Still haven’t figured out the perfect Valentine’s treat to make your loved one that’s a little more unique than chocolate-covered strawberries? This fool-proof cake pop recipe is sure to impress on this upcoming holiday.

What you’ll need:

• 1 box of moist cake mix, any flavor (and all ingredients needed to bake)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tub fluffy or whipped frosting, any flavor (the whole tub may not be needed)
• 1 tsp shortening (may substitute coconut oil)
• White or dark melting chocolate (or both)
• Lollipop sticks
• Waxed paper

Optional:

• 2 tsp instant coffee
• Toppings (sprinkles, nuts, crushed candies, etc.)
• Styrofoam block (used to hold cake pops once done, found at most craft stores)

Get started:

• In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, cake mix ingredients listed on box, vanilla and instant coffee (if wanted).
• Bake as directed.
• Cool completely.
• Line a baking sheet with wax paper.
• Crumble cake into large bowl. Add frosting slowly to ensure mix does not get too soggy. Mix well with hands until a dough begins to form. Hand roll dough into balls and place on cookie sheet. Freeze for 15-20 minutes.
• In a microwavable bowl, melt white and/or dark chocolate separately. Stir in ½ tsp of shortening to each.
• Dip each lollipop stick halfway into melted chocolate, then into cake pop.
• Dip cake pop into melted chocolate. Decorate with toppings as desired.
• Place cake pops back on baking sheet (they will not be as round if set back down) OR stick end of lollipop stick into foam block, keeping cake pop upright.
• Place in refrigerator for 10 minutes or until set, then store at room temperature.

— by Lauren Reichenbach