Cake pops are a fun, trendy treat that has become popular at parties, birthdays, and even weddings. One of the key aspects of making perfect cake pops is ensuring that they are round. A round cake pop not only looks good but also holds its shape and is easier to dip in chocolate or other coatings. In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about how to make cake pops round, from baking the cake to the techniques that help you achieve that perfect ball shape.
Step 1: Choose the Right Cake Recipe
The first step in making round cake pops is choosing the right cake recipe. You want a cake that is moist but not too crumbly. Cakes that are too dry may not stick together well when you mix them with frosting, while overly moist cakes may fall apart too easily.
Use a Moist Cake Recipe
Opt for a cake recipe that will yield a moist yet sturdy crumb. Popular choices for cake pops include:
- Chocolate cake
- Vanilla cake
- Red velvet cake
- Carrot cake
Avoid very dense cakes like pound cakes, as they may not give the soft texture you need for shaping cake pops. Similarly, overly delicate cakes like angel food cakes will be hard to mold.
Bake the Cake
Follow your cake recipe and bake the cake in a round or square pan. The shape of the pan isn’t too important because you’ll be crumbling the cake into small pieces later. Be sure to let the cake cool completely before moving on to the next step. A warm cake can be harder to crumble and may make the cake pops too soft.
Step 2: Crumble the Cake
Once your cake has cooled down, it’s time to crumble it. This step is essential for making cake pops round because the crumbles will form the base of your cake pops.
Break the Cake Into Small Pieces
Use your hands or a fork to break the cake into small crumbs. It’s important that the crumbs are not too big. Smaller crumbs will create a smoother, more uniform texture that is easier to mold into a round shape. Aim for crumbs that are the size of coarse sand, without any large chunks of cake remaining.
Avoid Over-Crumbing
While you want the cake to be crumbled, you also don’t want to turn it into dust. If the crumbs are too fine, the mixture may become too dry and won’t stick together properly when you shape the cake pops. Aim for a mix of small crumbles and slightly larger pieces.
Step 3: Add Frosting
The next step is to add frosting to the crumbled cake. The frosting helps bind the cake crumbs together so they can be shaped into a ball.
Use the Right Amount of Frosting
Add frosting gradually. Too much frosting will make the cake pop too sticky and soft, causing it to lose its round shape. Too little frosting, and the crumbs won’t stick together.
Start with about ½ cup of frosting per 1 ½ cups of crumbled cake. Mix the frosting into the crumbs and gently knead the mixture. The goal is to add enough frosting so that the mixture can be rolled into a ball without falling apart.
Choose the Right Type of Frosting
The type of frosting you use is also important. Traditional buttercream works well because it’s thick and smooth, which makes it easier to form into round shapes. You can also use cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache, depending on your preference and the flavor of the cake. However, avoid using very thin or runny frostings that won’t hold up well.
Step 4: Shape the Cake Pops
Now comes the fun part—shaping your cake pops! This is where you can start focusing on making your cake pops round.
Roll the Mixture Into Balls
Take small portions of the cake and frosting mixture and roll them into balls. Try to make each ball roughly the same size to ensure uniformity. Use your palms to gently roll the mixture into smooth, even balls. Don’t squeeze too hard, as this can cause the balls to become misshapen.
Size Matters
Typically, cake pops are about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. If you want smaller or larger cake pops, adjust the size accordingly. Just make sure the balls are not too large, as this can make them harder to dip and balance on sticks. At the same time, very tiny balls may become too fragile and difficult to work with.
Smooth the Surface
If you notice that some of the cake pops are slightly uneven, don’t worry. You can gently roll them between your palms again to smooth out the surface. If some of the pops have visible cracks or bumps, you can use a small spoon to smooth them over.
Step 5: Insert the Sticks
The sticks are what will hold your cake pops and allow you to dip them into chocolate or other coatings. It’s important to insert them carefully so that the cake pops stay round and don’t fall off the stick.
Coat the Stick in Chocolate
Before inserting the stick into the cake pop, dip about an inch of the stick into melted chocolate or candy coating. This helps the stick stay in place when the cake pop is being dipped, as the chocolate hardens around the stick and creates a secure bond.
Insert the Stick
Gently insert the coated stick into the center of each cake pop, about halfway through. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can cause the cake pop to crack or lose its shape. If you find that the stick is pushing the cake pop out of shape, gently reshape the ball with your fingers.
Step 6: Chill the Cake Pops
Once your cake pops are shaped and the sticks are inserted, it’s time to chill them. Chilling helps the cake pops firm up, which makes them easier to dip and keeps them from falling apart.
Refrigerate for 15–30 Minutes
Place the cake pops in the fridge or freezer for about 15 to 30 minutes. This step will help the cake pops firm up so they are easier to handle and dip into melted chocolate or candy melts. It’s also a good idea to chill the cake pops if you’re working with hot weather or your cake mixture is a little too soft.
Don’t Freeze Too Long
While chilling is important, avoid freezing your cake pops for too long. Freezing them for an extended period can cause them to crack when you dip them in chocolate. Stick to a shorter chill time to avoid this issue.
Step 7: Dip the Cake Pops
Now that your cake pops are chilled and firm, it’s time to dip them into your choice of coating. This is the final step in achieving that perfect round shape.
Prepare the Coating
Melt your chocolate or candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler. If the coating is too thick, you can add a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to thin it out. Stir the coating until smooth.
Dip the Cake Pops
Hold the stick by the base and dip the cake pop into the melted chocolate or candy coating. Be sure to submerge it completely so that it’s coated evenly. You can gently tap the stick on the side of the bowl to remove any excess coating. Be careful not to dip the stick too far, as this can cause the coating to drip or slide off.
Smooth the Surface
If there are any uneven spots on the surface of the cake pop, use a spoon to smooth them out or gently rotate the pop in your hands. If you find that the coating isn’t smooth, you may need to reheat it to achieve a smoother consistency.
Step 8: Decorate and Enjoy
Once your cake pops are dipped, you can decorate them with sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorations. Allow the coating to harden completely before serving. You can place the cake pops in a stand or use Styrofoam blocks to hold them upright as they set.
Let the Coating Harden
Allow your cake pops to sit at room temperature for a few hours or place them back in the fridge for a faster setting time. The coating should harden completely before you handle them further.
Tips for Making Round Cake Pops
- Use a cookie scoop to measure the cake mixture for consistent sizing.
- Gently shape the pops with your hands to smooth out any rough edges.
- If you are having trouble getting the pops perfectly round, gently roll them between your palms again.
- Make sure the cake pops are not too soft or too dry before shaping.
- Chill the cake pops to prevent them from losing their shape when dipping.
Conclusion
Making round cake pops is an art that requires attention to detail at every stage. By choosing the right cake recipe, crumbling the cake evenly, adding just enough frosting, shaping the mixture gently, and chilling your cake pops, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly round cake pops every time. With practice, you can experiment with different flavors, coatings, and decorations to create a variety of delicious, beautiful cake pops for any occasion.
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