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Homemade Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe

Homemade Starbucks Cake Pop

Prep 45 minutes
Cook 30 minutes
Total 3 hours 15 minutes
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! 🎂🍭
    Starbucks cake pop instruction

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