Dreamy Homemade Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet dreams come true with these delectable starbucks cake pops that burst with creamy, nostalgic flavor.

My bakery friends swear by this simple technique for creating irresistible treats.

Baking enthusiasts can whip up these bite-sized delights in just minutes.

Colorful sprinkles and smooth chocolate coating make these miniature desserts absolutely magical.

Kids and adults go crazy for these adorable little confections.

Compact and cute, these cake pops deliver maximum taste in one perfect bite.

You’ll want to make a double batch because they disappear faster than you can imagine.

Why Starbucks Cake Pops Are Fun to Make at Home

• Create delectable cake pops in under an hour, perfect for busy home bakers wanting a gourmet-style treat without complex techniques.
• Engage children in a fun baking activity where they can crumble cake, roll balls, and decorate with colorful sprinkles, making it an interactive family project.
• Customize these bite-sized treats for birthdays, holidays, or gatherings by changing coating colors and decorative toppings to match any theme or celebration.
• Prepare delicious cake pops using basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and microwave, making this recipe accessible for novice and experienced bakers alike.

What You’ll Need to Create These Colorful Treats

• Cake Mix: Soft foundation for cake pops, provides rich flavor and texture. Best to use white or vanilla cake mix for versatility.
• Frosting: Binds cake crumbs together, adds sweetness and moisture. Cream cheese or vanilla frosting works perfectly.

• Candy Melts, Chocolate Coating: Creates smooth outer shell, provides beautiful finish. White or colored options available for variety.
• Sprinkles, Decorative Toppings: Adds visual appeal and fun texture. Matching colors with coating creates professional look.

• Cake Pop Sticks: Provides support and handling mechanism for cake pops. Standard wooden or plastic sticks recommended.
• Vegetable Oil, Coconut Oil: Helps thin candy coating for smooth, even application. Ensures proper consistency for dipping.

How to Roll and Dip Cake Pops Without the Mess

Step 1: Bake The Magical Cake Base

Whip up cake batter using your favorite boxed mix or homemade recipe. Pour into a rectangular baking dish and bake according to instructions. Let the cake cool completely until it reaches room temperature.

Step 2: Transform Cake Into Crumbly Goodness

• Hands
• Fork
• Food processor

Transfer crumbs into a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 3: Bind Cake Crumbs With Frosting

• Holds together when pressed
• Feels slightly moist
• Isn't too sticky or dry

Step 4: Shape Perfect Cake Balls

• Clean hands
• Small cookie scoop

Place cake balls on parchment-lined tray. Chill in freezer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Smooth Candy Coating

Melt candy melts in microwave-safe bowl. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Add vegetable or coconut oil for smoother consistency.

Step 6: Attach Cake Pop Sticks

Dip stick tips into melted coating. Insert halfway into each cake ball. Freeze again for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Dunk And Decorate

Submerge each cake ball into coating. Twirl gently to ensure even coverage. Remove excess coating by tapping. Sprinkle with decorations before coating hardens.

Step 8: Display And Serve

Stand cake pops upright in foam block or special holder. Allow coating to completely set. Enjoy your homemade treats!

Tips That Help with Structure and Coating

• Manage Cake Texture: Ensure cake is completely cool before crumbling to prevent clumping and maintain ideal moisture levels for perfect cake pop consistency.
• Prevent Sticky Coating: Add vegetable oil or coconut oil to candy melts to create smoother, thinner coating that easily covers cake balls without becoming too thick.
• Master Cake Ball Formation: Use consistent tablespoon measurements and gentle rolling technique to create uniform, compact cake balls that hold together during dipping process.
• Control Moisture Balance: Add frosting gradually, mixing thoroughly to achieve the right sticky texture where cake crumbs bind without becoming too wet or falling apart.
• Optimize Chilling Strategy: Utilize freezer intervals between steps to help cake balls and candy coating set properly, ensuring sturdy and professional-looking cake pops.

Store Pops Without Making Them Sticky

• Store cake pops in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
• Wrap each cake pop individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without compromising taste or quality.
• Remove cake pops from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent coating from melting.
• Gently warm cake pops in the refrigerator to preserve their delicate coating and prevent condensation. Consume within 24 hours after thawing for the best flavor and texture.

What to Pair With These Dessert Bites

• Complement the cake pop's sweetness with a smooth, rich vanilla latte that echoes the dessert's delicate flavor profile. The coffee's warmth balances the sugary coating perfectly.
• Create a refreshing contrast with a light berry mocktail featuring raspberries or strawberries. The fruity, bubbly drink cuts through the cake pop's richness and provides a palate-cleansing experience.
• Enhance the dessert's indulgence with a cold, creamy caramel frappuccino. The drink's buttery caramel notes harmonize with the cake pop's sugary texture, delivering a decadent treat combination.
• Offer a robust cold brew with subtle chocolate undertones to balance the cake pop's sweetness. The coffee's deep, bold flavor creates an elegant counterpoint to the light, playful dessert.

Decorating Options for All Occasions

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix or almond flour blend. Use gluten-free frosting and ensure candy melts are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Version: Swap traditional cake mix with vegan cake mix or use mashed bananas as a binder. Use dairy-free frosting and plant-based candy melts for coating.
• Low-Sugar Option: Utilize sugar-free cake mix or create cake with alternative sweeteners like stevia. Choose sugar-free frosting and low-sugar candy coating to reduce overall sugar content.
• Chocolate Lover's Cake Pop: Use chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla. Select chocolate frosting and dark chocolate candy melts for intense chocolate experience. Add cocoa powder to enhance flavor profile.

Cake Pop FAQs You Should Know

• How do I prevent the cake balls from falling apart?

Ensure you add enough frosting to bind the crumbs together. The mixture should hold its shape when pressed. Start with 1/4 cup of frosting and gradually add more until the cake crumbs stick together without being too sticky.

• What type of candy melts work best for coating?

Chocolate or vanilla candy melts are ideal. Choose high-quality brands that melt smoothly and provide a clean, professional finish. Wilton and Merckens are popular brands that work well for cake pops.

• Can I make cake pops ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare cake pops 23 days in advance. After coating and decorating, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

• Why are my candy melts too thick for dipping?

If the candy coating is too thick, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil to thin it out. Stir well and heat in short intervals to maintain a smooth, dippable consistency.

Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Starbucks cake pops bring bakery magic right into home kitchens with minimal effort. Crumbly cake, creamy frosting, and chocolate coating create delightful bite-sized treats you can enjoy anytime without waiting in line.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box vanilla or chocolate cake mix
• ⅓ cup (75 g) frosting
• 2 cups (340 g) candy melts

Supporting Ingredients:

• 2 eggs (from cake mix box)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil (from cake mix box)
• ½ cup (120 ml) water (from cake mix box)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil

Decoration Ingredients:

• Sprinkles or nonpareils
• Cake pop sticks

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Instructions

1. Transform a freshly baked cake into fine, delicate crumbs by gently breaking it apart using your fingertips or a fork, ensuring no large chunks remain.
2. Incorporate frosting gradually into the cake crumbs, blending meticulously until the mixture achieves a cohesive, moldable consistency that holds together when pressed.
3. Craft uniform spherical shapes by carefully rolling small portions of the cake mixture between your palms, creating smooth, compact cake balls approximately the size of a golf ball.
4. Stabilize the cake balls by placing them on a parchment-lined tray and chilling in the freezer for approximately 15 minutes to enhance their structural integrity.
5. Prepare the candy coating by gently melting in a microwave-safe container, stirring at regular intervals to prevent scorching and achieve a silky smooth texture.
6. Prepare cake pop sticks by dipping their tips into the melted coating, then carefully inserting them halfway into each chilled cake ball, creating a secure anchor.
7. Submerge each cake pop into the warm candy coating, allowing excess to drip off by gentle tapping, ensuring an even, glossy exterior.
8. Embellish the coated cake pops with decorative sprinkles or additional toppings immediately after dipping to ensure maximum adherence.
9. Allow the cake pops to set completely by positioning them vertically in a specialized cake pop stand or foam block until the coating hardens completely.

Notes

• Adjust cake texture by using a fresh, slightly underbaked cake for more moisture and easier crumbling.
• Control cake pop consistency by gradually adding frosting, ensuring the mixture holds together without being too wet or dry.
• Choose high-quality candy melts or chocolate for smoother coating and more professional appearance.
• Experiment with flavor combinations by mixing different cake and frosting types for unique taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg