Satisfy your sweet tooth with our homemade copycat Starbucks Cake Pops! More specifically, in this recipe, you'll learn how you can easily make a Starbucks Birthday Cake Pop at home.
Think of a moist cake core, creamy frosting, and a colorful candy shell - a real treat in every bite.
Why This Cake Pop Recipe Works
SIMPLICITY - We bake a simple white cake mix, combine it with our favorite frosting, form dough balls, and dip the balls into our favorite candy melts. And, of course, we'll need to add some sprinkles!
FUN - The process of making cake pops - baking, crumbling, shaping, dipping, and decorating - is incredibly engaging. It's a great activity for kids and adults alike. Not only will you end up with a sweet treat, but you'll also have fun getting there.
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - While we are focusing on the birthday cake pop, you can also use other cake mixes and recreate other flavors. Or you can easily use this recipe, and turn it into a patriotic cake pop, by dipping the cake pops into red, white, and blue melted candy melts. Great for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any other patriotic holiday.
Ingredients
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
CAKE MIX - The cake mix is the backbone of the recipe, providing a versatile base that's moist, sweet, and easy to work with.
EGGS, WATER, AND OIL - These are the essential elements that, along with the cake mix, resulting in a perfectly baked cake that's ready to be crumbled and shaped.
VANILLA EXTRACT - Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness of the cake, adding rich, warm flavor.
ALMOND EXTRACT - adds a subtle nutty note to the cake pops.
FROSTING - Mixing in the frosting not only enhances the sweetness but also helps achieve the perfect consistency for shaping the cake pops.
CANDY MELTS - They provide a shiny coating for the cake pops, helping them maintain their shape and making them look enticing.
SPRINKLES - Whether you prefer a simple or a festive look, sprinkles add a fun, customizable touch, creating a pop of color and texture.
CAKE POP STICKS (not shown) - An essential part of the cake pops, these make the treats easy to enjoy and display while also giving them their iconic lollipop look.
How To Make Starbucks Cake Cups at Home
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- CAKE - Beat the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs with an electric mixer in a large mixing bowl. Bake at 350º for 35 minutes. Remove the cake from the oven and transfer it into a large bowl. Allow the baked cake to cool completely. Once cooled, break into small pieces.
- CAKE POP DOUGH - Use a fork and combine the crumbled cake and the frosting until well combined. Use a cookie scoop and make cookie balls.
- CANDY MELT - To melt the candy, use the box instructions. If desired, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to thin the melt.
- DIPPING - Dip the tip of the candy stick about Ā¼" into the melted candy and stick it into the cake pop. Repeat with all cake pop balls.
Dip each cake pop into the melted candy, swirl, and shake off any excess chocolate. Drizzle with sprinkles.
CHILL - Proper chilling is crucial for cake pops. Chilling the cake balls helps them hold their shape when dipped into the warm candy melt. If your cake balls are falling off the stick, they likely need to be chilled longer.
Recipe Success Tips
DIP - Dip each cake pop straight down into the coating until the cake ball is completely covered, then remove it straight up. Do not stir the cake pop in the coating; it could cause it to fall off the stick.
DECORATE - Make sure to add your sprinkles or other decorations immediately after dipping while the coating is still wet. Once the coating sets, nothing will stick to it.
Cake Pop Stand and Easy Alternative Stands
You can buy a cake pop stand at a party supply house or on Amazon for less than $10. But if you don't want to do that, no worries, you can still make cake pops using these alternatives.
STYROFOAM BLOCK - If you have a block of Styrofoam, you can stick the lollipop sticks into it, keeping the cake pops upright while they dry. I got mine from Michael's for about $4.
TIP: Cover the styrofoam block in plastic wrap if you plan to use it multiple times. This way, you can easily clean up any drops.
EGG CARTON - You can make holes in an egg carton and use it to hold your cake pops while they dry. The lollipop sticks can go into the holes, and the egg carton will keep the cake pops suspended and prevent them from touching anything while the coating dries.
BOX WITH HOLES - Similarly to the egg carton, you can take a box and make holes in it to hold the cake pops. Be sure to space the holes far enough apart that the cake pops won't touch each other.
Leftovers
STORE - You can store these cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you've used a perishable filling, like cream cheese frosting, it will need to be stored in the refrigerator.
FREEZE - For longer storage, these cake pops can be frozen. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw at room temperature.
However, note that the candy coating may sweat a little upon defrosting.
More Quick And Easy Dessert Recipes
BLUEBERRY DUMP CAKE - Delight in a mouthwatering treat featuring juicy fresh blueberries, delivering a burst of sweetness with every spoonful.
CHERRY PINEAPPLE PIE - This no-bake pie takes just 5 minutes to make and is perfect for hot summer days.
YOGURT PIE - This pie is also called a Chiffon pie, and the filling consists of two simple ingredients you'll find in almost every American home. Once you know the base recipe, you can customize this no-fail recipe any way you want to.
BLACK FOREST DUMP CAKE - classic cherry-chocolate taste without the hassle.
EASY BEE STING CAKE - An easy version of a classic German sponge cake filled with a creamy vanilla filling and topped with a sugary almond topping.
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Cake Pops (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 box white cake mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ā cup vanilla frosting
Coating
- 12 ounces pink candy melts
- 1-3 tablespoons coconut oil optional
- 2 tablespoons white sprinkles
Instructions
- PREPARE THE CAKE: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Lightly grease 9x13-inch cake pan. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, water, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- BAKE THE CAKE: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- CRUMBLE THE CAKE: Once the cake has cooled, break it into fine crumbs using your fingers in a large bowl.
- MIX IN FROSTING: Stir in the vanilla frosting, mixing just until the crumbs are moistened.
- FORM CAKE BALLS: Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange the cake balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or in the freezer for about 20 minutes, until they're firm.
- PREPARE COATING: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the pink candy melts and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the candy is fully melted. If the mixture is too thick, add more coconut oil and a tablespoon until the desired consistency is reached.
- DIP CAKE POPS: Take the cake balls out of the fridge or freezer. Insert a lollipop stick into each cake ball, then dip each into the candy melt mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.
- DECORATE: Before the coating sets, quickly sprinkle white sprinkles onto each cake pop.
- REST: Stand the cake pops upright in a cake pop holder or a piece of Styrofoam to allow the coating to set. It should take about 5 minutes for the coating to harden.