Christmas Pudding Chocolate Cake Pops
Hello Beach Dwellers
Today we are talking cake pops. Let me tell you there's an easy way to make cake pops and a hard way. And you guessed it, I found out the hard way of course. You may remember these ones I made for my the Beach House Brat's birthday party. There were only 6 little girls present. I was going to make two each, but I struggled to make it to 7. Making the pops was fine, but I struggled to keep them on the stick and had problems with the chocolate running off because it was too hot. They looked OK and were very yummy, but I had to rest them on their bottoms, because gravity was against me and they kept sliding down the stick. The ribbons saved the day, making them look very pretty, but the effort to wow factor ratio was high and I did wonder whether I'd ever bother again.
Roll forward several months and it was kind of like having a baby. I forgot everything and jumped right back in.
I received this cake pop maker from Kambrook, and lets just say, you may be seeing a whole lot more cake pops on this here old blog. This machine and the hot tips in the Kambrook instruction booklet, like 'adding a little vegetable oil to the chocolate melts', really helped to make the cake pop experience much more pleasant indeed.
The Kambrook booklet also provides lots of cake pop recipes which are simple. The pops take about 5-6 minutes to cook. The cake pop sticks provided, (24) are washable and reusable. The pops turn out perfectly and any residue easily breaks off. The pan is non stick and just needs a thorough wipe over between batches, so the next batch does not stick.
The pops are best covered in chocolate melts, with a good teaspoon of vegetable oil mixed in. This will make the chocolate easier to work with as it cools. Before you start, make sure the chocolate is not too hot, other wise it will just slide off the pop.
Prick your cake once it has completely cooled on a wire rack, with the sticks provided.
Hold the pop over the chocolate bowl and use a spoon to drizzle it with chocolate, gently shake off any excess chocolate and place in the stand to dry.
Dipping the balls into the bowl is a no no, as it may lead to them falling into the chocolate and a God awful mess.
Whilst they are drying, make your plum pudding decorations. I used red smarties and jelly babies roughly cut to the shape of a leaf.
Allow the first coat of chocolate to completely dry. Meanwhile fill a clip lock plastic bag with melted white chocolate (again the melts are the best). Squeeze the chocolate into one corner of the bag. Snip the tinniest corner from the bag and pipe a good dose of chocolate onto the top centre of your pop. It should run down the sides by itself. Place the lollies on top, which will assist in making the white chocolate run down the sides for effect as well.
This was a shot I took when I made chocolate crackle plum puddings last holiday season.
As you can see, a generous amount of white chocolate is fine.
And the cake pop recipe I used from the Kambrook book.
Chocolate Espresso Cake Pops
Makes 24
3/4 cup plain flour sifted
1/2 cup caster sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
50 ml/ 1.5 fl oz milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
50 mls/ 1.5fl oz freshly brewed espresso ( I used strong instant coffee)
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
For the decorations
200g/7oz milk choclate melts, melted according to the directions on the pack and cooled slightly
100g/4oz white choclate melts, melted according to the directions on the pack and cooled slightly
24 red smaties or other red circular lolly
Green jelly babies cut to a small triangle to form leaves
1. Preheat cake pop maker in the closed position, until the light illuminates
2. In a bowl mix all ingredients with a whisk until combined.
3 Add a heaped teaspoon of the batter to each cake pop well and close the lid for 5-6 minutes
4. Remove using heatproof tongs and place onto cake rack to cool completely, before decorating as described as above.
As there are 12 wells it's important to thoroughly wipe out the cake pop maker between batches to avoid sticking. I used baby wipes. Be careful not to burn yourself
Now for the best bit, I am giving away a Kambrook cake pop maker to an Australian reader of Desire Empire.
All you need to do to enter this giveaway, is follow Desire Empire on one or more of the following platforms:
Google Friends Connect (over in my side bar)
Instagram @desireempire
Leave a separate comment for each follow, even if you have for some time.
Sharing this to each of your social media platforms will constitute another entry. Leave me a separate comment for each share.
And good luck
For all my other Christmas baking and craft projects go here.
This competition is now closed. The winner is
Rebecca Senyard
Giveaway Terms and ConditionsThis competition is open to entrants living in Australia only.
This competition is open from now until 7 December 2012 12pm Australian EST.
The winner will be announced on this blog, Face Book and Twitter and I will contact you, as long as you have left a valid means. You have 5 days to respond, otherwise the prize will be redrawn.
I was not paid to write this post, but I received a cake pop maker to review. Clearly I liked it.
Today I am linked up here
Great Aussie Giveaway
Home Maker on a Dime
Craftomaniac
Sunday Showcase
Metamorphosis Monday
Table Top Tuesday
Take a Look Tuesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Live Laugh Rowe
House of Hepworths
Katie's Nesting Spot
Fridays Unfolded
Feathered Nest Friday
Inspiration Friday
Foodie Friday
Show and Tell Friday
Chic on a Shoe String
Tatertots and Jello
Or So She Says
Sweet Eat Baking
Showcase Sunday
Table Top Tuesday
Cowgirl Up
Great Aussie Giveaway
Home Maker on a Dime
Craftomaniac
Sunday Showcase
Metamorphosis Monday
Table Top Tuesday
Take a Look Tuesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Live Laugh Rowe
House of Hepworths
Katie's Nesting Spot
Fridays Unfolded
Feathered Nest Friday
Inspiration Friday
Foodie Friday
Show and Tell Friday
Chic on a Shoe String
Tatertots and Jello
Or So She Says
Sweet Eat Baking
Showcase Sunday
Table Top Tuesday
Cowgirl Up
Coastal Charm
Chef in Training
Take a Look Tuesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Fine Craft Guild
No Minimalist Here
52 Mantels
Live Laugh Rowe
House of Hepworths
Transformation Thursday
Sundae Scoop
Chef in Training
Take a Look Tuesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Fine Craft Guild
No Minimalist Here
52 Mantels
Live Laugh Rowe
House of Hepworths
Transformation Thursday
Sundae Scoop

mmmm i'm making cake pops in a couple of weeks (old fashioned way and first timer), now i'm nervous!
ReplyDeleteThis feels like comment spam, but here goes..... I've been a facebook follower for ages.
ReplyDeleteI also follow you on twitter.
ReplyDeleteI hope I'm doing this right - seems wrong to leave you so many comments...
ReplyDeleteI follow you on instagram - that's how I knew this awesome giveaway was coming up.
I've just +1 your google page
ReplyDeleteAnd finally, I'm following you on Pinterest - imagine the endless cake pop recipes I'd be able to find on pinterest - mind boggling!
ReplyDeleteLast one - I've shared it with my facebook friends.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday and thanks for such a cool comp!
This is AMAZING!!!
ReplyDeleteI made cake pop reindeers for christmas last year and it was nearly the death of me! I have not ventured into the cake pop world again! But with THIS, I definitely would!
I am a follower on GFC x
I also follow you on facebook
ReplyDeleteI love cake pops! Making some "plum pudding" ones this weekend. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I loathe real Xmas pudding as does my sister, so I am going to make these or the chocolate crackle thingies. By the way, I'm an instagramer @jeanninelg and follow you there :-)
ReplyDeleteI am a follower
ReplyDeleteI am following on Google+
ReplyDeleteI follow on pinterest
ReplyDeleteI like your facebook page
ReplyDeleteI shared on my facebook page
ReplyDeleteThese are sooooooooo gorgeous Carolyn ;O)
ReplyDeleteTania xx
ooh another giveaway..your cakes look great.
ReplyDeletethanks so much for the hello fresh prize!! it was so nice to have a box of fresh food delivered to my door & saved me shopping for a few days. :))
i'll share on fbook.
x
Those cakepops look delicious and very festive!
ReplyDeleteI'M A FACEBOOK FOLLOWER, AND WOULD LOVE ONE OF THESE KAMROOK CAKE POP MAKER'S TO USE WITH MY BOYS!!
ReplyDeleteLOOKS ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!
I have liked the fb page :)
ReplyDeleteI have followed on twitter :)
ReplyDeleteI have followed on Pinterest
ReplyDeleteMouth watering - great giveaway and just in time for Christmas too! I follow on facebook.
ReplyDeleteTony A (Email: birdcaget@hotmail.com)
It's times like these I wish you could taste what is on your computer screen. Ok, I confess, I wish that ALL the time.
ReplyDeleteArent I following you everywhere! Ahhhhh I've tried and was banned from making them by my BFF cause she wanted to put her head in the oven. This looks much easier and the tips are bloody essential if you ask me!!! Love your photography too xx
ReplyDeletePoor jelly babies - cut in half :(
ReplyDeleteThey look awesome! I've never liked the original cake pops (cake mixed with cream and rolled into balls) because they were just a bit too sweet for my liking. Glad Kambrook came up with a way to have cake on its own in the pops :) Need to get myself one of these!
ReplyDeleteI like cake pops but not for me to bake. These look delicious.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI so want one of these. Have followed on GFC
ReplyDeleteI so want one of these. Have followed on Faacebook
ReplyDeleteI so want one of these. Have followed on Twitter
ReplyDeleteI so want one of these. Have followed on Google+
ReplyDeleteI so want one of these. Have followed on Pinterest
ReplyDeleteWhat a great little machine :) perfect for my little one and I to cook together. I'm following on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI'm also following via twitter
ReplyDeleteFollowing on Pinterest too.
ReplyDeleteFollowing on Google+ :)
ReplyDeletelast but not least I'm following in Instagram!
ReplyDeleteFollowing on GFC
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFollowing on twitter and tweeted
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/wishitliveit/status/274373996097728512
Following on Google Plus
ReplyDeleteI covet your gorgeous pudding pops! I follow you on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Pinterest
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog!
ReplyDeleteAnd I have just started following you on Twitter! Feeling like quite the stalker! Thanks Carolyn :)
ReplyDeleteI always I feel like I put on weight just reading your blog! It always makes me salivate, it's terrible for my diet! Anyway, I've been meaning to try making these things for a year now, but never got around to it because it looked too hard. But this machine looks like the cheat's solution. And I'm completely taken with those dear little Christmas puds. So cute. That's something the kids could eat on Chrissy Day without having to tackle the whole fruit cake thing. Great idea. So yes please put me in the running. I already like and follow you on all those things.
ReplyDeleteI lie, I wasn't following you on Pinterest, but that seems weird, I'm sure I follow people and it drops off because I have had to refollow quite a few people lately that I was following before. Anyway, I'm here.
ReplyDeleteHow brilliant thank you.
ReplyDeleteGFC: Mary Preston
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
FB: Mary Preston
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Google +
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
facebook and twitter and subscribed
ReplyDeleteI would have never known about this Popcake maker , if it wasnt for your blog, thankyou .
ReplyDeleteFollowing on FB
ReplyDeleteFollowing on Twitter too!
ReplyDeleteI follow on Facebook! I attempted cake pops once before, complete disaster! This machine looks great.
ReplyDeletejerichoss@bigpond.com
Hi Carolyn! Oh how yum! I have a love of cake pops.
ReplyDeleteI'm having a, "It's a Social Hop like Crazy" party. I'd love for you to hop on over, grab a button and link up your blog.
http://mydailyphotojourney.blogspot.com/2012/11/social-hop-like-crazy-party.html
Have a crazy beautiful weekend!
thanks for a chance:)
ReplyDeletefollowing gfc kha1234
following twitter @gherkkerry
ReplyDeletefollowing on facebook
ReplyDeletekerry santillo
shared on facebook :)
ReplyDeleteshared on twitter @gherkkerry
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway - It would be great to cook something that actually turns out! Just in time for Christmas too!
ReplyDeleteSandra D (ncls_john@yahoo.com.au)
Facebook follower - Sandra D (ncls_john@yahoo.com.au)
ReplyDeleteLiked on FB. :)
ReplyDeleteHi i follow you on google .I love these they will definatley be made in my house this year.-thanks love dee
ReplyDeleteI like you on facebook, thanks for the ideas
ReplyDeleteHave been reading your blog for a while now, and have just liked you on facebook. My daughter would love me to win this!! She loves cake pops.
ReplyDeleteThese look amazing! I'd love for you to share this or any of your great ideas at the link party going on now (and every Saturday - Tuesday)at 'Or so she says ...' www.oneshetwoshe.com
ReplyDeleteHi there, now, of course I am wishing I had picked one up at the Bloggers Brunch.. but I had a terrible fear of cake pops. This is a very clear explanation of how to do them. Count me into the comp. Follow on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteFollow on Twitter
ReplyDeleteFollow on Instagram
ReplyDeletefollowing GFC
ReplyDeletefollowing FB
ReplyDeletetweeted https://twitter.com/jasmine_07/status/275192403550420992
ReplyDeleteI follow you on facebook
ReplyDeleteI have had the same trouble making cake pops with the balls falling off the sticks, chocolate and sprinkles dripping on the sticks and table. Kambrook seems to have clicked onto this new trend and would so love to win this and use it because I won't be attempting to make cake pops again unless I use Kambrook!!!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter as @ThePlumbette
ReplyDeleteI like on facebook!! jane.knight@y7mail.com
ReplyDeleteI love, love, LOVE these cake pops. How do you like the cake pop maker? Is it just cake inside the make you use and no frosting too? If so, do not not break up when dipping? And I love the fact that you used a Smartie on top too. I'm in the UK and we have Smarties here too. It was kinda hard to explain that Smarties are like M&M's but flatter and more crunchier than M&M's when someone asked what Smarties were, hehe.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't mind, I'd love if you would stop by and share these and any other dessert creations on Sugar & Slice Sunday weekly link party.
-Lisa.
Sweet 2 Eat Baking
hi Carolyn - these look fantastic. I would love to win this. what fun. I follow your blog and will leave comments on what else I follow below
ReplyDeletecheers FIona
I follow you on twitter
ReplyDeleteFollowing on Google
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ReplyDeleteLiked on FB
ReplyDeleteShared on Twitter
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/SarahArmstron14/status/275347588285341697
Shared on FB
ReplyDeleteMy kids want one of these so badly - they look like lots of fun!
ReplyDeletefollower on Facebook
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ReplyDeletefollower on Twitter - AngBoy74
ReplyDeletefollower on Instagram @desireempire - AngBoy74
Following on Google +
ReplyDeleteangieboylan12@gmail.com
Follower on Pinterest - AngBoy74
ReplyDeleteFollowing on GFC - Angie Boylan
ReplyDeleteLusting after one of these! I already follow you on facebook
ReplyDeleteAnd now following you on Google +
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ReplyDeleteFollowing Facebook
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ReplyDeleteFollowing instagram
ReplyDeleteFollowing via GFC
ReplyDeleteFollowing via facebook
ReplyDeleteFollowing via pinterest
ReplyDeleteThankyou for the chance to win, these look gorgeous!
i have followed on Google Friends Connect
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeletei have followed on Facebook
i have followed on twitter
ReplyDeletei have followed on pin rest
ReplyDeletei have followed on Instagram
ReplyDeletei have followed with Google +
ReplyDeletei shared on twitter
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/jjam8094/status/276402929634791424
i have shared on facebook
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/JODYLORETTA/posts/566475453369569
They look fantastic! I'm following via GFC as Jasmine1485.
ReplyDeletekate1485 at hotmail dot com
I'm a fan on FB as Kate Ryan
ReplyDeleteMMM, I love that you made plum puddings - I would love to add these to my ever expanding list of christmas treats. According to our lunch menu, we are just eating desserts, LOL My guests are sure to be impressed
ReplyDeleteFollowing on Twitter :)
ReplyDeleteFollowing on Pinterest.
ReplyDeleteFollowing on Google +
ReplyDeleteFollowing on Google Friends Connect
ReplyDeletefollowing on twitter :)
ReplyDeletefollowing on google+
ReplyDeleteliked on fb :)
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn, These look too pretty to eat! Thank you for linking to the Open House party and check out this weeks to see your pops featured. Happy Holidays. Hugs, Sherry
ReplyDelete