1 box of white or yellow cake mix, baked and cooled
1/2 cup of alcohol-free vanilla frosting
12 ounces of white candy melts or white chocolate
12 lollipop sticks
24 mini pretzel sticks for the arms
12 small orange heart sprinkles or orange fondant pieces for the noses
24 mini chocolate chips for the eyes
12 miniature peanut butter cups or chocolate cookies for the hats
1 teaspoon of alcohol-free vanilla extract
Instructions
Begin by baking your favorite cake according to the package instructions. Once the cake has completely cooled, use your hands or a fork to crumble it into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl. Ensure there are no large chunks remaining so the texture of the pops remains smooth and consistent.
Add the alcohol-free vanilla frosting and the alcohol-free vanilla extract to the cake crumbs. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until a dough-like consistency forms. You should be able to roll a small amount into a ball that holds its shape without falling apart.
Roll the mixture into twelve even balls, roughly the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Insert a lollipop stick into the center of each ball and place the tray in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This helps the cake stay firm when you dip it into the warm coating.
Melt the white candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Dip each chilled cake ball into the coating. Instead of shaking off the excess, place the cake pop directly onto the parchment paper so the coating pools around the base, creating the appearance of a puddle of melted snow.
While the coating is still wet, quickly add your decorations. Place a chocolate cup on top for a hat, two mini chocolate chips for eyes, and an orange sprinkle for the nose. Press two pretzel sticks into the sides of the cake ball for arms. Let the cake pops sit at room temperature until the coating is completely hardened.
