1-First Step: Prepare the Cake Base Start by baking your chosen cake in a 9×13 inch pan. Allow it to cool completely; this is crucial because a warm cake will melt the frosting and make the mixture too sticky. Once cool, break the cake into large chunks and place them into a large mixing bowl. Using your hands or a fork, crumble the cake until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Ensure there are no large lumps left.

2-Second Step: Mix with Frosting Add about half a cup of frosting to the crumbled cake. Mix it thoroughly using a spatula or your hands. The goal is to achieve a texture similar to play dough. It should hold its shape when rolled into a ball without being sticky or greasy. If the mixture is too dry, add more frosting one tablespoon at a time. If it is too wet, add more cake crumbs.

3-Third Step: Form the Balls Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth, round balls. Aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the rolled balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all the balls are rolled, place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling them helps the balls firm up, making them easier to dip without falling off the sticks.

4-Fourth Step: Prepare the Coating While the cake balls are chilling, prepare your candy melts. Place your chosen color of melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and fluid. If the coating is too thick for dipping, add a teaspoon of vegetable shortening or paramount crystals and stir well. This helps the coating glide smoothly over the cake balls.

5-Fifth Step: Dip the Sticks Take the chilled cake balls out of the fridge. Dip the tip of a lollipop stick about half an inch into the melted candy coating. Immediately insert the stick into the center of a cake ball, pushing it about halfway through. The coating acts as glue to secure the stick. Repeat this for all the balls. Return the tray to the freezer for another 15 minutes to set the adhesive.

6-Sixth Step: Dip the Pops Remove the pops from the freezer. Working quickly, dip a pop into the melted coating. Submerge the entire ball, then gently lift it out while tapping your wrist on the edge of the bowl. This shaking motion helps remove excess coating and creates a smooth surface. Work fast because the coating sets quickly. Hold the pop upright and rotate it to ensure even coverage.

7-Final Step: Decorate and Set While the coating is still wet, sprinkle your festive decorations over the pop. You can use red and green nonpareils, sanding sugar, or place a mini candy cane on top. For more detailed designs, use a toothpick to drizzle contrasting colors of chocolate. Stand the finished pop upright in a Styrofoam block or a piece of cardboard to harden completely. Repeat for all the remaining pops.