Hi All,
I decided to try cake pops. I made them, but when it came to covering them with the dipping candy I had problems. I bought the Wilton Choc. Pro Melting pot to melt the candy discs. However, they got sof, but not running enough to dip the pops in. Also, to use a paint brush did not work because of the thickness. I left if on for over an hr. to melt them, but were still thick as a pudding or a bit thicker. I tried microwave with poor results..by putting on defrost as directed. Then tried to melt them in a bowl and they were getting burned! I read directions several times and did not miss anything. HELP! Should I just double-boil them? How do you get the candy runny enough to dip and run off smoothly?

Last pop ques.: Can a 2" ball be supported by a lollypop stick or will it be too heavy and have the stick slide through the cake. (I did freeze the balls before trying to dip them)?

Any tips would be most appreciated. This is my first try. THey looked doable and so cute, but was a real pain when it came to dipping and decorating.

Thanks in advance for any help.

I add paramount crystals to my chocolate when melting them...it makes the chocolate more liquidy so it is easier to dip the cake pops in and comes off smoothly. The only place that I was able to find them was at my local baking supply store....Michael's, Joann's or those other craft stores do not carry them.

Also, the 2 inch cake balls are too big for the lollipop stick to hold (based on my experience). When I made it that big, the stick just slid right through the cake pop. 1 1/2 inch balls are good and will hold up on the stick.

HTH!

I had the same problem. I ended up adding some crisco to the chocolate just to loosen it up a bit and it worked so much easier.

unfortunately not all brands of candy coating/melts perform well for cake balls. i've had the best luck with 1 pound white almond bark from the grocery store (same aisle as all the baking stuff). i put it in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring in between.

don't give up! keep trying and remember what works best for you.

Yeah, Wilton melts aren't good for cake pops. Merckens work very well. Ditto on the Paramount Crystals.

Thank you all so much. I was getting so frustrated! I was sure you all could help me. You are the greatest. I will take your advise and get the Merckens and Paramount Crystals and will give them another try.

How odd. I've never had any problems using Wiltons candy melts w/ my pops. I just add 2-3T of shortening so it's the right consistancy.

I find double-boiling is the best way to melt chocolate or candy melts and doesn't take much more time than microwaving.

On a related note re best brand to use and tips: does anyone get air bubbles that surface while the candy/chocolate coating is drying? And is there anything that can be done about it? This happened to me once but I did not use candy melts, I had used a fine Belgian dark chocolate block that I melted in a double-boiler and it looked pretty bad after...

Thanks!