Now that I ensured my ability to make round cake pops, it is time to begin research on how to keep the cake pops from falling off or sliding down the sticks, how to store the cake pops upright after decorating, and some basic decorating ideas. At this point, I decided to take the suggestion of a classmate and search the internet for cake pop classes in the area. While I didn't find any in-person classes, I did come across The Wilton Method Creative Cake Pops class on Craftsy. For those of you not familiar with Wilton, they are a well-known name in the cake decorating world. Craftsy is a website which provides online classes in cooking, baking, crafting, sewing, photography, and more. They also have patterns, kits, and supplies available for purchase. While there is usually a cost involved, there are a few free resources. When I found the Wilton course on Craftsy for free I was ecstatic! This course uses the crumbled cake and frosting method of constructing cake pops, so it really would not have been much help prior to this point in my endeavor. However, it will be a welcomed resource going forward. I particularly like the easy decorating ideas demonstrated in this course.
Watch a Tour of the Wilton Method Creative Cake Pops Course on Craftsy
Makin' it Stick
The Creative Cake Pops course shows exactly how to ensure your cake pops stay on the sticks. Start with chilled, but not frozen, cake pops. Poke a starter hole in the cake pop with your lollipop stick, dip the stick in melted candy coating, insert the stick into the cake pop, stand cake side down, and put back into the fridge for thirty minutes to firm up. The last two steps are where I previously went wrong. I tried to store them cake up, the way you would after decorating. Working against gravity was not smart and my cake pops became cake kabobs. I also did not let them chill long enough to really ensure the cake was strongly attached to the sticks.
The Stand Standoff
I looked over my Pinterest board as I knew I had already pinned some ideas on how to stand the cake pops upright. I also went to a local craft store to see what products were available to buy. Finally, I perused my own kitchen to see if I could come up with anything myself. Below are the top six methods I encountered. Hover over each picture to see my thoughts on their usability.
I have decided to give the Babycakes tool a try. Their recipe worked, so let’s build on this successful relationship. There is a problem though, this tool holds one dozen cake pops and the recipe makes four dozen (three dozen in my case, you saw the fourth batch). I feel like I will need something else to use in addition, or it will be a very long process getting these made. I am going to give my egg carton idea a try. I am sure I am not the first person to think of this, but I did think of it on my own so I want to test it out. Words of advice if you decide to try it too, poke the holes in the bottom from the inside out. Going the other way just makes large slits rather than nice holes.
Making Connections
My comment appeared on Love From The Oven's blog today! I decided to leave a comment on the Craftsy class as well. You can see them both below.
Moving Forward
Now that I have a plan, it is time to take action! By the end of my next update I hope to have my "lumpy coneheads and less lumpy coneheads" on lollipop sticks ready to be coated in candy melts! I am going to start with my "B Team" players as I am just learning. My third batch MVPs will get a chance to play once I have honed my craft a bit more.