Ever stood in line at Starbucks, craving their iconic Starbucks cake pop but wishing they weren’t $3 each? You’re about to discover how to make these beloved treats at home for a fraction of the cost. This copycat recipe doesn’t just match the original—it makes them even better, with real vanilla and fresh ingredients that put the coffee shop version to shame.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfectly moist cake-to-frosting ratio
- No special equipment needed
- Makes 24 pops for the price of 3 store-bought ones
- Stays fresh longer than Starbucks version
- Customizable colors and flavors
Quick Facts
- 🕒 Prep Time: 45 minutes
- 👨🍳 Bake Time: 25 minutes
- ⏲️ Chill Time: 2 hours
- 🍽️ Servings: 24 cake pops
- 📋 Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients
For the Cake Base
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White cake mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) | Any brand works |
| Eggs | 3 large | brought to room temperature |
| Vegetable oil | 1/3 cup of oil | |
| Water | 1 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Pure vanilla recommended |
For the Binding Mixture
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla frosting | 3/4 cup | Store-bought or homemade |
| Cream cheese | 2 oz | Room temperature |
For the Coating
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pink candy melts | 24 oz | Or white chocolate + pink coloring |
| Vegetable shortening | 2 tablespoons of shortening | For thinning chocolate |
| Lollipop sticks | 24 pieces | 6-inch length |
| White sprinkles | For decoration | Optional |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Cake Base
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper
- Mix cake ingredients until smooth
- Bake 23-25 minutes
- Cool completely
- Create the Cake Ball Mixture:
- Crumble cooled cake finely
- Mix with frosting and cream cheese
- Texture should hold shape when rolled
- Form the Balls:
- Use 1.5 tablespoon scoop
- Roll into perfect spheres
- Chill 30 minutes
Assembly Process
- Prepare for Dipping:
- Melt candy coating in microwave
- Add shortening to thin if needed
- Dip lollipop sticks in coating
- Insert into chilled balls
- Freeze 15 minutes
- Coating the Pops:
- Dip each pop at 45° angle
- Tap gently to remove excess
- Add sprinkles immediately
- Stand upright to set
Success Tips
- Crumble cake when completely cool
- Don’t add too much frosting
- Keep balls cold between steps
- Work in small batches
- Use good quality candy melts
Expert Tips & Variations
- Add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract for authentic taste
- Use chocolate cake for birthday cake pop flavor
- Make a red velvet variation by using red velvet cake.
- Make them smaller for “mini” pops
- Double-dip for thicker coating
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cake Balls Fall Off Sticks
- Solution: Balls too warm or too large
- Chill longer between steps
- Make balls smaller
Coating is Too Thick
- Add more shortening
- Keep coating warm
- Don’t overheat chocolate
Cracking Coating
- Let pops warm slightly before dipping
- Don’t refrigerate after coating
- Use room temperature sprinkles
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: 3-4 days
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (uncoated)
FAQs
Why did my cake pops crack?
Temperature shock – let them warm slightly before dipping.
Is it possible to use regular chocolate instead of candy melts?
Yes, but add paramount crystals or shortening for proper consistency.
How do I get them perfectly round?
Roll between palms while still slightly warm, then chill.
Cost Comparison
- Starbucks Cake Pop: $3.25 each
- Homemade Version: ~$0.50 each
- Total Savings: $66 per batch!
Nutrition Information
Per Cake Pop:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
Remember, practice makes perfect with cake pops. Don’t get discouraged if your first few aren’t picture-perfect – they’ll still taste amazing! Keep your ingredients cold and work patiently for the best results.
Ressources:
Allrecipes – Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops
Taste of Home – How to Make Starbucks Cake Pops
Insanely Good Recipes – Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe