If you’re like me, you’ve probably been captivated by the little round cake pops sitting perfectly on display at Starbucks. They’re cute, they’re delicious, and they always feel like a special treat with my coffee. Naturally, I decided to try making them from scratch at home! It’s not only fun, but it’s also satisfying to recreate something you love, and guess what? You can absolutely nail the Starbucks cake pops experience in your own kitchen. These homemade cake pops are not less than Starbucks pops. 

Recreating the Iconic Cake Pops at Home

One of the best things about making homemade cake pops is you can customize the theme however you like. Want chocolate cake instead of vanilla? Go for it! Prefer a milk chocolate coating over white chocolate? No problem. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the recipe to your preferences or the occasion.

Cake pops are basically a fun, bite-sized treat made from crumbled cake mixed with frosting, rolled into a ball, and then dipped in a candy coating. Starbucks cake pops have this signature smooth finish with a deliciously moist and sweet center. When I first tried them, I was hooked by their melt in your mouth texture, and I wanted to bring that same magic into my own kitchen.

They have the perfect balance of moist cake, a creamy center, and a thin, sweet coating that gives just the right amount of crunch. The pops are visually appealing, often decorated in vibrant colors, and small enough to satisfy a sweet craving without overwhelming you. Recreating this was my challenge, but I was more than up for it.

What we need for Starbucks cake pops :

• Vanila Cake: You can use box cake mix for this cake. But I always prefer homemade versions of cake. If you don’t have enough time, then feel free to use box cake mix. Box cake mix is a convenient method. You can use different flavors like butterscotch, red velvet, chocolate, and many more.  
• Vanila frosting: I used fresh homemade frosting for these pops. If you’re using box cake mix, then it’s not recommended to use the frosting that comes with it. Keep an eye on adding the frosting; make sure to not use too much; otherwise, your pops will be mushy.  
• White candy melts: if you don’t have candy melts, you can use white chocolate chips also. You can play with colors. I highly recommend using Wilton or Merckens candy melts; they give a smooth and glossy finish to your cake pops. You can use different melts according to occasion.   
• Sprinkles: This is totally optional, but using sprinkles enhanced the look of cake pops. Try to add different types of sprinkles. It makes your pops vibrant look. 

How to make Starbucks-style cake pops ?

Baking the Cake :

1) Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare the 8-inch round cake pan you can use any. By greasing it and lining with parchment paper.  

2) Take a bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt, whisk them, and set aside. In another large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until it becomes light and fluffy. Using a stand mixer makes your work easy. I’ve also preferred this one.  

3) Add the eggs; make sure to add egg one at a time. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and gently mix them until they become well combined.  

4) Pour the cake mixture into the cake pan, smooth the top with a spatula, and bake them for at least 25-30 minutes. Your cake is ready; let them cool for some time.  

Crumble and mixing the cake :

Take a stand mixer, then add the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk together to combine until it becomes smooth. Crumble the vanilla cake into fine crumbs and mix with frosting until you get a moist and dough-like consistency.

Shaping The Cake Pops :

Scoop the small portion of cake mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Make sure all of the balls are the same. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill them for at least an hour.  

Dipping and decorating the Cake pops :

Melt the white candy melts or white chocolate chips in the microwave for a 30-second interval, stirring in between until it is completely smooth.  

Dip the tip of each lollipops stick into melted chocolate, then insert it in the center of each cake ball. Dip the cake pops in melted chocolate and gently tap off any excess chocolate, and place them upright in the Styrofoam block to dry. If you want to decorate the pops with sprinkles, add them before the chocolate sets. And now your Starbucks cake pops are ready to enjoy!! 

Top secret tips for Cake pops :

1) Used less frosting than you think. Start with a tablespoon of frosting . Too much frosting makes your cake pop moist.  

2) If you don’t have a Styrofoam block for staying upright with the pops, then I’ve got a trick that uses the glass filled with rice and pokes the cake pops into rice, and they should stay upright.  

3) After mixing the cake and frosting, chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls. And used cookie scoope for even pops. 

How to store cake pop :

1) If the cake pops haven’t dipped in chocolate or candy melts, then store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you dipped the pops, then store up to 1 week. 

2) When it comes to freezing , cake pops should be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 6 weeks. Make sure to label the date properly. Let them thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to eat.

Try this different versions as well:

Classic Chocolate Cake Pop:

Used chocolate cake and chocolate buttercream frosting for these classic chocolate cake pops and decorated with crushed nuts. These pops are perfect for any simple, occasional treat. 

Vanilla Funfetti Cake Pop:

Make sure to use vanilla cake with funfetti sprinkles mixed in cake base and vanilla buttercream frosting and decorate with more sprinkles for a colorful touch. Simple and sweet dessert.

Red Velvet Cake Pops:

As the name indicates, this is the perfect mix of red velvet cake and cream cheese frosting coated with white chocolate and sprinkles of red sugar crystals, or Crumble red velvet cake. The perfect Valentine’s Day treat for your loved ones.  

Lemon Cake Pops:

If you used lemon cake as a base with lemon cream cheese frosting, you’ll need to add a few drops of yellow food color, which enhances the visual appearance. And topped with lemon zest and sugar pearls. These sweet, tangy pops are perfect for your special treats. 

Carrot Cake Pops:

Using carrot cake as a base is perfect to make carrot cake pops. Try my carrot cake recipe to prepare the base for pops. Used cream cheese frosting coated with white chocolate and topped with shredded coconut and chopped walnuts.  

Pumpkin Spice Cake Pops:

Halloween is coming, then this pops goes well with the occasion. You can decorate with your own smokey choices. Used pumpkin spice cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting for the spicy version of pops. And decorate your pops with crushed Graham crackers or a sprinkle of cinnamon. 

FAQs :-

Conclusion :-

Making Starbucks copycat cake pops was a rewarding experience for me and they turned out so well that I couldn’t stop at just one batch. I’ve since made them for friends, family, and even a few small gatherings, and they’re always a hit. So, the next time you find yourself craving a Starbucks cake pop, why not try making them yourself? Not only is it fun and satisfying, but you can also tweak the recipe to suit your taste and style. Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday treat, or just because, these homemade cake pops are sure to impress.

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