright in a foam block or stand to allow the coating to harden completely.
11 - Optionally, dust with edible gold or silver luster dust for a shimmering finish.
