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Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe – Easy, Delicious, and Perfect for Any Occasion!

Starbucks-style cake pops

Introduction

Who doesn’t love the sweet, irresistible charm of a Starbucks cake pop? These bite-sized treats, coated in a smooth candy shell and bursting with moist, flavorful cake inside, have become a favorite for coffee shop lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re indulging in a treat with your morning latte or grabbing one as a midday pick-me-up, there’s something about these little pops of happiness that makes them truly special. But did you know you can make them at home? This Starbucks cake pop recipe lets you create your own version that tastes just as delicious as the store-bought ones, if not better! Plus, they’re easy, fun to make, and perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

If you’ve ever bitten into a Starbucks cake pop and wished you could have an unlimited supply at home, this recipe is for you!

  • Easy to Make: No complicated techniques, just simple steps that yield perfect cake pops.
  • Delicious & Customizable: Choose your favorite cake flavor, icing, and candy coating for a personalized treat.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, baby shower, or a casual afternoon treat, these cake pops always steal the show.
  • Fun to Make with Kids: Get the little ones involved for a fun baking activity they’ll love.
  • Better than Store-Bought: Fresh, homemade, and made with love—what more could you ask for?

Equipment Needed

To make these Starbucks-style cake pops effortlessly, gather the following tools:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Baking pan (if making cake from scratch)
  • Parchment paper
  • Cake pop sticks (also called lollipop sticks)
  • Microwave-safe bowl (for melting candy coating)
  • Cooling rack
  • Styrofoam block or cake pop stand (for drying the pops)

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box vanilla or chocolate cake mix (or homemade cake equivalent)
  • Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)

For the Frosting:

  • 1/3 cup vanilla or chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade)

For the Coating:

  • 2 cups candy melts (white, pink, or chocolate)
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil (to help with smooth melting)
  • Sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

If using a cake mix, follow the package instructions and bake the cake in a standard baking pan at 350°F (175°C) until fully cooked. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Crumble the Cake

Once cooled, crumble the cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor. The finer the crumbs, the smoother your cake pops will be.

Step 3: Mix in the Frosting

Add the frosting to the crumbled cake and mix until the texture is similar to cookie dough. Start with 1/3 cup frosting, and add more if needed. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together when rolled into a ball.

Step 4: Form the Cake Balls

Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth, evenly sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until firm.

Step 5: Insert Cake Pop Sticks

Melt a small amount of candy melts, dip the tip of each cake pop stick into the melted candy, then insert it into the center of each chilled cake ball. Return to the fridge for another 15 minutes to set.

Step 6: Coat with Candy Melts

Melt the remaining candy melts with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted. Dip each cake pop into the melted candy coating, ensuring even coverage. Gently tap off the excess.

Step 7: Decorate and Dry

Immediately add sprinkles if desired. Place the coated cake pops into a Styrofoam block or cake pop stand to dry completely.

Tips for Success

  • Chill the cake pops before dipping to prevent them from falling off the sticks.
  • Use high-quality candy melts for the best texture and taste.
  • Thin out the coating with a little coconut oil if it’s too thick.
  • Tap gently after dipping to remove excess coating without making the cake pop fall apart.

Variations

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix.
  • Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free frosting and vegan candy melts.
  • Different Flavors: Try red velvet, funfetti, or lemon cake for a unique twist.

Serving Ideas

  • Pair with a homemade Starbucks-inspired latte or frappuccino.
  • Serve at birthdays, baby showers, or holiday parties.
  • Wrap them in cellophane bags with ribbons for cute homemade gifts.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix?

Absolutely! If making from scratch, ensure the cake is moist but not overly dense.

How do I store cake pops?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.

Why are my cake pops falling off the stick?

Ensure the cake balls are chilled before dipping, and don’t use too much frosting.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the cake balls a day in advance and coat them the next day.

Nutritional Information (Per Cake Pop)

  • Calories: 150-180 kcal
  • Carbs: 20g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Sugar: 15g

Concluding Thoughts

Making Starbucks cake pops at home is not only fun but also rewarding. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the same irresistible treats for a fraction of the cost, all while adding your own creative touch. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, these homemade cake pops will surely impress. Give this recipe a try and let me know how they turn out in the comments below!

Love this recipe? Share it with your friends and tag me on social media! 🍰

Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Rest Time: 45 mins Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
Cooking Temp 350  F
Servings 24
Estimated Cost $  20
Calories 180
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Description

This Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe lets you recreate the iconic, irresistibly sweet, and moist cake pops at home! With a smooth candy coating and a rich cake-frosting center, these homemade cake pops are perfect for birthdays, parties, and afternoon treats. They’re easy to make, customizable, and just as delicious—if not better—than the ones at Starbucks!

Ingredients
    For the Cake:
  • 1 box vanilla or chocolate cake mix (or homemade cake equivalent)
  • Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
  • For the Frosting:
  • 1/3 cup vanilla or chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  • For the Coating:
  • 2 cups candy melts (white, pink, or chocolate)
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil (to help with smooth melting)
  • Sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
  1. Bake the Cake

    If using a cake mix, follow the package instructions and bake the cake in a standard baking pan at 350°F (175°C) until fully cooked. Let it cool completely.

  2. Crumble the Cake

     

    Once cooled, crumble the cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor. The finer the crumbs, the smoother your cake pops will be.

  3. Mix in the Frosting

     

    Add the frosting to the crumbled cake and mix until the texture is similar to cookie dough. Start with 1/3 cup frosting, and add more if needed. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together when rolled into a ball.

  4. Form the Cake Balls

     

    Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth, evenly sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until firm

  5. Insert Cake Pop Sticks

     

    Melt a small amount of candy melts, dip the tip of each cake pop stick into the melted candy, then insert it into the center of each chilled cake ball. Return to the fridge for another 15 minutes to set.

  6. Coat with Candy Melts

     

    Melt the remaining candy melts with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted. Dip each cake pop into the melted candy coating, ensuring even coverage. Gently tap off the excess.

  7. Decorate and Dry

     

    Immediately add sprinkles if desired. Place the coated cake pops into a Styrofoam block or cake pop stand to dry completely.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 ServingCalories:180kcalTotal Fat:8gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol:10mgSodium:90mgPotassium:40mgTotal Carbohydrate:20gDietary Fiber: 0.5gSugars: 15gProtein:2g

Note
  • Chill the cake pops before dipping to prevent them from falling off the sticks.
  • Use high-quality candy melts for the best texture and taste.
  • Thin out the coating with a little coconut oil if it’s too thick.
  • Tap gently after dipping to remove excess coating without making the cake pop fall apart.