Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the sweet taste of Starbucks with this easy copycat cake pop recipe. Perfect for parties or as a treat for yourself!

Veronica Miles

Created by

Veronica Miles

Last updated on 2025-12-19T15:36:00.134Z

This Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe is a fun and delicious way to recreate the beloved treat at home. With a moist cake center and a smooth coating, these cake pops 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

The Perfect Sweet Treat

Cake pops have become a beloved dessert across the globe, combining the rich flavors of cake with the fun and convenience of a lollipop. These little bites of joy are perfect for any occasion, whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a baby shower, or simply treating yourself to something sweet. With their vibrant colors and delightful decorations, cake pops are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them an instant hit at any gathering.

One of the best aspects of cake pops is their versatility. You can customize them to match the theme of your event or your personal taste preferences. Add different flavors, colors, or toppings to create a unique treat that everyone will adore. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes cake pops an exciting dessert option for both kids and adults alike.

Why Make Cake Pops at Home?

While you can always grab a cake pop from your favorite coffee shop, making them at home allows you to control the ingredients and tailor them to your liking. Homemade cake pops can be made with quality ingredients, ensuring a fresher and more flavorful treat. Plus, you can experiment with different cake flavors and coatings, from classic chocolate to vibrant vanilla or even seasonal flavors.

Another advantage of making cake pops at home is the joy of crafting them yourself. Involving family or friends in the process can turn baking into a fun activity, creating memories that are just as sweet as the treats themselves. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this simple recipe allows you to create impressive desserts that will wow your guests.

Storage and Serving Tips

Once your cake pops are complete, you'll want to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you plan to make them in advance, consider freezing them before coating. Simply wrap the uncoated cake balls tightly and freeze for up to a month. When you're ready to serve, just thaw them in the fridge, melt your coating, and dip as usual.

Serving cake pops can be just as fun as making them. Consider arranging them on a decorative platter or displaying them in a mason jar for a charming presentation. You can also use themed decorations or colors to match your event. Whether served as a sweet treat after dinner or as a festive dessert at a party, cake pops are sure to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Cake Pops

  • 1 box of chocolate cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil

For the Coating

  • 12 oz of chocolate candy melts
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • Sprinkles (optional)

For Assembly

  • Lollipop sticks
  • Styrofoam block (for drying)

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting!

Instructions

Instructions

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch cake pan by greasing it. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth, then pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make Cake Crumbs

Once the cake is baked, let it cool completely. Crumble the cake into a large mixing bowl until fine crumbs form.

Form Cake Balls

Add a bit of frosting to the crumbled cake (about 1/2 cup) and mix until the mixture holds together. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Chill the Cake Balls

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up the cake balls.

Melt the Coating

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate candy melts with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in 30-second intervals until smooth.

Dip the Cake Pops

Remove the cake balls from the fridge. Dip the end of a lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it into the cake ball. Dip the entire cake ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place the cake pop upright in a Styrofoam block to set.

Decorate

If desired, add sprinkles before the chocolate sets. Allow the cake pops to cool completely until the chocolate hardens.

Enjoy your homemade Starbucks cake pops!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're new to making cake pops, you may have some questions. One common question is whether you can substitute the cake mix for a homemade version. Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe to create the base for your cake pops. Just ensure the cake is moist enough to form into balls without crumbling.

Another question is about the type of chocolate coating to use. While chocolate candy melts are popular for their ease of use, you can also opt for real chocolate. Just be sure to temper it properly to avoid a dull finish. Tempered chocolate will give your cake pops a beautiful sheen and a satisfying snap when bitten into.

Flavor Variations to Try

While this recipe focuses on chocolate cake pops, you can easily switch it up to suit your taste. For a fruity twist, try using a vanilla or lemon cake mix, and pair it with white chocolate coating. You can also add flavor extracts, such as almond or coconut, to enhance the sweetness and add depth to your cake pops.

For a fun seasonal variation, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to your cake mix for fall-inspired cake pops, or use pastel colors and flavors for a spring celebration. No matter what flavor you choose, the process remains the same, allowing you to enjoy delicious cake pops year-round.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you like, but chocolate is the traditional choice.

→ How do I store leftover cake pops?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze cake pops?

Yes, you can freeze cake pops for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped.

→ What can I use instead of candy melts?

You can use chocolate chips or almond bark if candy melts are unavailable.

Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Delight in the sweet taste of Starbucks with this easy copycat cake pop recipe. Perfect for parties or as a treat for yourself!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Veronica Miles

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 12 cake pops

What You'll Need

For the Cake Pops

  1. 1 box of chocolate cake mix
  2. 3 large eggs
  3. 1 cup of water
  4. 1/2 cup of vegetable oil

For the Coating

  1. 12 oz of chocolate candy melts
  2. 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  3. Sprinkles (optional)

For Assembly

  1. Lollipop sticks
  2. Styrofoam block (for drying)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch cake pan by greasing it. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth, then pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 02

Once the cake is baked, let it cool completely. Crumble the cake into a large mixing bowl until fine crumbs form.

Step 03

Add a bit of frosting to the crumbled cake (about 1/2 cup) and mix until the mixture holds together. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 04

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up the cake balls.

Step 05

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate candy melts with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in 30-second intervals until smooth.

Step 06

Remove the cake balls from the fridge. Dip the end of a lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it into the cake ball. Dip the entire cake ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place the cake pop upright in a Styrofoam block to set.

Step 07

If desired, add sprinkles before the chocolate sets. Allow the cake pops to cool completely until the chocolate hardens.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 2g