Q1: What is the absolute, number one secret to getting a perfect, even candy shell in a silicone mold?

The secret is to use a small, clean, food-safe paintbrush . After you have poured the melted candy into the mold, use the brush to paint the candy up the sides of the mold, making sure to get it into all the little crevices. It is also a great idea to do two thin coats of the candy, letting the first one set in the refrigerator for a few minutes before you add the second. This will create a sturdier shell.

Q2: What are candy melts, and can I use regular white chocolate instead?

Candy melts are a type of confectionery coating that is specifically designed to melt easily and to set up with a hard, shiny finish without any complicated "tempering." You can use a high-quality white chocolate, but for the most vibrant colors and the easiest, most foolproof result, candy melts are highly recommended for this project.

Q3: Can I make these Cake Pop Brains ahead of time for a party?

Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead party treat! You can prepare the entire recipe and store the finished, unmolded brains in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before your party.

Q4: Where can I buy the silicone brain molds?

You can typically find silicone brain-shaped molds in the seasonal Halloween section of most major craft stores , or you can easily find a wide variety of them online .

Q5: How do I get my cake pop filling to the right consistency?

The key is to add your frosting a little bit at a time . The goal is a moist, moldable texture that is similar to a thick dough or a modeling clay. If you add too much frosting, the filling can become too wet and greasy.

Gory Cake Pop Brains (The Perfect Halloween Treat!)

A festive and gory-themed recipe for ‘Cake Pop Brains,’ perfect for a Halloween party. This no-bake treat uses silicone brain molds to create the shape. An outer shell is made from colored candy melting wafers or ruby chocolate. This shell is then filled with a ‘bloody’ layer of red-tinted raspberry jam and a center of a classic cake pop mixture, made from crumbled red velvet cake and vanilla frosting. The brains are chilled to set and then unmolded for a spooky surprise.

Author: Grace

Ingredients

4 cups crumbled red velvet cake
3 tablespoons vanilla frosting, plus more if needed
8 ounces lime green, purple, or orange candy melting wafers or ruby chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
Red food coloring
1 to 2 teaspoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening (if needed)

Instructions

Special Equipment: You will need eight 2-inch-wide silicone brain molds.
Make the Cake Pop Filling: In a stand mixer, combine the crumbled cake and frosting. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and holds together when pressed. Set aside.
Melt the Candy: Place about two-thirds of the candy melting wafers in a double boiler over simmering water. Heat, stirring, until almost completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining one-third of the wafers until the mixture is entirely smooth.
Create the Shells: Divide about two-thirds of the melted candy mixture among the eight silicone brain molds. Use a small brush to evenly coat the inside of each mold completely. Refrigerate for a few minutes to set the shells.
Prepare the ‘Blood’ Filling: In a small bowl, combine the raspberry jam with a few drops of red food coloring to intensify the color. Stir in a few drops of water if needed to make the jam fluid but not runny.
Assemble the Brains: When the candy shells are set, divide the red jam among them. Mold the cake mixture into balls and press them firmly into the molds on top of the jam. Shave the cake mixture so it is flush with the top of the molds.
Smooth the remaining melted candy mixture over the top to cover the cake and seal the brains. Let them set at room temperature for at least 40 minutes, or in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Gently press the finished brains out of the molds and serve.

Notes

This is a no-bake recipe that relies on molding and chilling. Using pre-made, crumbled cake and frosting is a key shortcut.
It is important to coat the inside of the silicone molds thoroughly with the melted candy to create a solid shell with no gaps.
Do not refrigerate the candy shells for too long before filling, as they can become brittle and crack when you unmold them.

Find it online: https://www.eatswithsoul.com/gory-cake-pop-brains/