# Ingredient list:
→ Cake
01 - 1 box (about 14 oz) vanilla or chocolate cake mix with required ingredients
→ Frosting
02 - 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream
→ Decoration & Coating
03 - 17.6 oz white chocolate or candy melts (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)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Prepare and bake cake according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely.
02 - Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl.
03 - Add frosting gradually to the crumbs, mixing until the mixture holds together for shaping.
04 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
05 - Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 30 minutes.
06 - Melt chocolate or candy melts in microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Stir in shortening if a thinner coating is desired.
07 - Dip one end of a lollipop stick into melted coating, insert halfway into each cake ball, then chill for 10 minutes to set.
08 - Dip each cake pop fully into the melted coating, tapping off excess gently.
09 - Before coating sets, adorn each pop with sprinkles, glitter, or candies to resemble ornaments, attaching a mini pretzel loop or candy at the top as the hook.
10 - Stand pops upright in foam block or cake pop stand until coating fully sets.
11 - Optionally dust with edible luster dust for a shimmering finish.
