# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Cake
01 - 1 box vanilla or chocolate cake mix (approximately 14 oz) plus ingredients as per package
→ 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 Instructions:
01 - Bake the cake according to package instructions and let it cool completely.
02 - Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
03 - Add frosting gradually, mixing until the mixture holds together and can be shaped.
04 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls. Place on parchment-lined tray.
05 - Refrigerate cake balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
06 - Melt white chocolate or candy melts in microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Stir in shortening if needed to thin the coating.
07 - Dip one end of each lollipop stick into melted coating, then insert halfway into cake balls. Chill for 10 minutes to set.
08 - Fully dip each cake pop into the melted coating, gently tapping off excess.
09 - Before the coating sets, decorate each pop with sprinkles, glitter, or candies. Attach mini pretzel loops or candy pieces on top as ornament hooks.
10 - Stand cake pops upright in foam block or cake pop stand to fully set.
11 - Dust with edible luster dust for shimmering effect, if desired.
