# What you need:
→ Cake
01 - 1 box vanilla cake mix or homemade equivalent
02 - Ingredients as required by cake mix, typically eggs, oil, and water
→ Frosting
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
05 - 2 tablespoons milk
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt
→ Decoration
08 - 12 ounces white chocolate or candy melts
09 - Gel food coloring in navy blue, purple, teal, black, and pink
10 - Edible glitter in silver, blue, or iridescent
11 - 24 lollipop sticks
12 - Sprinkles or sugar pearls for optional decoration
# Steps to follow:
01 - Bake the vanilla cake according to package or recipe instructions. Allow to cool completely before proceeding.
02 - Crumble the cooled cake into a large mixing bowl, breaking it down into fine, uniform crumbs.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until the mixture reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
04 - Gradually fold the frosting into the cake crumbs, mixing thoroughly until the mixture holds together firmly when pressed between your fingers.
05 - Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch spheres and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
06 - Heat white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until completely smooth and pourable.
07 - Divide the melted chocolate into individual small bowls and tint each with different gel food colorings to create navy blue, purple, teal, black, and pink hues.
08 - Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into melted chocolate, then carefully insert halfway into each chilled cake ball, twisting gently to secure.
09 - Dip each cake pop into the colored chocolate mixtures, gently swirling to create natural galaxy patterns. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before moving to the next step.
10 - Place each coated cake pop upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to allow the chocolate coating to set properly.
11 - While the chocolate coating is still tacky, generously sprinkle edible glitter and optional sprinkles or sugar pearls onto each cake pop for a shimmering finish.
12 - Allow cake pops to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
