Starbucks Cake Pop Copycat Recipe: Easy Homemade Version for Delicious Treats

I remember the first time I bit into a Starbucks cake pop. The perfect blend of moist cake and creamy frosting, all dipped in a smooth chocolate shell, felt like a little piece of heaven. But getting your hands on them can be tricky and pricey.

That’s why I decided to create this copycat recipe. Now, you can enjoy these delicious treats right at home, customized to your taste. Whether you’re planning a party or just craving something sweet, this Starbucks Cake Pop copycat recipe is sure to satisfy your dessert cravings.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 box of yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

For the Frosting

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Shell

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

For Assembly

• 12 lollipop sticks
• Sprinkles or decorative toppings of your choice

Tools And Equipment

• Mixing Bowls: Medium-sized bowls for combining cake and frosting.
• Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer: For whipping the frosting smooth.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential.
• Small Saucepan: To melt the chocolate shell.
• Microwave-Safe Bowls or Double Boiler: For gently melting chocolate without burning.
• Spatula: To mix and spread ingredients.
• Piping Bags or Spoons: For shaping the cake pops.
• Lollipop Sticks: To hold the cake pops securely.
• Styrofoam Block or Cake Pop Stand: To stabilize cake pops while setting.
• Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
• Refrigerator: To chill cake balls during preparation.

Directions

Follow these steps to create your own delectable Starbucks-inspired cake pops at home.

Prepare The Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 box of yellow cake mix and 4 large eggs.
3. Add 1/2 cup of vegetable oil and 1 cup of water to the mixture.
4. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely before handling.

Make The Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, sift together 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1/4 cup of softened butter.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk.
3. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
4. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar if too thin or more milk if too thick.

Form The Cake Pops

1. Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl until it resembles fine crumbs.
2. Gradually add the prepared frosting to the crumbs, mixing until the mixture holds together.
3. Use your hands to form small, golf ball-sized cake balls.
4. Insert a lollipop stick into each cake ball, ensuring it is centered.

Chill The Cake Pops

1. Place the cake pops on a parchment-lined tray.
2. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, making them easier to dip.

Melt The Chocolate

1. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over low heat.
2. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to a suitable dipping temperature.

Dip The Cake Pops

1. Hold each chilled cake pop by the stick.
2. Dip into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coat.
3. Gently tap the stick against the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
4. Place the dipped cake pop back onto the parchment-lined tray.

Decorate The Cake Pops

1. While the chocolate is still wet, add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or drizzles of contrasting chocolate.
2. Customize each cake pop with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.

Let The Coating Set

1. Allow the dipped and decorated cake pops to sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens.
2. For faster setting, place them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
3. Once set, your homemade Starbucks-style cake pops are ready to enjoy!

Make-Ahead Instructions

I find that preparing these Starbucks-style cake pops ahead of time makes hosting a breeze and ensures you always have a delightful treat on hand. Follow these steps to make your cake pops in advance without sacrificing their scrumptiousness.

Preparing the Cake Pops for Storage

1. Assemble the Cake Pops: Complete the recipe by mixing, baking, frosting, and dipping your cake pops. Allow the chocolate coating to fully set before proceeding.
2. Arrange for Storage: Place each cake pop upright in a sturdy container or a dedicated cake pop box. If you don’t have a cake pop box, use a shallow container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Refrigeration: For storage up to one week, keep the cake pops in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and maintains their texture.
4. Freezing: To store the cake pops for longer periods, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap. Then, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Thawing and Serving

1. Thawing: Remove the cake pops from the freezer and transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. If they were refrigerated initially, they’re ready to serve as is.
2. Room Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, let the cake pops sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Tips for Best Results

• Avoid Moisture: Ensure all components are completely dry before storing to prevent the chocolate from becoming soggy.
• Separate Layers: If stacking cake pops, place parchment paper between layers to minimize damage.
• Labeling: Mark your containers with the date to keep track of freshness.

Make-Ahead Storage Table

By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy delicious homemade cake pops anytime and share them with friends and family effortlessly.

Conclusion

Making these cake pops has been such a fun and rewarding experience for me. There’s something special about creating a treat that tastes just like your favorite Starbucks version without stepping out the door. Plus, customizing them allows for endless creative possibilities which is always exciting.

I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these homemade cake pops as much as I do. They’re perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat to brighten your day. Give the recipe a try and let me know how yours turn out. Happy baking!