2teaspoonsvegetable shorteningUse a little if needed to thin the white candy melts coating. Add it a little at a time until you get the right consistency.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Add the cake mix, eggs, oil and water to the bowl of your mixer and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Add the gender color you need (blue or pink) food coloring, about 2 teaspoons is enough. Mix through again.
Add the colored cake batter to a lightly greased 9x13” baking dish.
Bake for 30 minutes (or as box instructs). Remove from the oven when a toothpick comes out almost clean. Allow to cool completely. (The color of the cooked cake will look weird, it’s because of the browning that has occurred. You can scrape the top layer of the cake off with a spoon, the real color underneath will be perfect.)
Crumble the cooled cake into the mixing bowl along with the frosting.
Mix on low speed for about 1 minute, until combined evenly.
Take 2 Tablespoons of the cake mixture and roll into a ball with your hands, making sure there are not cracks. Line up on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
Add each cup of candy melts to a microwave. Cook in 30 second increments, stirring until a desired dipping consistency has been achieved.
Dip a treat stick 1” into the white candy melts then push half way into one of the cake pops. Repeat with 5 more cake pops. Do the same with the blue and with the pink candy melts.
Place the baking sheet with the cake pops into the freezer for 10 minutes.
Give each bowl of the candy melts another 30 second blast in the microwave, then get ready to dip the cake pops. Make sure you’re ready with the sprinkles, they will need to be sprinkled on while the coating is still drying. Once the candy melts have hardened sprinkles will not stick.
For the large ‘cake topper’ sugar sprinkles - those will also need to be added while the coating is still wet. I add the cake toppers to the white cake pops.
Notes
Storage:Simply store the pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.Freeze leftover gender-reveal cake pops in a heavy-duty zip-top bag for up to six months. Tips:
For the best cake pops, make sure the balls are smooth before you dip them. If you're struggling (or have a hot kitchen) pop the cake/frosting in the fridge for a bit—it's easier to work with chilled dough.
If you want to flavor the cake, stir a few teaspoons of extract into the batter before baking. Try lemon, coconut, banana, or almond.
The top of the cake will look brown when it comes out of the oven. Gently cut or scrape it off to reveal the bright blue or pink shade inside.
Don't add extra frosting or the cake pops will taste soggy. It won't look like much frosting compared to the amount of cake, but that's okay!
Use a small cookie scoop to evenly portion out the cake ball dough.
Wrap cake pops in individual treat bags to give away as fun party favors!