How To Make Homemade Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe

With a rich, moist cake center and a sweet candy coating! So cute, so delicious. Just like your favorite coffee shop treat!

When that glass case of treats beckons at Starbucks, it’s nearly impossible to resist those perfectly round, beautifully decorated cake pops. I still remember my first Homemade Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe experience – one bite of that dense, moist cake interior wrapped in smooth chocolate coating, and I was hooked. What if I told you that you could recreate this beloved treat in your own kitchen? Today, I’m sharing my perfected Starbucks cake pop recipe that will satisfy your cravings without the coffee shop price tag.

What Makes Homemade Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe ?

Starbucks cake pops have achieved cult status for good reason. Unlike typical homemade cake pops that can be crumbly or too sweet, Starbucks creates the perfect balance of:

• Density: The cake interior has a uniquely fudgy, compact texture
• Moisture: Never dry, these pops maintain the perfect cake-to-frosting ratio
• Coating: The candy shell is thin yet sturdy, cracking perfectly with each bite
• Decoration: Simple yet eye-catching designs that make them instantly recognizable

The secret lies in their technique of mixing crumbled cake with just the right amount of frosting, then chilling thoroughly before dipping. Let’s recreate this magic at home with our easy Starbucks cake pop recipe.

Flavor Variations

Recreate these popular Starbucks cake pop flavors with these simple variations:

Birthday Cake Pop

• Use vanilla cake with rainbow sprinkles mixed into the batter
• Coat with pink candy melts
• Decorate with colorful sprinkles

Chocolate Cake Pop

• Substitute chocolate cake mix for vanilla
• Mix with chocolate frosting
• Coat with milk chocolate candy melts
• Optional: sprinkle with chocolate shavings

Cookie Dough Cake Pop

• Use vanilla cake mix
• Mix in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
• Coat with light brown candy melts
• Drizzle with melted chocolate

Red Velvet Cake Pop

• Use red velvet cake mix
• Mix with cream cheese frosting
• Coat with white chocolate
• Drizzle with red candy melts or red velvet cake crumbs

Dipping and Decorating Guide

The perfect Starbucks cake pop is all about the coating technique:

• Temperature matters. Both the cake balls and coating should be at the right temperature. Cake balls should be cold but not frozen, and coating should be warm but not hot.
• Proper consistency. The coating should flow like thick honey. If too thick, add more shortening; if too thin, let it cool slightly.
• Quick, complete dip. Submerge the entire cake pop in one smooth motion and remove it the same way to avoid air bubbles or uneven coating.
• The tap technique. After dipping, gently tap your wrist (not the stick itself) to allow excess coating to drip off while rotating the pop for even coverage.
• Decoration timing: Add sprinkles immediately after dipping each pop, before the coating sets.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Cake pops can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Unfrosted cake balls can be frozen for up to 6 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator before dipping.
• Display: If displaying cake pops, keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Homemade Starbucks Cake Pops

• Chill between each step: This prevents the cake pops from falling apart during dipping.
• Don’t overmix with frosting: The mixture should be just moist enough to hold together.
• Work in small batches: Keep unused cake balls refrigerated while working.
• Fix cracks quickly: If the coating cracks, quickly smooth it with a toothpick dipped in warm coating.
• Prevent falling pops: If cake pops are falling off the stick, they may be too heavy or warm. Try making them smaller or chilling them longer.
• Even sizing: Use a cookie scoop for consistent cake pop sizes.

Homemade Starbucks Cake Pop

Prep 45 minutes mins

Cook 30 minutes mins

Total 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

With a rich, moist cake center and a sweet candy coating! So cute, so delicious. Just like your favorite coffee shop treat!

5 stars ( 2 ratings)

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Ingredients

  

For the Cake Base:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix 15.25 oz
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cake Pop Mixture:

• Prepared cake above
• ½ cup vanilla frosting store-bought or homemade
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract optional for enhanced flavor

For the Coating:

• 16 oz candy melts or white chocolate pink or chocolate for classic versions
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening or coconut oil for thinning
• Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

• ❶ Bake the Cake

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pan.

  In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, water, and vanilla extract.

  Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.

  Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28-32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  Cool completely on a wire rack (about 1-2 hours).

  ❷ Prepare the Cake Pop Mixture

  Once cooled, crumble the cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl using a food processor or your hands.

  Add ¼ cup of frosting and mix well.

  Test the consistency by rolling a small amount into a ball—it should hold its shape without being too sticky or dry.

  Add more frosting, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture reaches the perfect texture.

  Pro Tip: Avoid adding too much frosting, as it makes the cake pops overly sweet and soft. A firmer texture (like Starbucks cake pops) is ideal!

  ❸ Shape the Cake Pops

  Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out equal amounts.

  Roll each portion into smooth, even balls (about 1½ inches in diameter).

  Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or freeze for 30 minutes until firm.

  ❹ Prepare for Dipping

  Melt candy melts or chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

  If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of shortening or coconut oil to thin the coating.

  The coating should be smooth and slightly runny but not watery.

  Let it cool slightly before dipping (about 5 minutes).

  ❺ Assemble and Dip

  Remove a few cake balls from the fridge at a time (keep the rest chilled).

  Dip the tip of each lollipop stick ½ inch into the melted coating.

  Insert the coated end into a cake ball, pushing it about halfway through.

  Refrigerate the cake pops for 5 minutes to set the stick.

  Dip each pop completely into the melted coating, ensuring full coverage.

  Gently tap the stick against the bowl to remove excess coating.

  Immediately add sprinkles before the coating sets.

  Place the dipped cake pops in a Styrofoam block or cake pop stand to dry.

  ❻ Finishing Touches

  Allow the cake pops to set at room temperature or in the fridge (about 30 minutes).

  For extra decorations, drizzle contrasting melted candy melts over the set cake pops.

  Enjoy your homemade cake pops! 🎂🍭
  

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