BEST COATING FOR CAKE POPS RECIPES

Steps:

• Prepare and bake the cake according to the package directions for a 9-by-13-inch pan. Let cool completely.
• Break the cake into pieces and place it in a food processor. Add the frosting and process until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 30 seconds. If the mixture doesn't come together, add more frosting 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds its shape.  
• Using a 3/4-ounce scoop, form the mixture into 46 balls and put them on a baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. 
• Meanwhile, place the candy wafers in a microwave-safe bowl and melt according to package directions. Dip a half inch of the tip of a lollipop stick into the candy and then stick the tip halfway into a cake ball. Repeat with the remaining balls and sticks. Refrigerate the cake pops until completely chilled, about 1 hour.  
• Microwave the candy again until melted and pour it into a tall narrow glass. Dip each cake pop into the candy and let any excess run off. If decorating, turn the cake pop upright and sprinkle with sprinkles while the coating is still wet. Stick the finished pops in two 9.8-by-11.8-inch Styrofoam blocks block and let set completely.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Almond Extract until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake the cake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely, about 20 minutes.
• Break apart the cake into a large bowl until finely crumbled. Add the buttercream and remaining ½ teaspoon McCormick® Pure Almond Extract, and mix until the crumbs hold together when pressed between your hands. Divide the mixture into approximately 20 2-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
• Dip the cake pop sticks in the buttercream, then stick in the center of each ball. Freeze the cake pops for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
• Decorate the cake pops: Fill a glass to the top with dried rice.
• Add the yellow candy melts to a medium bowl and melt according to the package instructions.
• Working in batches, dip the frozen cake pops in the melted candy, coating completely all the way to where the cake and stick meet. Place the sticks in the glass of dried rice and let the chocolate harden completely, 3–5 minutes.
• Once the candy melts have hardened, dip a toothpick in the melted candy and stick the orange and yellow sprinkles and yellow candies onto the pops to look like beaks, feathers, and feet. Dip another toothpick into the black icing and dollop small eyes onto the cake pops. Let harden for another 3–5 minutes.
• Serve immediately.
• Enjoy!