Do you like sweet things? Want a tasty dessert that won’t put you over your calorie limit? Cake pops are delectable, rich, and indulgent confections that can be made in about an hour. You just need the proper materials and a cake pop maker.
Making cake pops may be a lot of fun and gratifying, but you’ll need a good cake pop m to get the finest results. A low-quality cake pop maker may potentially burn your cake pops or cause them to break when you remove them from the machine.
CAPACITY AND SIZE
Most cake pop machines can accommodate four to twelve cake pops at a time. A batch normally takes less than five minutes to cook, so a smaller machine should suffice for occasional usage. If you want to make a big number of cake pops for an occasion or sell them professionally, you may want to consider a larger machine.
Before purchasing a cake pop machine, consider how much storage space you have available. Many of them are small enough to store in a cabinet when not in use. Naturally, the smaller the capacity, the simpler it will be to find room for your cake pop machine. Large-capacity cake pop makers, on the other hand, don’t take up much space.
COOKING QUALITY
A decent cake pop maker warms evenly and fast. Even cooking is essential if you don’t want your cake batter to burn. Notably, some cake pop machines heat up faster on the bottom plate than on the top. Others heat up more in the middle than in the margins. Both possibilities result in unevenly cooked food. Choose a product that has been praised for its ability to uniformly cook the cake batter.
Some cake pop makers have a preheating indication light to let you know when the machine is ready. This feature is beneficial since you don’t have to worry about overcooking your pops.
EXPERT TIPDecorate your cake pops with whichever utensils you have available. Make a Death Star by dipping them in light grey chocolate and scoring a grid on the outside with a sharp knife.
SAFETY FEATURES
As with any device, you should ensure that your cake pop maker is safe to use and will not cause any harm. This is particularly true if you have children in your home. Here are a few safety elements you may want to consider.
Non-slip feet
The bottom of most cake pop machines has non-slip feet. The feet assist in stabilizing the machine and preventing it from sliding about on the counter as you cook.
Security latch
This is a little latch on the front of the machine that you shut while the cake pops bake to prevent the lid from opening and spilling the hot contents.
Cool-touch handles
It is critical to choose a machine with handles that remain cold even when the machine is heated. Stay-cool handles keep you and any energetic little helpers you may encounter on the road from getting burnt fingertips.
EASE OF CLEANING
If your cake pop machine is difficult to clean, you may be less likely to use it. Most come with detachable baking plates that can be removed and washed. Nonstick plates that are easily wiped clean are available on some of the top cake pop machines. (Difficult-to-reach gaps where food might gather are undesirable here.) To avoid battery leakage, the plates may include a little lip around the edge.
EXPERT TIPChill your cake pops for one to three hours before inserting the sticks to make them more robust.
CAKE POP MAKER ACCESSORIES
Though not required for the making of basic cake pops, here are a few optional extras to spice up your kitchen.
Interchangeable plates
Your cake pop machine will come with a regular plate with top and bottom cake pop molds. It may also include extra molds for manufacturing various baked items, such as small cupcakes or doughnut holes. The plates slide in and out of the machine, allowing you to replace them as frequently as you desire.
EXPERT TIPTo package them for shipping, use transparent plastic bags over top, then wrap a ribbon around the bag and stick it.
Recipe book
Some cake pop machines include a recipe book. This may be helpful, particularly if you’re new to baking, but it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. After all, there are plenty of free cake pop recipes available online.
Sticks and stands
Some cake pop machines include a supply of paper sticks to insert into the cooled pops. The machine may also come with a little stand for displaying your created cake pops. While this is a lovely touch, these additional supplies will not be required by everyone.
CAKE POP MAKER PRICES
Most cake pop makers cost between $13 and $20. Some versions, however, may retail for as much as $35. The price difference is due to the features that are included rather than the capacity of the machine.
What makes a cake pop machine more expensive? If it contains many replaceable plates, the price may be greater. A recipe book included with the purchase might potentially boost the price somewhat. If you don’t need these amenities, an entry-level cake pop machine on the lower end of the pricing range might suffice. However, make sure you choose one that has received positive feedback for its quality, longevity, and even cooking.
TIPS
- Allow the cake pop maker to come to room temperature before adding the batter. Otherwise, your cake pops may not be fully cooked.
- When removing cake pops from their plates, proceed with care. Gently pull them out with a fork or spoon. You may want to wait for the machine to cool somewhat so that you don’t accidentally split the cake pops.
- In your cake pop machine, you may use the recipe for any classic cake or cupcake you choose. The only limit is the sky!
- It is in everyone’s best interest to wait until the cake pops have fully cooled down before beginning to decorate them.
- Before placing the stick into the cake pop, dab it with melted chocolate or any form of candy icing. This aids the cake pop’s adhesion to the stick.
FAQ
Q. How long does it take to make a single batch of cake pops?
A. The majority of cake pop machines can manufacture a single batch in roughly four minutes, not counting preheating time. Consult your owner’s handbook for specific information on your model.
Q. How long do cake pops remain fresh?
A. This is determined by how they are kept. Cake pops are usually excellent for at least a few days. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to consume them to prolong their shelf life.
Q. Why are my cake pops cracking?
A. This is mainly due to the cake pops cooling and the frosting being quite warm. The temperature difference causes the cake to expand and shatter the coating. You may correct this by making sure the frosting is not too hot and coating the cake pops before they get too cold.
