Cakepops

Today I invite you to embark on a sweet and playful recipe adventure: cake pops! These little delights are perfect for parties, birthdays, or simply to treat yourself and your loved ones. They are a combination of fluffy cake and delicious chocolate, all presented on a stick, making them not only tasty but also very appealing. Let's get started!

The story behind the recipe

Cake pops emerged as an ingenious solution to transform leftover cake into something new and delicious. In the past, when cake layers went uneaten, housewives would crumble them and mix them with various ingredients to create treats. This recipe not only reduces waste but also brings joy through their playful shape.

Preparation time

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Cooling time: 1-2 hours
- Total: approximately 2-3 hours (including cooling)
- Number of servings: Approximately 20-25 cake pops

Necessary ingredients

For the cake pops base:

- 4 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 100 ml milk
- 100 ml oil
- 150 g flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry jam (or another type, to preference)

For decoration:

- 200 g white chocolate
- 60 ml liquid cream
- 50 g butter
- Skewers

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. It is important to have the oven ready before placing the batter inside.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is frothy and lighter in color. This is an essential step, as the air trapped in the mixture will help the cake to be fluffy.

3. Adding the liquids: Incorporate the milk and oil. Continue mixing to combine well.

4. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Sifting the flour will help avoid lumps in the mixture. Gradually add this mixture to the egg composition, gently mixing with a spatula. Finally, add the vanilla extract for extra flavor.

5. Baking: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the mixture into it. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Now you have a delicious cake base ready to be transformed into cake pops!

Step 2: Preparing the cake pops mixture

6. Cooling the base: After the cake has baked, let it cool completely on a rack. This step is crucial, as a warm cake will make the mixture too wet.

7. Making the mixture: Once the cake has cooled, crumble it in a large bowl until you achieve a fine texture. Add 2-3 tablespoons of strawberry jam, mixing well until the composition becomes slightly moldable. If it seems too dry, add a little more jam.

8. Forming the balls: With wet hands, shape the mixture into balls the size of a golf ball. If you want to trick someone, you can make them a bit bigger – just justify it with "I only ate one!"

Step 3: Preparing the decoration

9. Melting the chocolate: In a small pot, melt the white chocolate together with the liquid cream and butter over low heat or in a double boiler, stirring constantly to avoid burning the chocolate. Once you achieve a smooth consistency, let the mixture cool for 1-2 hours.

10. Assembling on a stick: Take a skewer and dip one end into the melted chocolate (about 1 cm), then insert it into the center of each cake ball. This helps to secure the cake pops.

Step 4: Decorating the cake pops

11. Coating with chocolate: After inserting the stick into the balls, dip each cake pop into the cooled white chocolate, ensuring it is evenly covered. Let the excess chocolate drip off.

12. Decorating: Use a piping bag to add extra details to the cake pops, such as stripes or dots of colored chocolate. This is the time to let your imagination run wild!

13. Final cooling: Place the cake pops on a stand or in a piece of styrofoam to dry. Leave them in the fridge for 3-4 hours for the chocolate to harden.

Serving suggestions and variations

Cake pops can be decorated in numerous ways. You can use coconut flakes, colored sprinkles, or even dark chocolate for a contrast in flavor. You can also experiment with different jam flavors or add essences like almond or orange to the cake batter.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate, but keep in mind that each type will bring a different flavor.

2. How can I store cake pops?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can stay fresh for up to a week.

3. Can I make cake pops without sugar?
There are sweetener alternatives that can be used, but the final taste and texture may vary.

4. Can I make cake pops with another type of flour?
Yes, you can try whole wheat flour or almond flour, but adjust the amount of liquids, as these flours may absorb more moisture.

Nutritional benefits

Cake pops are a better choice than many other desserts, as the portions are small, allowing you to enjoy something sweet without feeling guilty. Additionally, by using quality ingredients like white chocolate and fresh eggs, you can add protein and calcium to your diet.

Conclusion

These cake pops are more than just a simple dessert – they are a fun and creative cooking experience. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or to treat yourself, each bite will bring a smile to your face. Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family, as a treat like this deserves to be enjoyed together! So, let's put on our aprons and get to work!