Assembling A Cake Pop Wedding Cake: Step-By-Step Guide

Cake pops are a fun, easy-to-bake dessert option for weddings. They can be served as a replacement for a traditional wedding cake or as wedding favours for guests. To make cake pops, you'll need to bake a cake, crumble it into a bowl, mix it with frosting, roll the mixture into balls, dip them in melted chocolate, and decorate them. You can use a cake pop stand to help with cooling and serving. For a wedding cake made of cake pops, you can use a tiered stand and stack the cake pops, sticks and all.

Shaping cake pops

Firstly, decide on your preferred method for shaping the cake pops. You have several options, including moulding them by hand, using a silicone mould, or even a mini meatballer. If you don't want to shape them by hand, you can also look into purchasing a cake pop maker, which shapes and bakes the cake pops for you. However, be sure to read reviews before purchasing, as some machines may not be suitable for large batches.

If you opt for hand-shaping, use about a tablespoon of cake mixture to form a standard-sized cake pop. Cup your hands to keep the mixture rounded and prevent crumbling. This technique will give you the characteristic round shape of cake pops.

Once you have shaped the cake pops, it's time to add the lollipop element. You can use candy sucker sticks, which can be plain white or decorated and coloured to match your wedding colours. These can be easily sourced online or from craft stores.

Remember, the cake pops need to stay upright while cooling and serving, so it is recommended to invest in a specialty cake pop stand. Now you're ready to move on to the next steps of dipping, decorating, and packaging your cake pops!

Adding the lollipop element

Now for the fun part: adding the lollipop element!

First, you'll need to get your hands on some candy sucker sticks. These can be found online or in the baking section of craft stores. You can use plain white sticks, or opt for decorated and coloured options to match your wedding colours.

Next, dip about half an inch of the end of a stick into the melted candy, then push it about one-third of the way into a cake ball. Set the ball upside down on a wax-paper-covered tray and repeat until all cake balls are done. Place the tray in the fridge to chill if necessary, allowing the sticks to set up so they are secure in the cake balls.

Holding the end of each stick, dip the cake ball quickly and completely into the melted candy. Gently tap the stick on the side of the pan or bowl to allow the excess candy to drip off, then poke the stick into a Styrofoam block and let the cake pop set upright until hard.

Dipping cake pops in chocolate

Preparing the Cake Pops for Dipping:

Before you begin dipping, ensure that your cake pops are properly chilled. Place them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or in the freezer for about an hour. Chilling helps to firm up the cake balls, making them easier to handle and less likely to fall apart during dipping. Take the cake pops out of the freezer about 5 minutes before dipping to prevent condensation from forming when they come into contact with warm chocolate.

Melting the Chocolate:

You can use a variety of chocolates for dipping, such as Wilton Candy Melts, chocolate chips, or almond bark. Place about 3/4 of a bag of candy melts or a 12-ounce bag of chocolate chips in a glass bowl. If using almond bark, chop it up before melting. You can melt the chocolate using a double boiler or by microwaving it in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval. Stir the chocolate as it melts to ensure even melting.

Adding Shortening for a Smoother Consistency:

To achieve the perfect dipping consistency, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of solid shortening, such as Crisco, to the melted chocolate. Stir it in as the chocolate melts. This will thin out the chocolate, making it easier to coat the cake pops and creating a smoother finish.

Dipping the Cake Pops:

Now it's time for the main event—dipping the cake pops! First, dip about 1/2 inch of the end of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate. Then, insert the coated end of the stick into the center of a cake ball, pushing it about halfway or three-quarters of the way through.

Next, carefully dip the cake ball into the melted chocolate until it is completely covered. Ensure that the coating reaches the base of the cake ball where it meets the stick. Gently tap the stick against the side of the bowl or measuring cup to allow any excess chocolate to drip off.

Decorating and Drying the Cake Pops:

If you plan to add sprinkles or other decorations, do so immediately after dipping each cake pop, as the chocolate will start to set quickly. To allow the cake pops to dry and set without ruining their shape, place them right-side-up in a large block of Styrofoam or a box with small holes poked in it. The cake pops will typically set within an hour or so.

Additional Tips for Success:

• Make sure the cake balls are secure on the lollipop sticks by dipping the sticks into the melted chocolate before inserting them into the cake balls.
• Use a 2-cup glass liquid measuring cup for dipping, as it provides the perfect depth.
• Allow the melted chocolate to cool down for a few minutes before dipping to prevent the coating from cracking as it dries.
• Keep the undipped cake balls chilled while you work in small batches to ensure they remain firm.
• If you prefer a thinner coating, double-dip the cake pops. Apply a thin coat first, let it set, and then dip a second time for a smooth and glossy finish.

Decorating cake pops

Choosing a Colour Scheme

Firstly, consider the colour scheme of your wedding and try to incorporate those colours into your cake pops. You can use food colouring to tint your white chocolate coating or opt for coloured candy melts. You can also use coloured sprinkles, glitter, or even edible flowers to match your wedding colours.

Packaging and Presentation

The packaging and presentation of your cake pops can elevate their look and make them even more appealing. Consider using small plastic bags and tying them with ribbons or beads that complement your wedding colours. You can also display your cake pops on a "tree" with a solid base that allows the sticks to be inserted inside, resembling branches. Acrylic stands are another elegant option for presenting your cake pops and making them easily accessible to your guests.

Designing Bride and Groom Cake Pops

For a whimsical touch, design some of your cake pops to look like wedding dresses and tuxedos. For the brides, pipe white frosting or candy melt onto the cake pop in a lace pattern, and sprinkle with edible glitter or white sugar. Add dots to the top to resemble a necklace. For the grooms, dip the sides of the cake pop into melted semi-sweet chocolate to create a tuxedo effect. Use piped chocolate or mini chocolate chips to create a bow tie and buttons.

Flavours and Frosting

In addition to the visual appeal, you can also offer a variety of flavours for your cake pops. Consider flavours like chocolate, funfetti, or even lavender-lemon. You can also experiment with different frosting flavours, such as vanilla buttercream or cream cheese buttercream. Don't be afraid to mix and match flavours and frosting to create unique combinations.

Adding Personalised Touches

If you want to include your furry friend in the celebration, consider having a cake pop pro design one that looks like your pet. You can also add personalised touches, such as a small fondant accent, like a gold leaf, or incorporate your reception colours into the design.

Storing and assembling cake pops

Storing Cake Pops:

Cake pops can be stored at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer. They will last for about a week at room temperature, two weeks in the fridge, and three months in the freezer.

When storing at room temperature, use containers or stands wrapped with wax paper or plastic wrap to keep them fresh until it's time to serve them. You can also use small treat bags, placing each cake pop inside and sealing it with a twist tie or ribbon around the stick. Ensure you store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct light.

If you're storing them in the fridge, line a Tupperware container with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Place the cake pops flat, side by side, leaving a little space between them. Cover them with another layer of paper towels before sealing the container. The fridge is ideal for keeping cake pops fresh for about two weeks.

For freezer storage, wrap each cake pop gently with wax paper, covering the entire pop, including the stick. Place the wrapped cake pops in a single layer in a large plastic bag. Add a layer of bubble wrap at the bottom and top of the bag for extra protection. Seal the bag and lay it flat in the freezer. With this method, cake pops can last for about three months.

Assembling Cake Pops:

To assemble cake pops, start by making a vanilla cake, letting it cool, and then crumbling it into fine crumbs. Prepare a batch of vanilla buttercream frosting. Mix three-quarters of the frosting into the cake crumbs. If the mixture is moist enough to roll into balls, you can skip adding the remaining frosting. Otherwise, add it gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.

Roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a lined tray. Chill the cake balls in the freezer for 10 minutes or the fridge for 30 minutes. Remove and roll them again to smooth out any imperfections and achieve a nice round shape. Return the cake balls to the freezer for 30 minutes or the fridge for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Melt chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe mug or a double boiler. Dip the tip of a cake pop stick into the melted chocolate, then poke it into a cake ball halfway through. Repeat this process for all the cake balls.

Grab a cake ball by the stick and dip it into the melted chocolate, ensuring it's completely coated. Tap the stick against the edge of the cup to remove any excess chocolate. Decorate with sprinkles before the chocolate sets. Place the cake pop upright in a cup with rice, a cardboard box with holes poked in it, or a block of Styrofoam to allow it to set completely. Repeat this process for the remaining cake pops.

Frequently asked questions