Traffic light cake pops

Serves:

Makes approximately 12 pops

Ingredients

• 450g pre-prepared madiera cake or chocolate slab cake
• 250g chocolate melts
• Smarties or chocolate buttons in red, orange and green
• Lollipop sticks (11.5cm)

Method

Cut your cake into rectangles approximately 9cm x 3cm x 3cm with a bread knife.

Slide onto the lollipop sticks until the sticks are approximately half way through the length of the cake (i.e. 4.5cms)

Put on a baking tray and place into the freezer for 1 hour (This prevents crumbling of the cake for the next site).

Melt your chocolate in the microwave by placing in a microwave-proof bowl and heating on 50% power for 1 minute. Remove from the microwave and stir with a metal spoon Return to the microwave for a further minute on 50% power after this time stir until all the chocolate is melted completely.

Elevate a cake cooling rack between two containers or even cookbooks until the middle of the tray is clear of obstructions and is approximately 6cm off the benchtop (this will be used to stand the cake-pops in whilst the chocolate coating sets).

Using a spoon, cover the cake in chocolate. Place three smarties on the cake as per picture and place on the elevated cooling rack for about 30 minutes or until chocolate is completely set.

Store in a container in layers separated by greaseproof paper or use cellophane bags to cover with twist ties.

You can store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Notes:

• These an be made ahead and frozen without the smarties (the smarties can discolour with moisture). When ready to serve, use a knife that has been run under hot water and rub over one side to slightly melt the chocolate and add the smarties.
• You can buy lollipop sticks from online chocolatier supply shops and large craft stores.
• The share smartie packs (with many individual packs) have ample amounts of the colours required.
• This is a perfect substitute for a lolly bag at a birthday party.
• Children can assist with the covering of the pops with chocolate and decorating.
• This recipe was created by Melissa Klemke for Kidspot, New Zealand’s best recipe finder.