(METRO) – There’s no denying Christmas Eve is a little more special in homes where kids are excited about an overnight visit from Santa Claus. Indeed, kids’ joy and enthusiasm helps to make the holiday season such a special time of year.
Since kids add so much to the holidays, it makes sense to prepare something special for youngsters. Of course, treats such as these “Christmas Tree Cake Pops” from Lines+Angles also may appeal to festive adults.
Christmas Tree Cake Pops
Makes 24 cake pops
1 box vanilla cake mix
3/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon milk
31/2 cups green candy melts
24 cake pop sticks
Icing dots
Icing stars
1. Prepare cake according to package instructions, adding 3/4 cup canola oil to the cake mix before baking.
2. Once cake is cool to the touch, transfer to a large mixing bowl and break up into crumbs. Allow to cool completely.
3. In a medium bowl, add the butter, sugar, vanilla, and milk. Use an electric mixer and beat on medium speed for about 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Add 3/4 of the frosting to the cake crumbs and mix until mixture can hold together well. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
5. Using your hands, shape the cake pop mixture into 24 conical shapes.
6. Melt the green candy melts. Dip one end of each of the cake pop sticks into the melted chocolate before inserting into the bottom of the cake pops. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, making sure to cover completely, allowing excess to drip back into bowl.
7. Use a toothpick to create the textured look of the tree and decorate with the icing dots and stars before standing upright to dry completely.
