Using cake pop sticks to hold cake pops together is the traditional method, but some bakers like to get creative and try using straws instead. Straws can add a fun flair to cake pops and are easier for little hands to hold. However, there are some important considerations when deciding whether to use straws or sticks.
Pros of Using Straws
There are a few potential benefits to using straws for cake pops instead of sticks:
- Easier for kids to hold – Straws are thicker than thin wooden sticks, so they are easier for small children to grip. This makes cake pops on straws a better option for birthday parties or events with lots of kids.
- Fun colors and patterns – You can find straws in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns. Using patterned or striped straws can add to the visual appeal of the cake pops.
- Sturdier – Plastic straws tend to be more sturdy than wooden sticks, which can sometimes snap in half. The thicker plastic helps support the weight of the cake pop.
- Reusable – Straws are reusable if you clean them well between uses. Wooden sticks are single use.
- Eco-friendly options – You can purchase reusable stainless steel or glass straws. These sustainable options allow you to reuse straws without creating plastic waste.
The variety of options with straws allows you to get really creative with decorating cake pops. You aren’t limited to plain white sticks and can use straws to complement the theme, colors, and designs.
Cons of Using Straws
However, there are also a few downsides to using straws instead of sticks:
- Difficult to insert – Pushing sticks into cake pops is easy. Inserting straws can be challenging because they are thicker and more rigid. The cake pops may break apart if you try to force straws in.
- Less support – Thin sticks provide more stability in the center of cake pops. Thicker straws don’t extend all the way through the cake, which can make pops prone to falling over.
- Hard to display – It can be tricky to display cake pops upright on straws for an extended period of time. Gravity takes over and they begin to droop or lean.
- Limit frosting options – You need a very firm frosting or candy coating to attach straws firmly. Softer buttercreams and ganaches may not hold well.
- More expensive – Straws tend to cost more than basic cake pop sticks, especially if you opt for reusable stainless steel or glass.
While using straws allows for more creativity, the structural and practical issues cause problems. Cake pops need stability while displayed and straws may not provide that.
Best Practices for Using Straws
If you do want to work with straws, here are some tips:
- Use thick straws – Thin straws for juice boxes will be too unstable. Opt for thicker milkshake or boba straws.
- Sturdy base – Insert sticks halfway down the cake pop before inserting the straw for extra stability.
- Firm coating – Use candy melts, compound chocolate, or glossy fudge instead of softer frostings.
- Display right away – Don’t make pops too far ahead of time. Display immediately so they don’t have time to lean.
- Thick cake – Use pound cake, cookies, or brownies to make a solid cake base.
- Horizontal display – Lay pops flat or insert sticks into a foam base instead of displaying upright.
Following these best practices can help ensure your straw cake pops have maximum stability. But it still takes precision and care to keep them standing tall.
Straw Cake Pop Recipe
If you want to experiment with straw cake pops, here is a recipe to follow:
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix, any flavor
- 1⁄4 cup butter, softened
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 ounces prepared frosting
- 10 ounces candy melts
- Cake pop sticks or straws
Instructions
- Bake cake according to package directions. Allow to cool completely.
- Crumble cake into a large bowl. Add butter, milk, and vanilla. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into one inch balls. Insert a stick or straw halfway into each ball.
- Freeze cake balls for 30-60 minutes until firm.
- Melt candy melts according to package directions. Dip each cake pop and tap off excess.
- Sprinkle with decorations if desired. Allow chocolate to set.
You can get creative with flavors, decorations, and packaging. Just be sure to use thick straws and sturdy cake for the best results.
Cake Pop Display Ideas
Presenting your beautiful cake pops is half the fun. Here are some creative ways to display straw or stick cake pops:
- Cake pop stand
- Styrofoam block
- Mason jars
- Paper muffin liners in a cupcake tray
- Propped in glasses
- Mini flower pots
You can group your cake pops by flavor, decorations, or color. Or place signs in front of each display noting the different flavors.
Cake Pop Packaging Ideas
For to-go cake pops, package them creatively:
- Cellophane bags
- Boxes
- Food containers
- Party cones
- Wrapped in tissue paper
You can find many types of cake pop boxes, bags, and wrappers online. Just be sure to package them carefully so the straws or sticks don’t poke through!
Troubleshooting Straw Cake Pops
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Cake pops won’t stay on straws |
|
| Frosting too soft |
|
| Difficult to dip pops |
|
Troubleshooting cake pops on straws takes some trial and error. But the right techniques and ingredients will help you make picture perfect pops.
Conclusion
Cake pops with straws allow you to add flair and fun to your treats. But they require precision, structural support, and the right frosting consistency to turn out. Weigh the pros and cons and make sure to follow best practices when using straws.
With thicker straws, sturdy cake bases, and firm coatings, you can make straw cake pops work wonderfully. Get creative with colors and decorations to make them truly one of a kind. Just be ready to provide a bit more TLC to keep them standing tall on those straws.