How To Add A Fun Crunch To Cake Pops Using A Simple Pantry Staple - Tasting Table

"But a lesser-known trick of the trade involves adding crunch and intrigue to your cake pop recipe using a staple you probably already have: cereal. Extruded breakfast cereals add textural depth to the crisp chocolate exterior of a cake pop, while also perfectly complementing the velvety soft interior made of cake crumbs and frosting. While sprinkles can be a bit one-dimensional, crushed cereal adds visual appeal, satisfying crunch, and taste all at once."

"If you're working with larger cereal squares, loops, or puffs, crush them up first so the pieces fit comfortably atop each pop. You can do this by lightly pounding the cereal in a sealed bag with a rolling pin. Alternatively, for a finer coating for your pops - similar to the consistency of graham cracker crumbs - you can grind up cereal in a food processor or blender."

"This means considering elements like complementary flavors, colors, and texture. For instance, you can replace decorative white nonpareil sprinkles with Rice Crispies atop pale blue or blush pink cake pops for a sweet baby shower treat. For a birthday party dessert, you can't go wrong with brightly-colored Fruit Loops to top cake pops that present both fruity flavor and crunch in every decadent bite."

Crushed breakfast cereals provide textural contrast and visual appeal when pressed into melted chocolate coatings on cake pops. Larger cereals should be crushed or pounded in a sealed bag; finer coatings can be achieved by grinding in a food processor or blender. Smaller cereals like Fruity Pebbles can be used whole. Work quickly so cereal adheres before the chocolate hardens. Pair cereals by flavor, color, and texture: Rice Krispies suit pale-hued occasions, Fruit Loops add celebratory color and fruity flavor, and novelty-shaped cereals offer playful presentation and added crunch compared with sprinkles.

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