Kid Friendly 4th of July Dessert

Looking for a fun kitchen activity to do with the kids before your Fourth of July celebration? These festive cake pops are easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for parties, BBQs, or watching fireworks!

Ingredients

• 1 box white or French vanilla cake mix or a mix og your choosing
• Ingredients listed on the cake mix box
• ½–¾ cup of frosting of your chosing
• 12 oz white candy melts
• Cake pop sticks or paper straws
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles / Decorations

Directions

1. Bake the Cake
   Prepare and bake the cake according to the package directions. Let it cool until it's just warm.
2. Make the Cake Pop Mixture
   Crumble the cake into a large bowl while still pretty warm. Add the vanilla frosting and mix until it has the texture of cookie dough.
3. Roll the Cake Balls
   Roll the mixture into 1½-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours (or freeze for about 20 minutes).
4. Add the Sticks
   Melt a small amount of the candy melts. Dip the tip of each cake pop stick into the melted candy, then insert it halfway into each cake ball. Chill for another 10 minutes.
5. Dip & Decorate
   Melt the remaining candy melts. Dip each cake pop until fully coated, gently tap off the excess, and immediately decorate with patriotic sprinkles before the coating hardens.
6. Let Them Set
   Stand the cake pops upright in a cake pop stand, floral foam, or a tall cup until the candy coating is completely set.

Kid's Corner

Let everyone decorate the cake pops! Set out different color icing or choclate melts, patriotic sprinkles, edible glitter, and star-shaped decorations for a fun DIY decorating station.

Helpful Tip

If the candy coating becomes too thick, microwave it in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Be sure your cake pops are chilled before dipping to help prevent them from falling off the sticks.

Happy Fourth of July!