Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Enjoy the delightful taste of Starbucks' famous cake pops right in your kitchen with this easy copycat recipe.
This copycat Starbucks cake pop recipe makes it easy to recreate the beloved treat at home. Perfect for parties or a sweet indulgence!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
- Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
The History of Cake Pops
Cake pops have become a favorite treat in cafes and bakeries around the world, but their origins can be traced back to the early 2000s. They were popularized by baker Angie Dudley, also known as Bakerella, who showcased these delightful bites on her blog. The idea was simple: take leftover cake, crumble it, mix it with frosting, and shape it into pops for a fun, portable dessert. This innovative approach quickly caught on, leading to the cake pop phenomenon we know today.
At Starbucks, cake pops are not just a treat; they are a statement. Their vibrant colors and playful designs make them a popular choice for both children and adults. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, making them a perfect companion with your favorite coffee or tea. The easy copycat recipe allows you to recreate that experience at home, ensuring that you can enjoy these treats whenever the craving strikes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about cake pops is their versatility. They can be customized to fit any theme or occasion, from birthdays and holidays to weddings and baby showers. By simply changing the colors of the chocolate coating and the type of sprinkles used, you can create cake pops that match your event perfectly. This makes them a fun and creative addition to any dessert table.
Not only are they visually appealing, but cake pops are also a great treat for gatherings. Their bite-sized nature means guests can enjoy them without the mess of traditional cake. Plus, they are easy to transport, making them an ideal choice for potlucks or parties. With this easy copycat recipe, you can impress friends and family with delicious homemade cake pops that rival those from the café.
Tips for Decorating Your Cake Pops
When it comes to decorating cake pops, the possibilities are endless! While sprinkles are a classic choice, consider experimenting with different toppings such as crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or even edible glitter for a touch of elegance. You can also drizzle contrasting colors of chocolate over the pops to create beautiful designs that are sure to catch the eye.
Another tip is to ensure that your cake pops are completely chilled before dipping them in chocolate. This helps to maintain their shape and prevents the chocolate from melting too quickly upon contact. Additionally, tapping off any excess chocolate after dipping will give your cake pops a smooth, professional finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your delicious cake pops:
Cake Pop Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 lollipop sticks
- 1 cup chocolate melting wafers
- Sprinkles (optional)
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your cake pops:
Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
Make the Cake Crumbs
Once the cake has cooled, crumble it into a large bowl. Add the frosting and mix until the texture is smooth and moldable.
Shape the Cake Pops
Using your hands, shape the cake mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Insert a lollipop stick into each ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 15 minutes until firm.
Coat the Cake Pops
Melt the chocolate melting wafers according to package instructions. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Decorate with sprinkles if desired, and place them upright in a foam block or styrofoam to dry.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the chocolate coating has set, your cake pops are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Enjoy your homemade Starbucks-inspired cake pops!
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage is essential to prolonging the freshness of your homemade cake pops. Once fully cooled and set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a particularly warm climate, consider refrigerating them to prevent the chocolate coating from becoming too soft. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
If you want to make your cake pops in advance, they can also be frozen. Place the pops in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Variations to Try
This easy copycat recipe can be customized in numerous ways to suit your taste preferences. For a fruity twist, consider using a vanilla or lemon cake mix instead of chocolate, and pair it with a fruit-flavored frosting. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate melts, such as white chocolate or colored candy melts, to create eye-catching pops.
For a gourmet experience, try adding flavor extracts to the frosting or cake batter, such as almond, mint, or coffee. These subtle changes can elevate your cake pops and impress your guests. Don't be afraid to get creative with your ingredients and toppings to make each batch uniquely yours!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use homemade cake instead of a mix?
Yes, you can use any chocolate cake recipe you like.
→ How do I store leftover cake pops?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze cake pops?
Yes, you can freeze uncoated cake balls for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.
→ What can I use instead of lollipop sticks?
You can use pretzel sticks or even paper straws as an alternative.
Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)
Enjoy the delightful taste of Starbucks' famous cake pops right in your kitchen with this easy copycat recipe.
Created by: Madison Brooks
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 cake pops
What You'll Need
Cake Pop Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 lollipop sticks
- 1 cup chocolate melting wafers
- Sprinkles (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
Once the cake has cooled, crumble it into a large bowl. Add the frosting and mix until the texture is smooth and moldable.
Using your hands, shape the cake mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Insert a lollipop stick into each ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 15 minutes until firm.
Melt the chocolate melting wafers according to package instructions. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Decorate with sprinkles if desired, and place them upright in a foam block or styrofoam to dry.
Once the chocolate coating has set, your cake pops are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g