Fruitcake Pops Food

THE BEST FRUITCAKE

Steps:

• Combine the raisins, currants, apricots, figs, prunes, dates, walnuts, pecans, orange zest, lemon zest, candied ginger, pumpkin pie spice and cloves in a large bowl and toss to combine. Add 1 cup of the brandy, orange liqueur and molasses and stir to coat. Cover and set aside to macerate overnight. (Alternatively, cover the bowl and microwave 2 minutes, or until very hot. Leave covered and let sit until almost all the liquid has been absorbed into the fruit and nuts, about 2 hours.)
• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Spray two 9-by-5-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray and line each with 2 pieces of parchment, one lengthwise and one crosswise, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each side. Spray the parchment with cooking spray.
• Sprinkle 1/2 cup flour over the soaked fruit mixture and toss to coat. Whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.
• Cream the butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla. Reduce the speed to medium-low and beat in the flour mixture until the batter is blended and smooth. Pour the batter over the fruit mixture and fold with a rubber spatula until all the fruit is coated in batter.
• Divide the mixture evenly between the two prepared pans, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake until the cakes begin to pull away from the sides of the pans, the tops spring back slightly when pressed and a cake tester comes out clean, about 1 1/2 hours. Transfer to a wire rack and brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons brandy. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 15 minutes. Carefully remove each cake from its pan using the parchment overhang and place on the rack to cool completely.
• To store, wrap each loaf tightly in plastic and then foil. The wrapped fruitcakes can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.

CAKE POPS

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.

DON'T THROW THAT OUT: FRUITCAKE POPS

Steps:

• Step 1: Take 2 cups cubed leftover fruit cake and grind to fine crumbs in a food processor.
• Step 2: Melt 3¿4 cup white chocolate chips in microwave and add to cake crumbs. Step 3: Roll into 1.5-inch balls.
• Step 4: Melt 2 cups white chocolate with 1¿4 cup melted coconut oil to make magic shell.
• Step 5: Dip lollipop stick tips into chocolate coconut mixture and place one stick into each cake ball; place on a tray lined with waxed paper, and put into the freezer for 30 minutes.
• Step 6: Remove and dip into chocolate oil mixture to coat. Transfer to baking sheet. Allow chocolate to harden (about 3 minutes)

NO-BAKE CAKE POPS

Steps:

• In a food processor or blender, pulse 12 rolls until a fine consistency.
• Make the frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese with a mixer for 2 minutes, or until creamy. Add the confectioners' sugar and beat until combined. Then, add the grated coconut to the frosting. Lastly, add in the salt, coconut extract and almond extract.
• Mix the pulsed rolls and frosting together until combined. (You may have to blend 2 to 3 extra rolls and add them in to get your desired consistency.) Roll the mixture into small balls and place in the freezer for 15 minutes.
• Melt the white chocolate chips, then stir in some food coloring if you want. Dip cake pop sticks in the white chocolate and insert a stick into each cake ball. Freeze for 20 minutes, or until hardened. Remelt the white chocolate and fully dip the cake pops. Return to the freezer until set, about 20 minutes.

POP CAKE

Steps:

• Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions for a 9x13 inch pan. Poke holes in cake while still hot with a fork.
• Make gelatin with boiling water, then stir in lemon-lime soda. Pour hot mixture over cake. Cool cake completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before frosting.
• Beat together instant pudding and milk until thick, then pour over cake. Frost cake with whipped topping. Keep cake refrigerated until ready to serve.