Peppermint Chocolate Cake Pops

Ingredients:

• 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or you can make from scratch)
• 16 oz of chocolate frosting 
• 1 tsp + 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 -2 lbs of white candy melts (I used Merckens)
• 1/2 tsp Paramount crystal or shortening 
• 4-5 candy canes
• White crystal sprinkles
• 4 inch lollipop sticks 
• Styrofoam

1. Bake chocolate cake as directed on back of box but add 1 tsp peppermint extract in the mix. 
   
2. When the cake is completely cool, crumble completely using your hands/fork/knife whatever. Optional:  You can slice off the top and sides to create a more even cake mixture before crumbling. 
3. Add half of the can of frosting (8 oz) into the cake crumbles. Make sure it is evenly mixed in. Add 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract. Add 1 crushed candy can as well. If you can form a ball with your mixture, then you're good. Add more frosting if needed.
4. Roll the mixture into 1.25 inch balls (like golf balls) and place in a container that is lined with wax paper. Don't worry about making perfect spheres.
   
5. Place the balls in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. 
6. Puncture holes in the Styrofoam and mark the holes with a marker if you can't see them.
   
7. Melt candy melts in the microwave. Click here for helpful tips. Be careful not to overheat! Add shortening or paramount crystals to thin the chocolate. Pour the melted candy melts into a narrow and deep cup. 
   

   

   To thick! Add paramount crystals or shortening.

8. Mix 3 crushed candy canes the white crystal sprinkles to ease sprinkling. 

   

   You can crush the candy canes in a Ziploc bag.

9. Roll the ball in your hands again if you need to perfect the sphere. Dip a quarter inch of one end of the lollipop stick in the melted chocolate and stick halfway into the ball. Let it dry. This will act as the "glue."
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. Dip your cake pop into the melted candy melt. Make sure your cake pop is not too cold (let it sit for a few min if taken right out of the refrigerator). If it's too cold, it will form cracks on the candy coating when dried. Dip straight down until completely submerged and then remove straight up. Tilt the pop at a 30 degree angle, twirling to drip the excess. 
11. Quickly sprinkle on the crushed candy cane and sprinkles.
12. Stick in the Styrofoam to dry. Repeat with the rest of the cake pops.