Friday, September 2, 2011

Polka Dot Cake


I know... it's a little early for halloween, but I made a cake.
 And the inside is even better... because I made a 
Polka Dot Cake!
 I've had this idea in my brain for awhile.  It turned out pretty good.  But I think after my first attempt I'd tackle it a bit differently next time.  I'll give you my thoughts on that after the directions.  
 Here's how I did it.
I have this little nifty cake pop maker.  It's fun, especially for the kids.  It doesn't make the decadent bakerella cake pops, they are actually more like a donut hole.  But they are quick, easy and so far fail proof.  Anyway… this is how I made the polka dot cake.
Step 1 
I made the cake balls with the cake pop maker.  Using the recipe that comes with the machine, adding orange food coloring.
 I honestly wonder if you could just get some donut holes and use them.  Or maybe make a sheet cake, and use a melon baller to scoop out spheres.  Some experimenting is needed. :)
 Step 2
Cut a bunch of the cake balls in half with a knife.
Step 3 
Make the cake batter (I just used a boxed cake mix.  This one is devils food, it sounded halloweenish.  I added a little black food coloring to it as well).  
Step 4 
Pour a small amount of batter into the bottom of a greased and floured pan.  Then push some of the half sized cake balls flat side down into the batter.
Step 5 
Add a little batter to a halved cake pop, onto the flat side, and then stick it to the side of the pan.
 Continue this step until you have halved cake pops around the side of the pan
Step 6 
Add more batter into pan.
Step 7 
Place a bunch of full sized cake balls into the batter.
Step 8
Top off with more batter
Step 9
Cook.  
It took longer to bake than the directions on the cake box stated.  About 10-15 minutes extra. I'm sure it has something to do with all the cake balls in there.  And p.s. I was worried that the cake balls would dry out, from cooking again, but they were just fine, and the devils food cake itself was awesomely moist.
Step 10
Cut off any extra poofy cake from the top to level it.
And there you go!  I made two, and stacked them with orange colored frosting in-between.  You could do this in any color.  I think a white cake with pink polka dots would be just about the most precious cake ever!

Alrighty, now I'm going to tell you how I'll be attempting it next time.  I think it will work better this way.   In step four Instead of just placing half of a cake pop down, I think I'd do some cake balls half size and some whole.  Then I wouldn't worry about step sevenWhen the cake rose, it caused the full cake balls to rise with it, and when I lopped off the top of the cake (step ten), it caused the whole cake pops to become half cake pops.  They got cut along with the cake.  (Does that make sense).  So I didn't get any full polka dots.  I am planning on making another one of these.  
I'll let you know how it goes!  

Is it bad that I'm showing you my sort of, kind of, turned out Polka Dot Cake and not a perfect one that may come after a few attempts? I'm sure I'm breaking all sorts of blogging unwritten rules.  
The blogging police would probably be gasping and tisk tisk tisking me.  
I also shouldn't tell you that the back of the cake looks like it was mangled by a rabid dog.  
I was having major fondant issues, and instead of throwing it through the window (I almost did… really, I was so frustrated), I just kinda smashed the fondant all to one side.  Then I decided it would be the back side, and I'd call it a day.   
I should have taken photos… it would have made you laugh.  

Aaaannnnd…. I made you something.
  Here are some free little halloween labels.  Just like the little "Eeek" sign next to Mr. spider.  Go ahead, download and enjoy.  They'd be cute as cupcake toppers too.  Fun, fun!

Have a happy labor day weekend everyone!  
anj.
P.S... I used this technique for my daughters Princess and the Pea Party with white cake and green cake balls.  You can check it out Here...
HapPea Birthday Party


118 comments:

  1. What fun! I've never even heard of a cake pop maker...my daughter would adore one. I think this is a crazy fun idea. Clever girl. :)

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  2. Tell those blog police to back off - this is the cutest cake I've ever seen!! It makes me a little jealous that your first attempt is way cuter than my 8th or 9th attempt would probably be. You have some serious talent! Every time you post something, it instantly becomes my favorite! :) And free printables, too! You are just too awesome. :)

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  3. Ummmmmmmm...cutest cake EVER! So cute!

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  4. I have a baby cakes mini cupcake pan but I have never seen the cake pop version. Mind if I ask you where you got yours?

    I'm very excited to give something like this a try. I had never tried it because I was too worried that the inside cake that was being baked twice would be dry and discusting.

    I'm excited you got it figured out! Thanks for showing us. And the Blog Police can keep moving. It's always fun to learn from others and see how they imporve as the try again.

    Good luck on your next attempt at getting full balls!

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  5. You are the cutest!!! love it.

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  6. Anonymous9/02/2011

    I love that you shared this with the blogging world. I'm one that believes not everything should look so perfect. Real life is certainly not perfect in any way.

    So thanks for keeping it real!!

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  7. This may be the cutest thing I've ever seen!!!! You just gave me the perfect cake idea for my baby girl's first birthday! Now, I just have to find a cake ball maker... Where did you get yours? :) SOOOO cute and SOOOOO fun!

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  8. that is seriously AWESOME! love this!!!

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  9. It's just not fair how talented you air, girlie!! :) Love love love this!! I'm always THRILLED when I see a new post from you!!

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  10. I got my cake pop maker from here...
    http://www.taylorgifts.com/item/cake_pop_maker/36320
    But it shows they are out of stock. I also used a online coupon code for that website I found at retailmenot.com
    You can do an internet search for baby cakes cake pop maker. But FYI I paid 25.00 for mine, so don't pay more than that. I know Kohl's has them online, I looked at the store but they didn't have it there. (I was hoping to use one of their 10 coupons towards it). Hope that helps!

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  11. Perfectly fabulous...

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  12. Absolutely darling Ang! What a great idea. Now I gotta get me one of those little cookers!

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  13. This is so AWESOME! And I'm so glad I have the cake pop maker! A must try! Thanks so much!!! ~Jen http://happyplaceforjen.blogspot.com/

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  14. I love it and have pinned it on my Pinterest Board. now gonna look through some more of your blog!

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  15. This is awesome!!! And it is getting pinned immediately so I can come back often! I love how you say you smashed the fondant to the back and just photographed the front...my kinda girl. I have so done that before;-)

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  16. omg i cant believe you made this cake your so talented i love the polka dot inside xx

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  17. Just wanted to let you know that I shared your link with a friend on facebook. She just got one of those cake maker things...I'm not baking savvy. I think your cake was AWESOME! (P.S. I didn't know how to link it back to my fb...just wanted to let you know.)

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  18. I love it!! what to do since I don't have a cake ball maker?? ? ? ? hmmmmm. I'll have to think about it. but I LOVE how yours turned out.

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  19. You are SO creative. Love your ideas.

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  20. WOW!!! That cake is amazing!!!!! LOVE it!

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  21. Brilliant!! I can't wait to try this. I don't have a cake ball maker either...so I may have to invest in one. :)

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  22. Such a fun idea and great tutorial/pics. Thanks so much for the download as well!

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  23. Wow! I came across your blog through Pinterest and I am loving it!! Hope you don't mind, but you inspired a blog post! :)

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  24. Thank you, thank you, thank you…. for the links, the pins & the comments! You all are the BEST!!!
    anj.

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  25. I love this cake! Thank you so much for the tutorial :)

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  26. Ohhhhh,,,guess what i'm makin'!!!! TFS Gorgeous cake!!

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  27. How do you make the way cute spider? Cutest Halloween cake I have ever seen! I LOVE Halloween ideas!

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  28. I featured you today!! :)

    http://www.oopseydaisyblog.com/2011/09/wednesdays-wowzers-yes-its-really-thursday.html

    Let's be honest--I love everything you do!!
    XO

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  29. What a fantastic idea!!! I have one of those cake pop makers... another cool use. Thanks - your mom sent me (she's in my ward).

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  30. Looks amazing to me... and I have to admit that I'm glad I'm not the only one that has a "back" side on her cakes.

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  31. I just found you at Oopsey Daisy. This looks so impressive and complicated at first glance, but you make the process look much easier. Love it.

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  32. This is an amazing cake! I love it. What a creative idea and decorated so "spooky". I am hosting a Spooktacular in October and I would love to have you participate in it. If you are interested in being a guest blogger or just showing off some fun festive photos feel free to email me at doodlesanddoilies(at)gmail(dot)com. You can check out more at doodlesanddoilies.blogspot.com. I look forward to seeing more of your great posts...a new follower!!!

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  33. LOVE it! The cutest Halloween cake EVER!!!

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  34. That is such a fun cake! It is going on my to do list for halloween this year for sure! I think a rainbow cake with some white donut holes for clouds might be pretty cute too!

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  35. Just hopped over from Prudent Baby - loooove it!!!

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  36. You are ridiculous! Absolutely amazing!

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  37. I just found this and I am in love! My little brain is going to town on ideas! white with purple, red and green! you understand this I am sure. Can't wait for more!
    Tammie

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  38. i love that you put your first attempt up on your blog! its my friends birthday next week i must try this for her cake!

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  39. Love it... very cool idea!

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  40. Me encanta, fantástica tarta.
    Enhorabuena!! :-)

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  41. I love it! I also would love to know how you made the spider. And I'm so glad you posted about mushing the fondant to the back, there have been many times I wished I could do that...:)

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  42. So cute and clever! And "Every cake has a back" is my favorite soothing mantra when making a cake. It really does help with the inevitable frustrations.

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  43. I have the Baby Cakes Cake Pop Maker and have a hard time filling all the wells before it starts to bake the first ones. What do you use to fill them? I've used both a pastry bag and a ziploc and I always have overflow. Any suggestions?

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  44. That is absolutely fabulous! It is taking me ever ounce of energy I have to NOT start making Halloween stuff....

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  45. Oh, how awesome this is! Looks so tasty too!

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  46. I've seen the cake pop makers a few times at wal-mart, this is seriously such a cute cake!

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  47. Love it! I was so inspired I tried to make one. I scooped out chocolate circles and replaced with white. Epic fail. Tasty tho. I will have to get the cake pop maker. Did you use pans with higher sides than the traditional 8" circles? Thanks for sharing!

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  48. Anonymous9/10/2011

    Adorable! I can never get my cake big enough to level it out and it still be a decent size! What kind of pan did you use to bake it in?

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  49. I'm new to your site but you seem really creative and this cake looks awesome! Yummy!

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  50. You are so creative!!!! Thanks for sharing with us! I would love to learn how to make that spider too!

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  51. Please share how you did your spider it is FANTASTIC

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  52. Came over from Ucreate parties - could not love you/this more!! Thanks for sharing your brilliance - I'll try to share the credit at the "pinwheels and polka dots" baby shower I'll be making this for. :D

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  53. Oh my goodness! This has to be the absolutel cuttest thing ever! I pinned it! And I am posting on my blog right this minute! Check it out at: http://buttercreamblingcupcakes.blogspot.com/

    Thanks so much for posting this! Cant wait to see if you do another!

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  54. Sent over from Buttercream Bling. Love this cake! Definitely going to try something similar :)

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  55. Awesome! I found a DIY cake ball tutorial via Pinterest and thought I'd share...
    http://www.acornadvisors.com/CooksWares/Finished_E-News/CW_Cupcakes.html

    I think your polka dot cake might be the new rainbow cake, hehe! Off to repin...

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  56. Oh my gosh Anj! Honestly!! So amazing! Where did you get your awesome cake ball maker? I don't know if I dare attempt that or not-I KNOW it won't look the same! I am really feeling the Halloween moment and might attempt :) Thanks for sharing!

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  57. I love this! I featured your post today on my blog! I hope you don't mind that I also shared how I did this without the cakeball maker.

    http://maryzlicious.blogspot.com/2011/09/ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.html

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  58. Amazing! You make this look so easy. :) I found you through Pinterest and I linked your picture to my blog. You can find it here:

    http://bingecrafter.blogspot.com/2011/09/very-pinteresting.html

    I'd love if you stopped by to check it out. Feel free to grab a "Featured On" button if you'd like.

    Angela
    bingecrafter.blogspot.com

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  59. That is super awesome! I love it! I have a pan that makes pancake balls, I wonder if it would work just the same? It's worth a try, right? I'm making a cake for Young Women in Excellence night coming up and this would be awesome with our circus theme!

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  60. This is the cutest thing EVER!!!!!!!

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  61. Just found your blog and the polka dot cake. Can't wait to try it and look forward to more posts. Wanted you to know I pinned this adorable cake:) hope you don't mind.

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  62. I am in love with that spider! How did you make his round shape?

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  63. I am so in love with this! I want to eat this so bad! And where did you get that cake pop maker? I am addicted to cake pops, but make it the bakerella style. But it would be so good to make a bunch of cake balls like that to dip in our chocolate fountain we use for parties!
    I really love this, but If I tried to make it, it would end up like this:
    http://craftfail.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/cookie-monster-cupcakes-nailed-it.jpg

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  64. What the heck??!!! That is the coolest cake I have ever seen!!! How do you think this stuff up? I pinned you on Pinterest today!

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  65. I love it, i blogged about your AMAZING CAKE! i put a link back to you on my site. i hope you dont mind:) www.sprinkleland.blogspot.com

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  66. This is the cutest Halloween cake I have ever seen! You did a great job!!
    I also wanted to let you know I featured it on my blog today. Feel free to grab a button :)
    http://artsyfartsymama.blogspot.com/2011/09/pinteresting-features-n-shtuff_25.html

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  67. You have such a creative mind. What a fantastic idea! I remember my cake decorating teacher always said to NOT bring attention to our mistakes because 9 times outta ten, people wouldn't notice. That's true, but I think humility is a wonderful thing. You are sharing and learning at the same time. Thank you for being so honest, real and down to earth. I look forward to following your work :-) Keep it up.

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  68. Anonymous9/25/2011

    I am going to make my son a pumpkin cake for his first birthday. I am planning to make two bunt cakes and put together to get a good shape. Do you think this technique would work in a bunt pan?
    This is just adorable and so creative!!

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  69. EEEEEKKKK!!! This is the cutest thing EVER!!! I love it.

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  70. You are Amazing! In my next life, I want your talents!

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  71. Amazing! In my next life, I want your talents!

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  72. anj, i just saw this! holy cow. this is the coolest cake i have ever seen. and with my halloween obsession... this is so getting pinned on my pinboard. you are so adorable! and ridiculously talented. go girl!

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  73. LOOOOOOOVE, Love, LOVE IT!!!! Posted it to my FB page:
    https://www.facebook.com/cupcakewishesandbirthdaydreams

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  74. the Babycakes ckae Ball makers are on sale this week at Kohl's for $24.99 if anyone is interested....there is also a little pot to keep your dipping chocolate warm without having to microwave it over and over.....that is on sale for $9.99.

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  75. to fill the wells on the cake pop maker quickly, use the smallest scooper that Pampered chef sells....I think it is a tbsp....quick easy and no mess...it is the perfect amount for the ball baker.

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  76. hands down my favorite cake in eons! so clever and so cute!

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  77. This is a great cake! I featured it on Fun Friday Finds today. I hope you can stop by and grab a featured button if you'd like.
    http://www.itsybitsypaperblog.com/2011/10/funfridayfinds-halloween-cakes.html

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  78. Anonymous10/14/2011

    I LOVE this idea! I'm going to link to your tutorial on my blog, Curious Visions!

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  79. Anonymous10/14/2011

    I LOVE this idea! I'm going to link to your tutorial on my blog, Curious Visions!

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  80. this si good well done :)

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  81. Anonymous10/15/2011

    amazing cake well done :)

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  82. What pan did you use? I don't know if I have on deep enough to do this. So cute!!

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  83. Was that just one devil food cake mix? This cake is AMAZING!!! I can't wait to try it :)

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  84. I love your Mr. Spider so much, I had to make one of my own! Thought you might like to see the post:
    http://birdonacake.blogspot.com/2011/10/harry-spider.html

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  85. So cute! Just found your blog! :) So glad I did.

    Ginger @ gingersnapcrafts.com

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  86. Love the cake!! So adorable. Wanted you to know that I pinned it. Btw- what is the spider made out of.
    thanks for sharing!!

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  87. That cake is very pretty and cute!

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  88. Fantastic Fantastic cake and thank you so much for the tutorial. I have blogged my attempt and it tasted fab it just looks a little messy but was perfect for halloween so thank you :)
    http://vixensscrapping.blogspot.com/2011/11/im-no-betty-crocker-lol.html

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  89. This is so totally awesome! Just found your by way of Cupcake Express, can't wait to look around some more!

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  90. Simplesmente Maravilhoso!!!!!!!!!
    Bealtfoul!!!!

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  91. Even my 12 year old son thought this was the coolest! Fantastic idea!

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  92. Beautiful job and so clever. I want to try this someday. :)

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  93. you are truely amazing

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  94. Really a cut idea! Think when I'm home I'll give it a try with donut holes - or maybe make different colored cake and scoop out as you are thinking of trying too. Would be do cute to have the dots in colors in a while cake! Thank you so much for sharing!

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  95. Saw this on Pinterest! Very cute and I am definitely going to try this! I've seen the cake pop maker at Khol's. I have the mini-muffin version...
    As far as getting whole polka dots in the cake, could you just push the whole cake balls down a little more in the batter once it's been baking for a little and has risen some? Seems like that would work - I'll have to try it out :)

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  96. Saw this on Pinterest! Very cute and I am definitely going to try this! I've seen the cake pop maker at Khol's. I have the mini-muffin version...
    As far as getting whole polka dots in the cake, could you just push the whole cake balls down a little more in the batter once it's been baking for a little and has risen some? Seems like that would work - I'll have to try it out :)

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  97. I'm going to make your cake ball cake today for DH bday. He was born on Valentine's Day so I thought red/white would be awesome! Hope you keep posting! Love your blog.

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  98. I love this!!!!!!!!!!Very creative!

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  99. Absolument magnifique. Et le glaçage, une vraie oeuvre d'art!

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  100. Absolument magnifique. et le glaçage une vraie oeuvre d'art! D'habitude j'ai peur des araignées mais celle-là est trop mignone ;o)

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  101. Coucou,
    Je viens de découvrir votre blog, et la recette de ce gâteau je trouve ça très original et très sympa...je suis française mais j'aime beaucoup l'originalité de vos gâteaux..
    Bonne journée
    Dominique

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  102. totally fab, and so many uses for your technique. I have sen the cakepop makers in Lakeland and also trays on ebay. I may just treat myself now I know that they have other uses!

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  103. I think this is adorable...and I thought you were trying to make bats inside the cake..not polka dots! Even though it is not what you expected it really works for this Halloween Theme!

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  104. Thanks for the inspiration! Here's how mine turned out: http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2012/09/ladybug-cake.html

    I linked back to you, thanks again!

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  105. what a great cake - super cute!!
    Crystal @EatDrinkClev

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  106. I plan to try your polka dot cake using my cast iron takoyaki ebelskiver pan, thanks!

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  107. Love this. Made it, thanks for sharing

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  108. whaou magnifique je le ferai l'année prochaine ,bravo quelle idée géniale

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  109. This is very adorable and I will have to try to make one someday. My niece wants one of those cake pop makers for Christmas. I can't wait to be the Aunty to save the day and give her one of the top 3 gifts she wants this year.

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  110. I linked to your tutorial, hope you don't mind! I love this technique and I think you were one of the first to do it. Great Job!

    http://www.thecookiecounter.com/2013/07/fun-simple-birthday-cake.html

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  111. This just popped up in my facebook newsfeed, and I had to check it out. Honestly, I think the way you made it the first time made it look really neat! Instead of perfect little spheres, you have a lot of half moons. It looks really cool - and yummy! Saving this recipe!!!

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  112. What a great spooky cake. I posted your tutorial, nice job!

    https://www.facebook.com/Mexikolor

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  113. what a great spooky cake! I posted your tutorial, nice job!
    https://www.facebook.com/Mexikolor

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  114. Geee so cute cupcakes in here! I was browsing for more Halloween recipes like Cakes , Halloween Cupcakes and more food ideas. Thanks for sharing and I do hope I could pin some nice photos on my Pinterest boards. Good day!

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Comments are like a giant blog tip jar. Not necessary, but they sure make me feel good. Thanks for your thoughts!