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Graduation Cake Pops (Smiley Face Theme)

Celebrate graduation with adorable smiley face cake pops decorated with colorful sprinkles and fondant caps, perfect for a festive occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 20 pieces
Course: Dessert
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake and Frosting
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp fine salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 0.75 cup fine white sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 0.75 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp milk (add more only if needed for consistency)
  • 400 g yellow candy melts (for the smiley faces)
  • 200 g white candy melts (for 2025 ball)
  • 100 g black candy melts (for base sprinkles and cap detail)
  • 50 g yellow candy melts (for tassel drizzle and sprinkles)
Sprinkles and Fondant
  • Black sprinkles (jimmies)
  • Yellow sprinkles (jimmies)
  • 100 g black fondant (graduation cap tops and base)
  • 50 g yellow fondant (tassels)
Decorative Tools
  • Edible black gel pen or black edible paint and a fine brush
  • Edible pink petal dust (for cheeks)
  • Lollipop sticks
  • Styrofoam block (for drying)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin.
  2. Mix dry ingredients, then beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, then alternate dry ingredients and milk. Bake for 25-30 mins, cool completely.
  3. Crumble cooled cake, mix with frosting until firm. Roll into 1.25-inch balls, chill for 20 mins.
  4. Melt yellow candy melts, dip sticks, insert into cake balls, chill. Dip balls in melted yellow candy, dry upright. Decorate with eyes, smile, cheeks, fondant caps, tassels, and sprinkles.
  5. Add details like '2025' with black candy melts. Let decorations set, then store.

Notes

Ensure cake is completely cooled before crumbling to prevent excess moisture.