Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Enjoy the delicious taste of Starbucks cake pops right at home with this easy copycat recipe. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a sweet treat to enjoy anytime!

Lucy Thompson

Created by

Lucy Thompson

Last updated on 2025-12-19T16:06:00.194Z

This Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe is a fun and delightful way to recreate the popular treats at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy these moist and flavorful bites that are perfect for any occasion.

Why You'll 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

A Sweet Treat for Every Occasion

Cake pops are not only delightful to taste but also visually appealing, making them an excellent choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a wedding, or just a cozy family gathering, these bite-sized treats can be decorated to fit any theme. With a bit of creativity, you can use different colors and sprinkles to customize your cake pops, ensuring they are the star of the dessert table.

These treats are also perfect for gifting! Pack them in decorative boxes or jars, and you've got a thoughtful present that anyone would appreciate. Their compact size makes them easy to share, and they are less messy than traditional cake slices, which is a bonus for gatherings.

Tips for Perfect Cake Pops

To achieve cake pops that are perfectly round and smooth, make sure to chill the cake balls adequately before dipping them in chocolate. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling off the stick. Additionally, when melting the chocolate, do so at a low temperature to avoid burning it; stirring frequently will ensure a smooth consistency for coating.

Experiment with different flavors and coatings! While this recipe highlights chocolate and orange, feel free to try vanilla cake mix with white chocolate or even a red velvet cake with cream cheese coating. Each variation can offer a unique taste experience that keeps cake pops exciting.

Storage and Shelf Life

Once you've made your delicious Starbucks cake pops, proper storage is essential to maintain their freshness. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store them for a longer period, consider placing them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

For those who love to plan ahead, you can also freeze cake pops. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your cake pops.

For the Cake Pops

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  • Chocolate chips (for coating)
  • Lollipop sticks

Make sure you have everything ready before you start!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your cake pops.

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 25 minutes. Once baked, let it cool completely.

Prepare the Cake Crumbs

Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Add frosting and mix until the mixture is well combined and holds together.

Form the Cake Balls

Using your hands, form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the cake mixture. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Chill the Cake Balls

Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Dip and Coat

Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate and insert it into a cake ball. Then, dip the entire cake ball into the melted chocolate and let the excess drip off. Place the coated cake pops back on the parchment paper.

Let Set and Enjoy

Allow the cake pops to set until the chocolate hardens. Enjoy your homemade Starbucks cake pops!

Your cake pops are now ready to be enjoyed!

Frequently Asked Questions

One common question is how to prevent cake pops from crumbling. The key is to balance the amount of frosting you mix with the cake crumbs. If your mixture feels too dry, add a little more frosting until it holds together well. Also, ensure that your cake is completely cooled before crumbling, as warm cake can lead to a gummy texture.

Another frequent inquiry is about the best way to melt chocolate for coating. A microwave works well, but be cautious and use short intervals to avoid overheating. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler for more control over the melting process. This method is particularly useful if you're working with chocolate that tends to seize or clump up.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your cake pop experience, consider pairing them with a delightful beverage. A rich cup of coffee or a smooth hot chocolate complements the sweetness of the cake pops beautifully. For a fun twist, you could also serve them alongside milkshakes for a dessert bar that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Additionally, for special occasions, try arranging your cake pops in a decorative display. A floral foam base covered with sprinkles or candy can make for an eye-catching centerpiece. This not only showcases your treats but also allows guests to easily grab their favorite flavors while mingling.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cake flavor?

Absolutely! You can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer.

→ How do I store cake pops?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze cake pops?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them individually.

→ What can I use instead of frosting?

You can use cream cheese or buttercream as an alternative to traditional frosting.

Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Enjoy the delicious taste of Starbucks cake pops right at home with this easy copycat recipe. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a sweet treat to enjoy anytime!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Lucy Thompson

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 cake pops

What You'll Need

For the Cake Pops

  1. 1 box chocolate cake mix
  2. 1 cup water
  3. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  4. 3 large eggs
  5. 1 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  6. Chocolate chips (for coating)
  7. Lollipop sticks

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 25 minutes. Once baked, let it cool completely.

Step 02

Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Add frosting and mix until the mixture is well combined and holds together.

Step 03

Using your hands, form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the cake mixture. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 04

Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 05

Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate and insert it into a cake ball. Then, dip the entire cake ball into the melted chocolate and let the excess drip off. Place the coated cake pops back on the parchment paper.

Step 06

Allow the cake pops to set until the chocolate hardens. Enjoy your homemade Starbucks cake pops!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 2g