Brownie Recipe for Bakerella Cake Pops

[cathy79]

I love checking out what bakerella does with their cake pops.  Check out this site for the general gist and decoration inspiration.

http://www.bakerella.com/category/pops-bites/cake-balls/

I didn't like the idea of using cake mix so used the recipe from here instead.

http://www.bakerella.com/spiders-spiders-spiders/

Here is my converted recipe - it doesn't get much simpler.

150g chocolate
150g butter
320g sugar (I use rapadura)
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
200g self raising flour
Extra chocolate for coating
Decorations of choice.

Melt chocolate and butter at 50deg, speed 3-4, approx 3 mins.
Add sugar, eggs, vanilla and flour.  Mix speed 3 until combined.  If using rapadura, the mixture may seem gritty, but the final cooked result is beautifully smooth.
Spread brownie batter in lined pan and bake for about 30 mins or until done.
Let cool.
After brownies are cooled, trim edges.  Cut into pieces slightly larger than desired ball size.  Then roll each piece into a ball.  Place in fridge for about 30 mins to firm up.
Melt extra chocolate for coating.  Drop ball into chocolate.  Cover it by spooning chocolate over the top, completely covering the brownie ball.  I found the easiest way of fishing out chocolate coated balls was with a strong toothpick.  Place on baking paper lined tray.  Attach any decorations of choice.  Refrigerate until set.

This was my first attempt at cake pops, so kept it very simple.  I sprinkled mine with fairy dust, which is basically special sprinkles.  Made a great "birthday cake" for Miss2 today, with candles in two brownie balls.

If you have a favourite brownie recipe, just use that.  Needs to be very moist so you can squish them into balls.  These days I'd use a different recipe to reduce the sugar.  I'd probably be sneaky and use Zucchini Brownies...

[Thermomixer]

Good work CB79 - great conversion - so simple as you said - no excuses with the TMX. 

Could you use a small cake fork like for making lamingtons etc to dip in the chocolate ?  or a wooden skewer ?

[cookie1]

I hadn't heard of cake pops.  They're cute.

[cathy79]

Could you use a small cake fork like for making lamingtons etc to dip in the chocolate ?  or a wooden skewer ?

Absolutely - something that leaves a small hole but can take the weight.

There's a trend for parents to provide individual cakes for birthdays at childcare centres etc so that the child only blows (and spits) on their cake, and doesn't share the love.  So muffins are popular.  I think this is a great alternative.  And no knives for cutting etc.

[cookie1]

Very wise childcare centres. It makes it so much easier. We used to try and carve up birthday cakes into 30-40 equal pieces.

[Thermomixer]

How are they going to build up their immunity without being exposed to other kids' germs??   

When I think back - yuck - maybe that's why I don't eat much cake ??

[CreamPuff63]

Blowing out candles is such a tradition, but something I have always hated having to eat something that someone else has blown all their germs over. In the case of some younger siblings also missing out, it can be blown over 2 or 3 more times until everyone is happy -- Yuk! Fortunately when it has been my birthday, the cake has been fine because I don't have germs 

[rubyslippers]

I have seen cake pops before when a friend made them.  They were cute and very tasty.  I tried making them myself once from a cake failure (very crumbly) and didn't make it past rolling the cake balls lol.

This brownie recipe sounds nice, but I think that would be as far as I get again. 

[farfallina]

They look so lovely cathy!
Thank you for the recipe

I will definitely try to make them next halloween if I can resist so long! 

[cathy79]

If you have a favourite brownie recipe, just use that.  Needs to be very moist so you can squish them into balls.  These days I'd use a different recipe to reduce the sugar.  I'd probably be sneaky and use Zucchini Brownies...

[faffa_70]

If you have a favourite brownie recipe, just use that.  Needs to be very moist so you can squish them into balls.  These days I'd use a different recipe to reduce the sugar.  I'd probably be sneaky and use Zucchini Brownies...

 

[maddy]

Thank you Cathy!
I absolutely adore Bakerella's blog!
I have pre-ordered her cake pop book coming out in September? I think.
http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780811876377/Cake-Pops



Will definitely give this a whirl 

[cathy79]

Maddy, look forward to seeing pictures of your creations.

[meganjane]

I've seen these made with cake mixed with buttercream - seriouscakes. I tried it, but didn't like the consistency.

[maddy]

Hi Cathy......I will give your brownie recipe a go for this weekend.

I just wanted to ask, obviously once cooked it is moist enough to be rolled and held into shape with out any added icing ?
I did make a vanilla version, but did have to add buttercream to moisten and roll into balls.
If I don't have to use buttercream or icing.....I will be rapt!

Thought I'd post a picture of the  cake pops I made late last week.



Time consuming, fiddly, but I had fun doing them.......and it is slightly addictive 
A big tip if anyone wants to make them.....melt your "melting chocolate", or "candy melts" in a little electric fondue pot.....it makes the process so much easier, with out the chocolate getting thick and gluggy.

P.S. Cathy.......what size tin did you use for baking?