Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Enjoy the delicious taste of Starbucks cake pops from the comfort of your home with this easy copycat recipe.

Eliza Thornton

Created by

Eliza Thornton

Last updated on 2025-12-19T15:00:58.934Z

This easy copycat Starbucks cake pop recipe brings the joy of the café to your kitchen. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat any day!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Decadent chocolate flavor that satisfies your sweet tooth
  • Fun and festive treat that’s perfect for gatherings
  • Customizable with your favorite cake flavors and toppings

The Joy of Homemade Cake Pops

There's something truly magical about making cake pops at home. Not only do you get to enjoy the delightful process of baking, but you also have the freedom to customize every aspect of your treats. From the cake flavor to the frosting, your cake pops can be uniquely yours. This recipe captures the essence of those beloved Starbucks cake pops while allowing you to tailor them to your taste. It’s a fun and creative way to spend time in the kitchen, especially with loved ones.

Cake pops aren't just a dessert; they’re an experience. They can turn an ordinary day into a festive celebration. Whether it's a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or simply a treat for yourself, homemade cake pops are sure to impress. Their adorable appearance and delightful bite-sized nature make them a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch adds an extra layer of joy to your baking adventure.

Customization and Variations

One of the best parts about this cake pop recipe is its versatility. While the classic chocolate cake is always a hit, you can easily switch things up by using different cake flavors. Vanilla, red velvet, or even carrot cake could all make delightful options. This opens up a world of possibilities for flavor combinations and creative toppings. Experiment with various frostings, like cream cheese or buttercream, to further enhance your cake pops.

Toppings are another area where you can let your creativity shine. While sprinkles are a popular choice, consider crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of caramel or white chocolate for a unique twist. You can also color the candy melts to match a theme or occasion, making your cake pops not just tasty but visually stunning as well. The sky's the limit when it comes to personalizing your cake pops!

Perfecting Your Technique

Achieving the perfect cake pop requires a bit of technique, but don’t worry—it's easier than you might think! The key is to ensure that your cake balls are firm enough to hold their shape but not too dry. A good tip is to chill the cake balls before dipping them in chocolate. This helps them maintain their form and prevents them from crumbling during the dipping process. Taking the time to chill your cake balls will lead to a more polished and appealing final product.

When it comes to dipping your cake pops, a steady hand and patience are essential. Dip the lollipop stick into the melted chocolate before inserting it into the cake ball; this helps secure it in place. When dipping, allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the pop upright to set. If you find the chocolate is too thick, you can thin it out with a little vegetable oil to achieve a smoother coating. With practice, you’ll master the art of making beautiful, professional-looking cake pops!

Ingredients

For the Cake Pops

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 bag chocolate candy melts
  • Lollipop sticks
  • Sprinkles (optional)

Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before starting.

Instructions

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Mix the cake ingredients and bake in a greased pan. Let it cool completely.

Crumble the Cake

Once the cake is cool, crumble it into a large bowl. Add the frosting and mix until well combined.

Form the Cake Balls

Using your hands, form small balls (about 1 inch) from the cake mixture and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Chill the Cake Balls

Refrigerate the cake balls for about 30 minutes to firm them up.

Melt the Candy Coating

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate candy melts according to package instructions until smooth.

Dip and Decorate

Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it into a cake ball. Dip the entire cake pop into the chocolate and allow excess to drip off. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.

Let Set

Place the finished cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or stand to let the chocolate set completely.

Enjoy your delicious homemade cake pops!

Storing Your Cake Pops

Once your cake pops are set and beautifully decorated, storing them properly is key to maintaining their freshness. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or you can refrigerate them if you want to keep them longer. Just be mindful that refrigeration may cause the chocolate coating to lose some of its shine. If you want to freeze them, make sure they are completely firm before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to a month in the freezer!

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cake pops, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This keeps them tasting fresh and delicious. Remember to avoid stacking them to prevent any damage to the decorations. With proper storage, you can savor these delightful treats over time!

Serving Suggestions

Cake pops are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They can be displayed at parties, given as gifts, or even enjoyed as a sweet pick-me-up during the day. For a festive touch, consider placing them in a decorative vase or container filled with rice or foam to keep them upright. This not only makes a stunning presentation but also allows guests to easily grab a treat as they mingle.

You can also pair your cake pops with beverages for a delightful snack experience. They go wonderfully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside a dessert platter featuring other treats like cookies and brownies for a sweet buffet that will please any crowd. With their bite-sized nature, cake pops are perfect for any occasion, making them a must-have treat!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cake flavor?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with vanilla, red velvet, or any other flavor you like.

→ How long can I store cake pops?

Cake pops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze cake pops?

Yes, once dipped and decorated, you can freeze cake pops for up to a month. Just let them thaw in the fridge before serving.

→ What kind of frosting works best?

Any creamy frosting will work, but buttercream or cream cheese frosting adds a nice flavor.

Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Enjoy the delicious taste of Starbucks cake pops from the comfort of your home with this easy copycat recipe.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Eliza Thornton

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 cake pops

What You'll Need

For the Cake Pops

  1. 1 box chocolate cake mix
  2. 3 eggs
  3. 1 cup water
  4. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  5. 1 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  6. 1 bag chocolate candy melts
  7. Lollipop sticks
  8. Sprinkles (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Mix the cake ingredients and bake in a greased pan. Let it cool completely.

Step 02

Once the cake is cool, crumble it into a large bowl. Add the frosting and mix until well combined.

Step 03

Using your hands, form small balls (about 1 inch) from the cake mixture and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 04

Refrigerate the cake balls for about 30 minutes to firm them up.

Step 05

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate candy melts according to package instructions until smooth.

Step 06

Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it into a cake ball. Dip the entire cake pop into the chocolate and allow excess to drip off. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.

Step 07

Place the finished cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or stand to let the chocolate set completely.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 2g