Bubbles of Love: Cake Pop Creations Football Season Gifting For Him Giveaway and Review~ 2/5

Momma Told Me: Cake is for birthdays.

To begin, I should state I am not, personally, a big fan of cake. This is in part due to the massive amounts of butter cream frosting commercial outlets glop on, in an effort to make their cakes seem more 'rich'. Let's be honest, most supermarket bakeries pump out more frosting than actual cake in their creations, and they can leave a nasty aftertaste and tummy ache. As a child, I always liked the taste of Momma's cakes best. Two 9" pans, a single tub of frosting and Betty Crocker was all she needed to make something I then considered culinary perfection. But, as a child, a war raged. You see, despite the fact merely thinking about those plastic commercial icings made me scrunch my nose in disgust, those clever 'big name' bakers had another trick up their sleeve. They turned offensive frosting into edible art, with cartoon characters and elaborate candles; enough to entice any passing child. We'd get to the grocer each Wednesday and I'd run to the bakery to see that week's creations and paw through the order book. I'd pull out my allowance and start pleading with Momma just to buy a 'small one'. But she'd remain firm, "Cake is for birthdays!"

As an adult I've never been one to give, or receive, traditional gifts. Flower bouquets are nice, but they are also quite costly and can only bring so much enjoyment. Its because of this I gravitate towards gift baskets and edible arrangements, or chocolate covered gifts. So you can imagine my excitement when I discovered the popular 'cake pop' trend had been merged with occasion gifting. Bouquets made from decadent cake bits, dipped in various chocolates and confections, then drizzles and dunked with a myriad of toppings; sign me up! This is the mission of Cake Pop Creations, serving colorful gifts of bundles cake pop confections. For those unfamiliar with the gourmet sweet trend sweeping the country, 'cake pops' are extra moist (1-2")balls of cake, dipped in an assortments of chocolate shell finishes, and served on a stick. These single serving cake bites may not seem like a lot, but are the perfect way to enjoy multiple flavors, and can be quite rich in themselves!

Cake is incredibly hot right now, from Cupcake Wars (and personal pop-up cupcake shops nationwide), to the national chain Starbucks carrying cake pops. While there are plenty of handmade and start up businesses jumping in on the craze with fancy faces and character resemblances, Cake Pop Creations focuses on fun and impactful gifting, with big flavor. Their artisan cake pops range from the widely popular Cookies and Cream to the unique 'Mmmmm Donuts' and Campfire flavors. You'll find CPC Style Birthday arrangements, everyday 'just because' collections, and even seasonal decorative creations like the current Valentine's Collection with retro-modern "Love Bites" bouquet/ bucket? and the imminently appropriate Super Bowl category! Instead of simply relying on classic vanilla and chocolate for their bases Cake Pop Creations offers a unique flavor choice for every unique creation.

These aren't just cake pops with fancy decorations, they're an entire experience, beautifully arranged, and packaged with a keepsake mug or pail. Creations are sold in dozens, up to 3 (36 cake pops), though they are happy to accommodate large requests for special events. Surprisingly, pricing starts at just $26 (mug), and range upwards to $61, with an optional teddy bear. All orders are shipped in cold-safe packaging, with next day to ground options, and include the sender's choice of personalized message. But getting back to gifting for men- and the quickest way to a man's heart, his stomach. Cake Pop Creations ties in most men's favorite things with an edible homage to their favorite football team, in the limited edition Touchdown! Creation featuring brand new CRUNCHLE football cake pops!

I received a 2 Dozen Touchdown! Creation from Cake Pop Creations, for consideration here on Momma Told Me during Bubbles of Love. Combining chocolate and vanilla cake pops, enrobed in chocolate shells of your designated team colors, with a fun sugar dusted coat, this a wonderful gift for any football fan in your life. With the Super Bowl right around the corner, be sure to order one for your upcoming Super Bowl party today! My Cake Pop Creation arrived nestled inside a protective and crush proof Styrofoam shelter, with 4 corner based ice packs for freshness. The entire creation was wrapped inside cellophane with matching ribbon. The 12 pops were neatly arranged, held in place by a Styrofoam block, bursting out of turf green keepsake pail.

In the name of disclosure I should note that I am one of the very first to receive this top secret, new CPC Creation. Because Cake Pop Creator Nick is still working out the kinks, the very top pop on my display arrived a little smashed. The actual pop was smushed down to the middle of the stick, a minor cosmetic issue best remedied by 'taste testing' and removing before display. The company would like to note that customer service is their topmost priority, and for truly smashed cake pops, they are happy to issue a significant discount off a future purchase. In the event your creation ever arrives inedible, or predominantly damaged, they are happy to arrange a replacement. Personally, I am continually amazed with the level of communication and care on CPC's part, and impressed as to how they manage to transport these beautiful (edible) creations so successfully!

Once the exterior cellophane was removed, the cake pops were un-protected. The company suggests storing the cake pops in the fridge, if they are not consumed within the first day of unwrapping (for maximum freshness). On the back of the creation's hang tag is a suggested 'Enjoy by Date'. Something I especially loved about CPC's cake pops were the extra long, easy to handle sticks. Many cake pops will often crumble if they are not eaten in one bite. These were moist and featured a light shell that enhanced the cake's flavor (as a good frosting was originally intended to do). In addition, they were easy to eat, for a clean treat to snack on, or wonderful entertaining accent. Perhaps the most unique aspect of this creation (shown above) were the CRUNCHLE football pops. Exclusive to CPC, these CRUNCHLE pops are essentially a double thick walled, football shaped pop with rice crunchy texture, that breaks way for an extra moist chocolate center. Even at room temperature, these made a delightful 'popping' sound as I bit into them, and were quite the treat in themselves! Customize your own Cake Pop Creation with team colors for football season, or to simply match the recipient's personality. The easy price tiers and many options ensures there's a creation for every budget and palette!

What Daughter Says: Who said cake is for birthdays and weddings? Break the stereotypes and send a bit of cheer on a stick today!

One Momma Told Me follower will win a 2 Dozen Cake Pop Creation of their choice!

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