It started with Bakerella. Before we knew it, cake pops — small molded cakes dipped in chocolate and presented on lollipop sticks — had taken over the baking blogosphere. We saw cakes shaped into snowmen, bunnies, ducks and rattles and breast cancer ribbons, flowers and all sorts of cake box. Both hobbyist and professional kitchen gurus jumped on the bandwagon. The famous Pioneer Woman has hosted retreat-style bakefests and posted tutorials. Even Starbucks began featuring the bite-sized desserts in their coffee bars.
With Father’s Day just a week away, it’s time we put a slightly less-girlie look on these too-cute creations. I’m going to show you how. Recently a friend and I (Faithful readers will remember my amazing baking friend who made this.) took it upon ourselves to create some cake pops for dads.
Typically with cake pops you dip your shaped cakes into melted chocolate and then top with drizzled caramel or sprinkles, etc. That is what we did with our grills, but with the sports pops we utilized chocolate molds. You can find these at your local candy making supply store. This added an extra step because the molds only cover half of each ball at a time, but it greatly diminished our efforts of decorating by hand. I loved the simplicity of it!
How to make cake pops:
Start by creating your favorite frosting and baking your favorite cake just like normal. You want standard recipes, nothing fancy. Try the All-American Chocolate Cake, for example, with Chocolate Frosting (Шоколадная глазурь) or Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Frosting. Whatever your flavor choices, remember that you will also be dipping these in chocolate or melted candy disks. The end result can be exceedingly rich.
Once the cake is completely cooled, crumble it and combine with frosting. You will need 1-2 cups of frosting, depending on the density of the finished cake. The desired consistency is a smooth, pliable substance similar to very soft clay.
Next, shape your cake pops. (We used an ice cream scoop for the grills and just our hands to make the balls.) Put your shapes in the freezer for 2-3 hours or in the refrigerator overnight. After they’ve properly chilled, dip them in chocolate and decorate!
How to make THESE cake pops:
SPORTS POPS: As I said, we employed chocolate molds for the sports balls. Be sure to dip your lollipop sticks in chocolate before poking them into the cake balls. This ensures that they stay put. Fill the mold cavity part-way with melted chocolate or candy melts, then tap to release air bubbles. Push your cake ball into the chocolate, then place in the fridge or freezer until set. Repeat this process for the other side.
Note: Be sure your balls align properly when doing the second side! One of our molds offered four different types of sports balls. I accidentally created a new sport: half soccer and half baseball!
The “tees” on the golf pops are made from Laffy Taffy candies.
GRILL CAKES: We used an ice cream scoop to get the right shape for these. After the shapes were chilled, we dipped these in chocolate and set on three cut lollipop sticks for the grill “legs.”
Red sugar creates the look of hot coals. The grills were hand-drawn with a fine decorators tip and butter cream icing. The burgers are sliced Tootsie Rolls. The peppers and sausages are made from jelly beans. The steaks are a combination of Starbursts and caramel chews. We “lined” each of these with an edible pen to show the grill marks.
Father’s Day Feasts
Father’s Day is a special occasion to celebrate the love and care of our fathers. It is a day to honor and appreciate all the hard work and sacrifices that our dads have made for us. One great way to show our gratitude is by preparing a delicious feast for them.
Father’s Day is just around the corner – and a perfect time to host a celebration centered around food. Whether you plan a grilling feast or an indoor spread that everyone but Dad prepares, the possibilities are endless. You could throw a tailgait-at-home party (get ideas here), a dessert party (be sure to make some special Father’s Day cake pops), or let Dad grill, if that’s what he likes. Here are some food ideas to get you started:
Main Dishes:
Apple Cider Grilled Baby Back Ribs are among the most delicious things you or Dad can grill. The key is the amazing rub, which contains brown sugar, garlic salt, chili powder, cinnamon, and red pepper. Plus, there’s a liquid seasoning with apple cider vinegar, apple butter (or jelly), and honey. Oh yeah.
Balsamic Filet Mignon is a dish you can prepare for Dad that makes Father’s Day even more special. This simple but impressive dish is seasoned with sherry, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and spices.
If you or Dad likes to hunt, try Easy Roasted Quail; once the bird is cleaned, it’s as simple as seasoning it and popping it in the oven.
If burgers are more Dad’s style, try Gherkin Burgers, which combine Gherkin pickles, onions, garlic, parsley, and lemon zest within the hamburger patty.
Side Dishes:
Fresh Fruit Kebabs are an easy side if you’re grilling. Cut up a bunch of fruits and let everyone make and grill their own kebabs.
Corn is another favorite side when you’re grilling. Try Grilled Spicy Corn or the more traditional Grilled Sweet Corn.
Spicy Herbed Breadsticks are amazing, and a great choice no matter what food you serve as the main course. Or what about Beer Battered Onion Rings?
Green Peas and Mint is simple but delicious, or try Grilled Asparagus with Ham.
Dessert:
2 Step Cheesecake is perfect if Dad loves cheesecake. Bonus: It’s super easy to prepare.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is a terrific choice if Dad loves that classic combo, or try Chocolate Heaven Brownies, which combine sweet chocolate chunks with sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips.
Or how about an amazing Apple Cake?
