Bee Cake Pops

Using this recipe you can make your own honey bee cake pops for a fun desert or themed birthdays. Little bites of cake covered in a candy coating – what could be better? Cake pops are a whimsical treat that everyone loves. They can be made in any shape or theme to fit your interests or special occasion.

Now I know, these don’t look like they rolled off a factory line but that’s okay. Using honey in recipes or just making bee craft fun – should be just that – fun!

How to Make Bee Cake Pops

Ingredients

You only need a few things to make cake pops – especially if you use the cake mix shortcut. If you have never made cake pops before – I suggest you do take advantage of cake mix.

• yellow cake mix – prepared according to directions
• yellow candy melts
• black cake paint
• sliced almonds
• honey
• candy sticks – lollipop stick – cake pop stick

Any cake mix will work well for your bee pops. I suggest you choose a simple mix such as vanilla, chocolate or strawberry. Try to avoid rich mixes that contain coconut, nuts and other materials that may be gooey.

Candy melts are the perfect choice for making cake pops. Yes, you can use almond bark or semi-sweet chocolate chips. But, the dipping process and the thickness of the candy coating is easier with candy melts.

Black cake decorating (gel) is used to form the eyes and stripes. Sometimes gel is frustrating because it is slow to dry – but it is the easiest one for me to find. Just don’t add too much.

Almonds for wings. You only need a few sliced almonds to give the impression of wings. Though honey bees have 4 wings – I would only put 2.

(Optional) I like to add a couple of tablespoons of honey to the mixture. Any type of honey is fine because we are only using a small amount. It adds flavor and helps things hold together. But, you can omit this step if you wish.

You can find small candy sticks in the baking or craft section of your local grocery. Just look for those used in making suckers or lollipops.

Putting It All Together

1. Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Bake it in a 13 x 9 pan and let cool completely.

2. Crumble the cooled cake into a large mixing bowl. Use clean hands to break it into many little pieces. Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of frosting to the cake mixture and a little honey (1 – 2 tablespoons) if desired.

Continue to combine and mix to integrate the frosting throughout the mix. You have the right consistency or texture when you can squeeze some in your hand and it holds it’s form.

3. Form small balls – about 2 tablespoons of mixture – no larger. Larger balls will be more difficult to keep on the stick. Place them on a baking sheet or pan.

4. Put the pan of cake balls into the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Do not let them freeze – just chill.

5. This is an important step – don’t skip it. Use a dipping stick to make a small starter hole in the center of each ball – only go about 1/2 way through.

Melt a small amount of your candy melts in a small container. Dip a stick into the candy and then insert it into the cake ball – about 3/4 of the way through.

6. Continue until you have prepare all the cake pop balls with their dipping sticks. Place them back into the freezer for about 20-30 minutes to help the stick anchor in.

7. Prepare your candy melts by melting them in the microwave at short intervals. Stirring in between until all of the chips are melted.

You can then dip each one of your cake pops into the yellow melted candy. Be gentle, do not twist or tap the stick on the side of the container to knock off excess – let it drip.

A safer method is to use the spoon method. Hold the bee cake pop over the cup of melted candy and use a spoon to coat it.

8. Once the pop is coated – a great way to let it cool is to use a cup filled with rice. (I had some rice left over from making my honey bee gnomes! ) Another idea is a piece of Styrofoam.

9. Once the yellow candy coat has set, use your black gel icing to create eyes and stripes. Things are beginning to look more like a bee now.

10. As a final step, use two slices of almond to give the appearance of wings. Yes, bees have 4 wings but that just looks too busy on a cake pop. If you are gentle, you can insert the almonds into the candy coating.

Now, you will notice that mine are a bit lumpy bumpy – but as I said before, I focus on having fun. This process works and you can get as creative as you wish with your bee cake pops.

Storing & Using

Once everything is cool and dry, you can gently place your pops in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. They are best eaten within 7 days.

For longer storage, gently wrap each pop in plastic wrap and then vacuum seal in a bag. They should do well in the freezer for up to a month.

More Ideas

Now, you have a great idea for your next party or special event. If you want to really go for a bee theme – try this honey bee cake. It is wonderful served with hot coffee.

In fact, there are dozens of great ways you can bake with honey – and you don’t have to be a whiz in the kitchen to have success.

Don’t forget the no-bake options – these peanut butter honey cheerios bars are awesome. You can make them ahead of time and store too.

There are so many fun and creative honey snacks to try – I dare you to make them all. And, if you do – maybe you will invite me over to taste test?