Not sure where to post this, but thought maybe some other businesses have ran into the same problem and have a solution.

I bring my cake pops to the farmer's market every saturday and the FL summer heat is NO good for them. LOL So I have been putting them in a cooler and trying to just rotate them. It's been working pretty well so far, but I still lose a couple each weekend.

So then I thought maybe there is a way to make 'dummy' cake pops so I can display them, but safely keep the real ones in the cooler away from the heat.

Anyone have any idea how to make that wonderful idea come to fruition?? LOL

Never had the problem as I hate making them, but I would suggest using styrofoam balls from a craft shop in the same size. I use these to make wedding cake cute couple toppers. Just coat them in the same stuff.

That's what I was thinking about doing. . .Only concern is I usually make the cupcake shaped ones because they really draw people to the table. . so not sure how I'd get that shape..Guess I could just shave it down to look like a cupcake.

P.S. I truly hate making them as well! But they sell so much better than the cupcakes at the market. My main business focus are my custom cakes, the pops and cupcakes are just a way into the market to advertise. LOL I went without any last week and people spazzed out that I didn't bring them. . so if I must .. I MUST!

Check the $ store for the styrofoam balls the cost is probably lower.

why not make your cupcake shape out of gumpaste and insert the stick before it dries. it will dry rock hard and then you can decorate it the same way you would decorate the cake ones!!

HTH =]

That's not a bad idea!! only downfall is that could get expensive. . I was wanting to make at least four of them. . the styrofoam might be cheaper. Thanks everyone! I will go price checking tomorrow and see what is best!

I have a suggestion: Use the fake ice packets that are about $1.00 each at Walmart. Use enough to line the bottom. I use 6. There is no condensation. I use a new cooler, the ice on the bottom, a towel across to stop slipping, and my cake boxes. Everything stays at a safe temp and comes to room temp about 15 minutes out of the cooler. This is not too cool for the chocolate.

Hi there!
I am also from south Florida. I live in broward county and you? In which farmer's marketmarket do you sell your pops?

How about line your cupcake pan, and fill with plaster of paris? It is just a few bucks at the craft store, but the dust is dangerous, and it heats up when it sets, so don't get it on you...read the label before you buy it!

How about oven bake clay like sculpey, for the display ones?
Its safe because children use it,

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=sculpey&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&tbm=isch&tbnid=Gc8aHQIXtAi0zM:&imgrefurl=http://www.craftmill.co.uk/Original-Sculpey-Polymer-Clay-795g&docid=aSUrzAfXlwLTPM&w=600&h=505&ei=atxtTr6SKMmzhAfbqemGDA&zoom=1&biw=1280&bih=603&iact=rc&dur=140&page=2&tbnh=111&tbnw=132&start=22&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:22&tx=91&ty=57

hope this helps

Rice Krispie Treats work as a sub as well. I used premade, and they were pretty easy to shape in balls, so I can't see them working for other things. They stay on the sticks in the heat.

Just take styrofoam balls and crush them into the right shape.

My vote is for styro or RKT

My vote is for styro or RKT

Oh the RKT is another great idea and I have some on hand already! I will attempt this tomorrow. Thanks everyone!!

Karukaru - I am in Hillsborough County and I go to the Ybor City Saturday Market. It's so much fun .. such great people there. Looking at branching out to a few other markets, but for now am happy in my little bubble.. LOL!!

you can also try makin a nice cake pop set up- take a good photo of it and laminate it with flavors prices etc and post that on your table?

RKT all the way... and hey, you may end up selling the RKT pops too !!

I ended up using Styrofoam balls but will probably use rkt next time. I just didn't feel like making any. Lol. Lazy week! Thanks so much for all the help.

Go buy the premade ones. They hold up better for this than the homemade ones do.

Make samples out of Rice krispy treats!

Styroform sounds good!Good you make a book to using photobox to showcase designs in the summer?