Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the delightful world of cake pops with this easy copycat recipe inspired by Starbucks. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat at home!

Aubrey Collins

Created by

Aubrey Collins

Last updated on 2025-12-18T15:00:35.601Z

This cake pop recipe is a fun way to recreate the beloved Starbucks treat in your own kitchen. With a simple combination of cake and frosting, you'll have delicious bites that are perfect for any occasion!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor that satisfies your sweet tooth
  • Cute, bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing
  • Easy to customize with different flavors and decorations

The Joy of Cake Pops

Cake pops are more than just a treat; they are a celebration on a stick! These delightful morsels are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to festive gatherings. Their small size makes them easy to serve, and their vibrant colors and toppings invite a sense of joy and creativity. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor that will leave your guests wanting more.

Creating cake pops at home allows you to express your culinary creativity. You can experiment with various cake flavors, fillings, and coatings. Whether you prefer classic vanilla or decadent red velvet, the possibilities are endless. For those who love to decorate, this recipe lets you add a personal touch with sprinkles, nuts, or even themed designs for holidays and special events.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Starbucks-inspired cake pops are not just delicious; they are also versatile. Serve them at kids’ birthday parties, bridal showers, or even as a sweet surprise at the office. Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for parties where guests can indulge without overdoing it. Plus, they are a great conversation starter, and their cute presentation will impress anyone at your gathering.

If you’re looking for a fun activity, making cake pops can be a fantastic bonding experience. Invite friends or family to join in the fun of rolling and decorating. Kids especially love this hands-on approach, allowing them to unleash their creativity while learning basic baking techniques. It’s a wonderful way to make memories while enjoying a delicious treat together.

Storage and Tips

Once your cake pops are made, storing them properly is crucial to maintaining their freshness. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

For the best results, ensure that your cake pops are fully cooled before coating them. This prevents the coating from melting and ensures a smooth finish. Additionally, if you're using different types of candy melts, experiment with flavor combinations, like adding a hint of peppermint extract or vanilla to your chocolate coating for a delightful twist.

Ingredients

Cake Base

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

Frosting

  • 1 cup chocolate frosting

Coating

  • 2 cups chocolate candy melts
  • Sprinkles for decoration
  • Lollipop sticks

Gather all your ingredients before you start for a smooth baking experience!

Instructions

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let it cool completely.

Prepare the Cake Pops

Once the cake has cooled, crumble it into a large mixing bowl. Add the chocolate frosting and mix until the cake is well coated and holds together. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet.

Freeze for about 15 minutes.

Coat the Cake Pops

Melt the chocolate candy melts according to package instructions. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it into the center of each cake pop. Dip the entire cake pop into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off.

Decorate with sprinkles while the coating is still wet. Place the cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or a cake pop stand to set.

Once set, your cake pops are ready to serve!

Common Questions About Cake Pops

One of the most frequently asked questions about cake pops is how to prevent them from falling off the sticks. To ensure a secure hold, make sure to chill the cake pop balls before dipping them. This helps them firm up, making it less likely for them to separate from the stick once coated. Also, dipping the stick in melted chocolate before inserting it into the cake ball creates a ‘glue’ effect that keeps everything together.

Another common concern is the perfect consistency of the cake mixture. It should be moist but not overly wet. If the mixture is too crumbly, consider adding a bit more frosting until it holds together nicely. On the other hand, if it’s too wet, add a little more cake crumble. Finding the right balance will ensure your cake pops turn out perfectly.

Creative Variations

While this recipe is a fantastic starting point, the beauty of cake pops lies in their versatility. Try substituting the chocolate cake mix with a vanilla or lemon-flavored cake for a refreshing twist. You can also use different types of frosting to match the cake flavor, like cream cheese frosting for red velvet or buttercream for vanilla cake pops.

For those who love a crunch, consider rolling the dipped cake pops in crushed nuts, cookie crumbs, or even shredded coconut. These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add an appealing texture that elevates your cake pops. Don’t hesitate to experiment with colors and flavors to create themed cake pops for holidays or special occasions!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, you can easily substitute with any flavor of your choice!

→ How do I store leftover cake pops?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze the cake balls ahead of time, then dip them in chocolate when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of candy melts?

You can use chocolate chips or tempered chocolate as an alternative.

Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Indulge in the delightful world of cake pops with this easy copycat recipe inspired by Starbucks. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat at home!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Aubrey Collins

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 12 cake pops

What You'll Need

Cake Base

  1. 1 box chocolate cake mix
  2. 3 large eggs
  3. 1 cup water
  4. 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Frosting

  1. 1 cup chocolate frosting

Coating

  1. 2 cups chocolate candy melts
  2. Sprinkles for decoration
  3. Lollipop sticks

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

Step 02

Once the cake has cooled, crumble it into a large mixing bowl. Add the chocolate frosting and mix until the cake is well coated and holds together. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 15 minutes.

Step 03

Melt the chocolate candy melts according to package instructions. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it into the center of each cake pop. Dip the entire cake pop into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Decorate with sprinkles while the coating is still wet. Place the cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or a cake pop stand to set.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 1g