Do you love Starbucks cake pops? Now, you can make them at home! These bite-sized delights feature a moist, cake-filled center covered in a smooth candy shell, just like the ones at Starbucks. Perfect for parties, special occasions, or a sweet treat anytime, this easy Starbucks cake pop recipe will show you how to create the same irresistible flavors at home.
If you’re a fan of fun and creative desserts, you might also love this Brookie Recipe – The Ultimate Brownie and Cookie Fusion, which combines brownies and cookies in one delicious bite!
What is a Starbucks Cake Pop?
A Starbucks cake pop is a bite-sized dessert made by mixing crumbled cake with frosting, rolling it into balls, and dipping it in a candy coating. These treats are famous for their soft texture and sweet outer shell. Starbucks offers different flavors, but their classic birthday cake pop—made with vanilla cake and pink candy coating—remains a customer favorite.
If you enjoy quick and easy baking, you might also want to try this Easy Carrot Cake Recipe with Cake Mix, another simple homemade dessert that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients for Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe
To make these homemade Starbucks cake pops, gather the following ingredients:
Cake Base
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (or homemade vanilla cake)
- Ingredients as listed on the cake mix box (eggs, oil, water)
Frosting
- 1/3 cup vanilla buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Candy Coating
- 1 bag pink candy melts
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil (for a smooth texture)
Extras
- White nonpareils sprinkles (optional)
- 15–20 lollipop sticks
- Parchment paper
- Foam block (for drying the cake pops)
How to Make Starbucks Cake Pops – Step-by-Step
Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before moving to the next step.
Prepare the Cake Pop Dough
- Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a fork.
- Add the vanilla buttercream frosting and mix until the texture is moist and dough-like.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch cake balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the cake balls for 30 minutes to firm them up.
Insert the Sticks
- Melt a small amount of candy melts in the microwave.
- Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy, then insert it halfway into a cake ball.
- Return the cake pops to the freezer for another 15 minutes to set.
Melt the Candy Coating
- Place the pink candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to make the coating smoother.
Dip and Decorate the Cake Pops
- Hold the cake pop by the stick and dip it into the melted candy coating.
- Gently rotate it to coat the entire surface evenly.
- Allow excess coating to drip off before placing it upright in a foam block.
- Quickly add white sprinkles before the coating sets.
- Let the cake pops dry completely at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Starbucks Cake Pops
- Use the right cake-to-frosting ratio – Too much frosting makes cake pops too soft, while too little makes them crumbly.
- Freeze the cake balls – This helps them hold their shape while dipping.
- Thin out the candy coating – Add vegetable oil to make dipping easier.
- Avoid cracks in the coating – Let cake pops come to room temperature before dipping.
For another easy and sweet homemade treat, check out this Healthy Cheesecake Recipe – Low-Calorie, Guilt-Free Dessert, which balances indulgence with a nutritious twist!
Starbucks Cake Pop Variations
Want to experiment? Try these creative cake pop flavors!
- Chocolate Cake Pops – Use chocolate cake mix and chocolate frosting.
- Lemon Cake Pops – Add lemon zest to the batter and use yellow candy melts.
- Strawberry Cake Pops – Replace vanilla cake with strawberry cake and coat in white chocolate.
- Oreo Cake Pops – Mix crushed Oreos into the dough and coat in dark chocolate.
If you enjoy fruity desserts, you might also love this Blueberry Cobbler Recipe – Easy, Delicious, Quick Dessert for a warm, comforting treat.
How to Store Cake Pops
- Room Temperature: Keep cake pops in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Store for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze cake pops without the sticks for up to 3 months. Thaw and reinsert sticks before dipping.
FAQs About Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe
1. Can I make cake pops without a cake mix?
Yes! Instead of a boxed cake mix, you can make a homemade vanilla cake using flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, milk, and vanilla extract. Just bake, crumble, and mix with frosting as usual.
2. Why are my cake pops cracking?
Cracks occur when the candy coating is too hot, or the cake pops are too cold. Let the cake pops sit at room temperature for a few minutes before dipping them to prevent temperature shock.
3. How do I keep cake pops from falling off the stick?
Dip the tip of the lollipop stick into melted candy coating before inserting it into the cake ball. Then, let it set in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before dipping.
4. Can I use white chocolate instead of candy melts?
Yes, but white chocolate must be tempered properly to avoid clumping or thickening. Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil can help create a smoother coating.
5. Can I make gluten-free cake pops?
Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your frosting and decorations are also gluten-free.
6. How do I get a smooth candy coating?
Thin out the melted candy coating by adding a small amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil. Stir well to achieve a smooth consistency.
7. How long do homemade cake pops last?
Cake pops stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
8. Can I make cake pops ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare cake balls in advance and freeze them for up to a month. Dip them in the candy coating when you’re ready to serve.
9. Can I decorate cake pops differently?
Absolutely! Try using colored candy melts, drizzle with melted chocolate, or add sprinkles, crushed cookies, or edible glitter for a fun twist.
10. Do I need a cake pop stand?
A foam block or an upside-down colander with small holes can hold cake pops upright while they dry.
Final Thoughts on Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe
Making Starbucks cake pops at home is a fun, easy, and rewarding way to enjoy this popular treat without the coffee shop price tag. With just a few simple ingredients—cake, frosting, and candy melts—you can recreate the same delicious, bite-sized treats right in your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, party favors, or just as a sweet snack, these homemade cake pops are sure to impress.
One of the best things about cake pops is their versatility. You can customize them with different cake flavors, candy coatings, and decorations to match any event or preference. Want a chocolate version? Swap the vanilla cake for chocolate. Love fruity flavors? Try strawberry or lemon cake with complementary coatings. The possibilities are endless!
To ensure perfect cake pops, remember these key tips:
- Chill the cake balls before dipping to prevent them from falling apart.
- Thin out the candy melts with a little vegetable or coconut oil for a smooth finish.
- Let cake pops come to room temperature before dipping to avoid cracks.
- Have fun decorating! Sprinkles, drizzles, and edible glitter can make them even more special.
Not only are these cake pops delicious, but they also make great gifts. Wrap them individually in clear treat bags with ribbons for birthdays, baby showers, or holiday celebrations. You can also store them in the fridge or freezer for a make-ahead dessert that stays fresh.
Now that you have this easy Starbucks cake pop recipe, it’s time to grab your ingredients and start baking! No matter the occasion, these delightful treats are guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Starbucks-style cake pops!