Forget Cupcakes, Learn How to Make the Cute and Colorful Treat That's the Rage These Days: Cake Pops!

The invention of cake pops is credited to an American food blogger Angie Dudley, as cake pops originated more from a modern day trend and are not one of the dessert classics; but so what? Something that is eye-catching and truly aesthetically pleasing to look at, while also being sweet deserves a place in the dessert section.

On an American show, she had taken a chocolate-coated cake and transformed them into truffle-like balls. Miniature in size and resembling a lollipop, they are the finger foods of the dessert world and can be decorated in different ways—from the more traditional chocolate to the more elaborate white chocolate, or even coffee flavored cake pops, depending on taste preferences and the occasion.

Who Created the Original Ones?

While Dudley might be behind the cake pop, did you know, that the cake balls which form the heart and soul of the cake pop, lead to Rome? Yes, the cake balls' origins date back to ancient Rome, when a cake-like dessert called "pultes" was made by mixing ingredients and shaping them into balls. In medieval Europe, similar "truffles" containing spices, wine and breadcrumbs became popular.

Cake balls rose to popularity in the southern US in the early 20th century, especially during the Great Depression. They were a way to use up leftover cake scraps by mixing them with frosting or syrup and rolling into balls—an affordable treat during hard times.

The introduction of cake mix boxes in the 1960s further fueled experimentation with shaping cake crumbs. Their convenience encouraged home bakers to get creative with presentations like balls. Over time, cake balls emerged as a unique dessert option with a long history behind various early forms.

So, coming back to the modern day, after this long voyage to your own kitchen, why not make a batch and serve it to guests the next time they come knocking?

Simple Cake Pops Recipe

Ingredients:

• 150 gm cake crumbs (you can use leftover cake or bake one DIY cake packs and crumble them)
• 50 gm butter, softened
• 100 gm frosting (you can use store bought ones or homemade)
• 100 gm chocolate or candy melts for coating
• Lollipop sticks or skewers

Instructions:

• Crumble the cake into fine crumbs. You can also process it in a food processor.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the cake crumbs and butter together until well mixed. The mixture should stick together when pressed.
• Add the frosting a spoonful at a time and mix until a dough forms. You may not need all the frosting. The dough should not be too wet or too dry.
• Roll the dough into 1-2 cm balls and insert a lollipop stick at the bottom of each ball. Place on a baking sheet.
• Melt the chocolate or candy melts in a double boiler or microwave.
• Holding the stick, dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate until fully coated.
• Tap off any excess chocolate and place back on the baking sheet.
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes until set.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Cake pops are incomplete without frosting, unfortunately, so, here is how you can make frosting at home, if you don’t wish to buy it from the store:

Ingredients:

• 225 gm icing/confectioners' sugar
• 50 gm butter, softened
• 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk the butter until light and fluffy; this should be done for about 2-3 minutes.
• Slowly add the icing sugar and beat until combined.
• Add 1 tablespoon of milk or cream and beat until smooth and spreadable.
• Add more milk/cream 1 tsp at a time as needed until you reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be thick but spreadable.
• Beat in the vanilla extract (optional).
• Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before using if refrigerated.

Give your own creative spins to these unique sweet treats and batch bake them for Christmas! Stock up on edible decorative icing or candies that can be added to the cake pops for a miniature gourmet treat!