Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Enjoy the delightful taste of Starbucks cake pops right at home with this easy copycat recipe.

Natalie Briggs

Created by

Natalie Briggs

Last updated on 2025-12-19T14:01:01.849Z

This Starbucks cake pop recipe is a fun and delicious way to recreate the beloved treat at home. Perfect for parties or as a sweet indulgence!

Why You'll Love These Cake Pops

  • Light and moist cake with a creamy coating
  • Customizable flavors to suit your taste
  • Perfectly bite-sized for a sweet treat on-the-go

The Joy of Homemade Cake Pops

Making cake pops at home is not only a fun activity but also a rewarding one. You can enjoy the satisfaction of creating these adorable treats from scratch, tailoring them to your preferences. Whether you’re preparing for a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a sweet indulgence for yourself, these cake pops are guaranteed to impress. Plus, they make great gifts for friends and family!

One of the best parts about making cake pops is the endless flavor possibilities. With just a simple cake mix as your base, you can customize the flavors by choosing different cake mixes and frostings. From classic chocolate and vanilla to more adventurous options like red velvet or lemon, the choice is yours. You can even incorporate mix-ins like sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Cake Pops

To achieve the perfect cake pops, ensure that your cake is completely cooled before crumbling. This step is crucial as it helps the frosting blend seamlessly into the cake, creating a moist and cohesive mixture. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more frosting until you reach the desired consistency. Rolling the cake balls uniformly is also important; aim for about 1 inch in diameter to ensure even baking and coating.

When it comes to coating your cake pops, patience is key. After melting the candy melts, allow them to cool slightly before dipping the cake balls. This helps prevent the cake from falling apart. If the candy coating is too thick, you can add a small amount of vegetable oil to thin it out. This will give you a smoother and more even coating, enhancing the overall appearance of your cake pops.

Storing and Enjoying Your Cake Pops

Once your cake pops are set, you may wonder how to store them for maximum freshness. If you plan to eat them within a few days, simply keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but be aware that the candy coating may become less glossy. If you want to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap each pop individually to prevent freezer burn.

Cake pops are incredibly versatile and make for delightful snacks at any occasion. Pair them with coffee for a sweet afternoon treat or serve them at parties as a fun dessert option. You can even decorate them with sprinkles, edible glitter, or drizzles of contrasting candy melts for a festive touch. With this easy copycat recipe, you can bring the Starbucks experience home and enjoy these little bites of happiness anytime!

Ingredients

For the Cake Pops

  • 1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup of frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 package of candy melts (2 cups)
  • Lollipop sticks

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting for a smoother baking experience!

Instructions

Bake the Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake according to package instructions.

Prepare the Cake Crumbs

Once the cake is baked, let it cool completely. Crumble the cake into a large bowl and mix in the frosting until fully combined.

Form the Cake Balls

Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 30 minutes to firm them up.

Coat with Candy Melts

Melt the candy melts according to package instructions. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy and insert it into the cake ball. Then, dip the cake pop into the melted candy until fully coated. Allow excess to drip off.

Let Set and Serve

Place the coated cake pops upright in a block of foam or a cake pop stand. Let them set until the candy coating hardens. Enjoy your homemade cake pops!

Feel free to decorate your cake pops with sprinkles or melted chocolate for an extra touch!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cake mix works best for cake pops? While any flavor works, chocolate and vanilla are popular choices due to their versatility. You can also experiment with fun flavors like funfetti or carrot cake for unique cake pops that stand out.

Can I use homemade frosting instead of store-bought? Absolutely! Using homemade frosting allows you to control the flavor and sweetness. Just ensure it's thick enough to hold the cake crumbs together when mixed.

Creative Variations to Try

Once you master the basic cake pop recipe, consider experimenting with different coatings. Instead of traditional candy melts, try using white chocolate or yogurt-covered coatings for a twist. You can also roll your pops in crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or cookie crumbs for added texture.

For a festive touch, you can color your candy melts according to the season or occasion. Use pastel shades for spring, vibrant colors for birthdays, or red and green for the holidays. This simple addition can elevate your cake pops from delicious to visually stunning!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?

Yes, you can definitely use homemade cake!

→ How do I store leftover cake pops?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make these cake pops ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cake balls in advance and freeze them until you're ready to coat them.

→ What can I use instead of candy melts?

You can use chocolate chips or coating chocolate if you prefer.

Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Enjoy the delightful taste of Starbucks cake pops right at home with this easy copycat recipe.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Natalie Briggs

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 12 pops

What You'll Need

For the Cake Pops

  1. 1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
  2. 3 large eggs
  3. 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
  4. 1 cup of water
  5. 1 cup of frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  6. 1 package of candy melts (2 cups)
  7. Lollipop sticks

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake according to package instructions.

Step 02

Once the cake is baked, let it cool completely. Crumble the cake into a large bowl and mix in the frosting until fully combined.

Step 03

Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 30 minutes to firm them up.

Step 04

Melt the candy melts according to package instructions. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy and insert it into the cake ball. Then, dip the cake pop into the melted candy until fully coated. Allow excess to drip off.

Step 05

Place the coated cake pops upright in a block of foam or a cake pop stand. Let them set until the candy coating hardens. Enjoy your homemade cake pops!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 2g