Of course it is March and that can only mean that you want to make some March Madness basketball cake pops? Well, besides that Spring has finally sprung, March Madness has arrived. My husband loves college basketball and could probably sit and watch every game (much like many of your husbands as well). As a matter of fact, it really does not matter what sport it is for my husband to love a good game.
Well while I am sitting on the couch watching basketball with him, I was actually enjoying the games which I am afraid to admit out loud to him. Lol! But I also had a great idea. The basketball is round and cake pops are round so why not combine the two. See how baking and cake pops start to change your whole perspective on everything in life. I am always looking for ways to turn things into edible deliciousness. I also wanted to surprise him because I know how much he does love sports. His favorite team is the Duke Blue Devils so I decided to surprise him with a Duke theme or colored cake pop.
Now back to the cake pops. What could be simpler than making basketball cake pops? Not too much as a matter of fact. All you need to begin with is a basic knowledge of making cake pops.
But first before we begin, be sure to have all your ingredients and supplies ready to go.
Ingredients and Supplies:
A baked cake- flavor of your choice
Icing- Choose icing that corresponds with your cake flavor appropriately.
Lollipop sticks or paper straws
Orange colored candy melts- I also used royal blue for Duke but any team color would be great except I do not know why you would want to cheer for any other team than Duke. Lol!
Black edible marker- I prefer AmeriColor brand which I found in a pack at Joann.
Cake Pop Stand
If you do not know the basic principles of making a cake pop, then you will need to visit How to Make a Basic Cake Pop. Just be sure to use the supplies listed above and return here to finish making the basketball.
You should have your cake balls already formed and orange candy melts melted. You will want to dip your lollipop stick or paper straws in the candy melts about ยฝ inch at the bottom before inserting into cake ball. This will help cake ball to adhere better to lollipop stick when dipping in candy melts.
You will notice that I used black and white striped paper straws for this project. I love the way the paper straws match the basketball theme with having referees that wear the black and white stripe shirts. I know it may seem cheesy but still cute.
Now you are ready to dip those cake pops. Dip your cake pop into the candy melts being sure to evenly coat the cake. If you have melted enough candy melts, then dip your cake pop straight down until fully coated and lift directly out. If you do not have enough melted to do so or begin to run low after dipping several, I always dip mine in at an angle and continue to turn and dip until fully coated.
Gently tap or shake cake pop to remove any excess candy melt and achieve a smooth coating.
Letโs move on to the fun part of creating the actual basketball appearance. You will now need your black edible marker. I use AmeriColor Gourmet Writers and love them. I have tried Wilton edible markers that worked but seemed to not want to write after only using for a short time. I had much better results with AmeriColor. Start with drawing a line from one bottom of the cake pop at the stick to the direct opposite bottom.
The next line is directly in the center of the cake pop around the entire diameter.
The outside lines of the basketball can be trickier. Where the two lines you have already drawn intersect, move to the right just a little and draw a half circle up to the other side of the cake pop being sure to stop at the middle line with the same distance from the intersecting lines on the opposite side. Then continue down to complete the side circle and finish where you first started. Move to the left side and follow the same directions.
I had to practice on several in order to get the correct drawing technique down. My first one looked more like a beach ball. The second oneโs lines were not equally spaced and just looked a little lop-sided. Haha. Oh well, the rest of them turned out great and I love the way they look.
I also dipped half of my cake pops in melted royal blue candy melts which melted with the perfect color of blue for Duke. Instead of drawing a basketball, I sprinkled white crystal sprinkles on top of course to coordinate with Dukeโs colors. Dukeโs main colors are blue and black so the black and white striped paper straws also worked great with these.
Another idea would be to write the abbreviations for your favorite college team. With Duke, a large โDโ would be especially neat.
As you may know already, Duke has already lost and is out of the March Madness tournament much to my husbandโs disappointment. I went ahead and made these cake pops anyways to celebrate and show his continued support. There is always next year. Plus you cannot win every game right?
Plus there are more important things in life than winning a game. I saw a news story the other day on TV that will give you a whole new perspective on life. It truly made me think about what really matters in life. According to ABC news, a Michigan State basketball player befriends a cancer survivor. Michigan State player Adreian Payne visited now cancer survivor Lacey Holsworth in the hospital two years ago with his team. Lacey was diagnosed with neuroblastoma and underwent chemotherapy. The two have stayed in touch ever since with Lacey calling him her big brother. During such a hard time, Payne has been an inspiration to her. She as well has inspired Payne and was allowed to cut down the net after Michigan State won a championship game.
Lacey will be going through a new medical study at the University of Michigan later this year. The study will be using antibodies to attempt to continue treating the cancer. The cancer is advanced and she is needing any support she can receive. A fundraiser was started to assist with the medical expenses. If you have been inspired, please donate to this cause by visiting the fundraiser page.
For the full article, visit ABC News.
This article should be even more reason why we should never forget the little things in life!
