# What You Need:
→ Cake
01 - 1 box (14.25 oz) chocolate cake mix with eggs, oil, and water as required by package
→ Frosting
02 - ½ cup chocolate frosting, store-bought or homemade
→ Decoration
03 - 14 oz black candy melts
04 - 2 oz gold sprinkles or edible gold pearls
05 - 24 lollipop sticks
06 - 1.75 oz white candy melts, optional for accents
07 - Green fondant or sprinkles for shamrock details, optional
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven according to package instructions. Prepare chocolate cake mix with eggs, oil, and water as directed. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
02 - Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl. Add chocolate frosting and mix thoroughly until a dough-like consistency forms with no dry cake visible.
03 - Scoop mixture using a cookie scoop or spoon to create 24 equal portions. Roll each portion between your palms into a smooth ball approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Gently flatten the top of each ball to mimic a pot shape.
04 - Arrange shaped balls on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer. Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up and make them easier to coat.
05 - Melt black candy melts according to package instructions in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into melted candy, then insert it halfway into each chilled cake ball. Stand upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set the sticks securely.
06 - Dip each cake pop fully into the melted black candy coating, rotating gently to ensure even coverage. Allow excess coating to drip off over the bowl. Return each coated pop to the stand and position upright.
07 - Before the black coating sets completely, sprinkle gold sprinkles or edible gold pearls over the top of each cake pop to resemble coins overflowing from a pot. Work quickly while coating is still slightly tacky.
08 - Using a piping bag fitted with a fine tip or a small spoon, pipe a decorative rim around the top edge of each pot with additional melted black or white candy melts. Add green fondant pieces or sprinkles to create shamrock accents if desired.
09 - Allow all cake pops to set at room temperature or in a cool environment until the coating is completely hardened and firm to the touch, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
