Cake pops

Goodies for Carolers: Recipe for Cake Pops with Mirabelle Jam

Every year, when winter puts on its white snow cloak, our hearts fill with joy and the desire to share special moments with loved ones. What better way to celebrate than with some delicious cake pops, perfectly prepared for carolers? These little treats are not only a pleasure for the taste buds but also a true delight for the eyes. Let’s discover together how to make them!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 45 balls

Ingredients needed:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 170 g powdered sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 220 ml milk
- 350 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder (about 10 g)
- 1 vial vanilla essence
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring (optional)
- 2 tablespoons dark cocoa
- 200 g mirabelle jam (or another preferred jam)
- 360 g dark chocolate (for glazing)
- Colorful decorations (candies, coconut, white chocolate)
- Lollipop sticks or skewers

Brief history of the recipe:
Cake pops are a relatively recent invention, but they quickly gained popularity worldwide as a modern variant of traditional cakes. These delicious balls have won popularity due to their playful appearance and versatility, being customizable for any occasion. Adding mirabelle jam gives them a unique taste, combining sweetness with a tangy note, perfect for celebrating carolers.

Preparation: Step by Step

1. Preparing the dough:
- Start by cutting the soft butter into cubes. Place it in a large bowl and add the powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to combine them until you achieve a fluffy and homogeneous mixture.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. This step is essential to incorporate air into the mixture, providing a fine texture.

2. Flavoring and adding liquid ingredients:
- Next, add the vanilla essence and red food coloring (if you want to give them a festive hue). Mix well, then add half of the milk and continue mixing.

3. Incorporating dry ingredients:
- Sift half of the flour into another bowl and add it to the mixture. Gently mix until homogeneous. Then, add the remaining milk and, subsequently, the remaining flour mixed with cocoa and baking powder. Mix until you achieve a uniform dough.

4. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Pour the dough into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and level the surface. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean from the center of the cake).
- Once baked, let the cake cool completely on a rack.

5. Preparing the balls:
- After the cake has cooled, cut it into small cubes and crumble it well. Add the mirabelle jam and mix until homogeneous.
- Form balls of approximately 25 g from the obtained mixture. You can use a spoon to achieve uniform sizes. You should obtain about 45 balls.

6. Glazing:
- Chop the dark chocolate and melt it in a bain-marie, being careful not to burn it. Use a lollipop stick, dip it in chocolate, and insert it into each cake ball.
- After inserting all the sticks, place the balls on a tray and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or in the freezer for 15-20 minutes, until the chocolate has hardened.

7. Final decoration:
- Once the chocolate has hardened, take each ball and dip it in the melted chocolate. Let the excess chocolate drip off, then decorate with colorful candies, coconut, or grated white chocolate. These details make each cake pop unique and appealing!

Useful tips:
- Choosing ingredients: Choose high-quality butter to achieve a rich taste. Powdered sugar is preferred for a fine texture.
- Gluten-free version: You can replace regular flour with a gluten-free variant to make these treats accessible to those with food intolerances.
- Vegan version: Replace the eggs with banana puree or applesauce and use plant-based butter. Check the labels of the chocolate to ensure it is vegan.
- Pairing with drinks: These cake pops pair perfectly with a warm fruit tea or hot chocolate, adding extra warmth and comfort.

Nutritional information:
Each cake pop has approximately 150 calories, being a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in moderation. The ingredients used provide a good dose of energy, and the mirabelle jam adds vitamins and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of jam? Absolutely! You can experiment with your favorite jam, such as raspberry or strawberry, to vary the taste.
- How can I store cake pops? They store well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Can I make the dough in advance? You can prepare the dough a day ahead, letting it cool completely before shaping it into balls.

Personal note:
This cake pop recipe has quickly become a favorite in my family, bringing moments of joy and smiles every year. Whether gifted to friends or served at parties, these treats are always appreciated. So, I wish you good luck in cooking and sharing these delights with your carolers!