Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe: How to Make Them at Home

Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe

Making your own copycat Starbucks cake pops at home is easier than you might think! With this simple recipe, you can recreate that iconic Starbucks treat and wow your friends and family. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get to customize them to your liking. Whether it's for a birthday party or a special occasion, these cake pops are sure to be a hit!

Don’t forget to share your creations with us. Happy baking!

The Popularity of Starbucks Cake Pops

Starbucks cake pops have become a beloved treat for many, offering a sweet and convenient bite-sized dessert that pairs perfectly with coffee. Their consistent popularity can be attributed to their delicious taste, eye-catching design, and accessibility. Whether it’s the iconic birthday cake pop or a seasonal variation, these treats are not only indulgent but also a fun and colorful snack. For customers seeking a quick, affordable sweet fix during their coffee run, Starbucks cake pops have become a staple. With their playful presentation and portion-controlled size, they cater to both kids and adults, contributing to their widespread appeal.

The History of the Cake Pop

The cake pop, a creative fusion of cake and lollipop, was popularized in the late 2000s by baker and blogger Angie Dudley, known as Bakerella. She introduced the concept of these bite-sized cake balls on a stick, inspiring a viral trend in the world of desserts. Combining crumbled cake and frosting, cake pops are dipped in a candy coating and decorated in various designs, making them a fun and customizable treat. With the rise of social media, their Instagram-worthy presentation further fueled their popularity. Although cake pops existed before, Bakerella’s tutorials brought them to the mainstream, leading to widespread commercial adoption by brands like Starbucks, making them a popular treat worldwide.

Why Make Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops at Home?

• Save money: Buying cake pops from Starbucks can add up quickly. By making them at home, you can enjoy these sweet treats at a fraction of the cost.

• Customize flavors: Add your favorite flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or even red velvet! You can also switch up the frosting and sprinkles to fit any occasion.

• Fun to make: Cake pops are fun to create with kids or for parties. They make great treats for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

Pink Vanilla Cake Pops Recipe

Servings: 24 cake pops

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Cool Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients For Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop

• 1 box classic cake mix (I used Duncan Hines)

• 3 eggs (as required by the cake mix – this can vary with different brands)

• 1/3 cup oil (as required by the cake mix– this can vary with different brands)

• 1 cup water (as required by the cake mix– this can vary with different brands)

• 1/4 cup vanilla frosting (pre-made)

• 12 oz pink candy melts

• White sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

   • Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box.

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Mix until well combined and smooth.

   • Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake according to the instructions on the box.

   • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely.

2. Make the Cake Pops:

   • Once the cake is completely cooled, crumble it into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor.

   • Add the vanilla frosting to the cake crumbs and mix until the mixture is well combined and holds together when pressed.

3. Shape the Cake Pops:

   • Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the cake mixture and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

   • Freeze the cake balls for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are firm.

4. Coat the Cake Pops:

   • Melt the pink candy melts according to the package instructions, either in a microwave or using a double boiler.

   • Dip the tip of a cake pop stick into the melted candy, then insert it into a cake ball (about halfway through). This helps secure the stick in the cake ball.

   • Dip the entire cake ball into the melted candy, turning it to coat evenly. Allow any excess coating to drip off.

5. Decorate and Set:

   • While the coating is still wet, sprinkle the white sprinkles over the top for decoration.

   • Place the cake pop upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to set. Repeat with the remaining cake balls.

   • Allow the cake pops to set completely at room temperature or in the fridge.

6. Serve:

   • Once set, the cake pops are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 375 kcal

• Total Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 35mg

• Sodium: 200mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 45g

• Dietary Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 35g

• Protein: 3g

Total Calories: 9000 kcal (for 24 servings)

Tips for Success:

• Prevent Cracks: Make sure your cake balls are cold, but not frozen, when dipping them in the candy melts. If they’re too cold, the coating may crack as it sets.

• Custom Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different cake and frosting combinations! Try chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting or lemon cake with cream cheese frosting for a delicious twist.

• Colorful Creations: Starbucks cake pops are known for their bright colors and fun designs. Use various candy melts and sprinkles to get creative!

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Budget-Conscious Bakers

Making cake pops at home is a frugal choice, especially for large gatherings or events. Starbucks cake pops typically cost around $2 each, but by making them at home, you can create a batch for significantly less. Plus, this recipe allows you to customize your cake pops to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a win-win for budget-conscious bakers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many cake pops does this recipe make?A: A standard boxed cake mix yields about 24-30 cake pops, depending on the size of your cake balls.

Q: Can I make these cake pops in advance?A: Yes! You can freeze the undecorated cake balls for up to two months. Just thaw them slightly before dipping and decorating.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have candy melts?A: You can use white or milk chocolate as a substitute, but candy melts tend to set more quickly and give a smoother finish.

Final Thoughts

This copycat Starbucks cake pops recipe is not only fun and easy to make, but it’s also a great way to save money while enjoying your favorite Starbucks treats at home. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for creating delicious and Instagram-worthy cake pops that everyone will love.

copycat-starbucks-cake-pops-recipe-how-to-make-them-at-home