From BETTY CROCKER

Makes 48 cake balls

These playful LOVE BUGS are perfect for Valentine’s Day…fun to decorate, and yummy to eat!

INGREDIENTS

1 box BETTY CROCKER Super Moist cake mix (any flavor)

Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box 

3/4 cup BETTY CROCKER Rich & Creamy frosting (any non-chip, no-nut flavor)

3 bags (12 oz each) candy coating (any color)

48 paper lollipop sticks

DIRECTIONS

1.Make and bake cake mix as directed on box for 13” x 9” pan. Cool completely, and crumble cake. Reserve approximately one-fourth of cake crumbs and set aside. (These will be used to coat the love bugs.)

2.With large spoon, thoroughly mix remaining cake crumbs and the frosting.

3.Roll mixture into quarter-size cake balls and place on waxed paper-covered cookie sheet. Place cake balls in freezer about 15 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to the refrigerator to keep chilled and avoid freezing.

4.Place candy coating in microwavable bowl, so coating is at least 3- to 4- inches deep. Microwave uncovered on Low (10%) in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.

5.Remove 2 cake balls from refrigerator at a time. Dip tip of lollipop stick into melted coating, and insert into cake ball no more than halfway through. Dip and remove cake pop into coating in one motion without stirring, making sure entire cake ball is covered. If coating is too thick, add a little vegetable oil to help thin it and make it easier to work with.

6.Remove and gently tap off any excess coating to fall off pop and back into bowl. Before coating sets, gently press cake crumbs around entire ball. Place stick in craft foam to dry.

7.Once dry, remove cake ball from lollipop stick for decorating. Using photo as a guide, get creative with placement of desired candy decorations for fun expressions and details. Use melted candy coating to attach candy decorations. For feet, attach cake ball to a mini heart cookie. Use string licorice for antennae, heart candies for ears and eyes. Let dry completely; store loosely covered.

TIPS

Have a love bug decorating party! Gather all your decorating supplies, and have them organized in separate dishes ahead of time. This will make the decorating go a lot easier and guests can get creative in decorating their own little valentine bugs.

Several brands of candy coating are available, and each may melt a bit differently. The white color varies, and when melted, some are thinner than others. Make a note of the brand you prefer to work with, and watch carefully while melting.

Find this recipe and more holiday treats at bettycrocker.com