01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract.
04 - Add the dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
05 - Stir in hot water until the batter is smooth. Pour into the prepared pan.
06 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
07 - Crumble the cooled cake into a large mixing bowl. Add prepared cream cheese frosting and blend until the mixture holds together but is not overly sticky.
08 - Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange on a parchment-lined tray. Chill in the freezer for 20 minutes.
09 - Melt white candy melts or white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl according to package instructions.
10 - Dip each lollipop stick tip into melted chocolate, then insert into each cake ball. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to secure.
11 - Dip each chilled cake ball fully into the melted white chocolate, ensuring even coverage. Allow excess to drip off. Place upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to set.
12 - Once coating is set, use colored candy melts, edible marker pens, or decorating gel to create the iris and pupil. Apply red decorating gel or food coloring gel for bloodshot details.
13 - Let all decorations firm up completely before serving.