How to use your ENCO Oil Based Food Color to Paint Cake Pops
To color cake pop coating, melt white candy melts or white chocolate, stir in oil based food coloring a little at a time until the shade is even, then dip your chilled cake pops. Use our ENCO's oil based colors rather than gel: the water in gel can turn melted coating thick and grainy.
Why oil-based color works for cake pops
Candy melts, white chocolate and compound coating are fat-based. Water-based colors like gels and liquids don't blend into fat, and even a little moisture can make coating seize. ENCO Oil Based Food Colors use an oil-based carrier, so they mix smoothly into fat-based coatings without changing their flavor or texture.
What you'll need
- White candy melts or white chocolate (start white for the truest colors)
- ENCO Oil Based Food Colors in the shades you want
- Chilled cake pop balls on sticks
- A deep, narrow microwave-safe cup (a mug works well) and a silicone spatula
- Sprinkles and a foam block for drying
- Optional: paramount crystals, refined coconut oil or melted cocoa butter for thinning
Step by step
- Chill the cake balls until firm, but not frozen. Frozen balls can make the coating crack.
- Melt the coating in short microwave bursts at reduced power, stirring between each one, until smooth. Overheating makes coating thick.
- Shake the color bottle well, then add color a little at a time. Stir thoroughly after each addition.
- Test the shade. Drip a little on parchment and let it set. The color can look different once it hardens.
- Adjust. Add more color for a deeper shade. If the coating has thickened, thin it (see the table below).
- Dip. Dip the tip of the stick in coating, push it about halfway into the cake ball, then dip the ball straight down. Lift, tap the stick gently against your wrist and turn slowly so the excess drips off.
- Decorate right away with sprinkles, then stand the pops upright in a foam block until set.
FAQ
Can I use ENCO's food color gels in candy melts?
It isn't recommended. Gel is water-based, and water can make candy melts thick and grainy. Use an oil based color instead.
Can I reheat coating after coloring it?
Yes. Warm it gently in short bursts and stir. Avoid overheating.
Where can I buy oil based colors for cake pops?
Shop ENCO Oil Based Food Colors on our Amazon Store.