# Components:
→ Cake
01 - 1 box (14 oz) vanilla or chocolate cake mix with required 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 tbsp 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 cake according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely.
02 - Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
03 - Add frosting gradually to the crumbs, mixing until the mixture holds together and can be shaped.
04 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
05 - Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
06 - Melt chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Stir in shortening if a thinner consistency is desired.
07 - Dip one end of each lollipop stick into melted coating, then insert halfway into a cake ball. Repeat for all balls and chill for 10 minutes to set.
08 - Dip each cake pop fully into the melted coating, gently tapping off excess.
09 - Before coating sets, decorate each pop with sprinkles, edible glitter, or candies to resemble holiday ornaments. Attach mini pretzel loop or candy at the top for the ornament hook.
10 - Stand pops upright in a foam block or cake pop stand to set completely.
11 - Optionally dust with edible gold or silver luster dust for a shimmering finish.
