Starbucks Cake Pops have become a beloved treat, capturing the hearts of both kids and adults alike. These bite-sized cake pops are a sweet indulgence on a stick, perfectly paired with your favorite coffee. Imagine being able to recreate this classic dessert right in the comfort of your home. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to make Starbucks Cake Pops using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. Whether you’re making them for a special event or just a fun family treat, this recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s dive into how you can create your own version of this iconic dessert.
Ingredients for Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops
To get started, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients, which are both affordable and easy to find. You’ll be surprised by how few things you need to make such a tasty treat:
- 1 box Classic Vanilla Cake Mix (plus the ingredients needed as per the box instructions)
- Vanilla Frosting (we recommend using pre-made frosting for convenience)
- Cake Pop Sticks or Lollipop Sticks
- 12 oz Pink Candy Melts
- White Sprinkles (or any sprinkles of your choice for decoration)
These simple ingredients will help you create the same rich, moist, and delicious flavor that’s synonymous with Starbucks Cake Pops.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Starbucks Cake Pops
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Mix
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on your cake mix box. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix ingredients and mix them thoroughly. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake according to the cake mix instructions.
Allow the cake to bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely. This cooling step is crucial for ensuring the perfect texture for your cake pops.
Step 2: Trim and Crumble the Cake
Once your cake has cooled to room temperature, carefully remove it from the pan. Trim away the browned edges of the cake—this part tends to be drier and isn’t ideal for cake pops. Once trimmed, crumble the remaining soft cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a fork. Ensure that no large chunks remain, as this will affect the smooth texture of your cake pops.
Step 3: Mix the Frosting with Cake Crumbs
Add 3 tablespoons of vanilla frosting to your cake crumbs. Using a spatula, mix the frosting and cake crumbs together until the mixture is fully combined and forms a dough-like consistency. The frosting will bind the cake crumbs, creating a moist, moldable mixture perfect for shaping into cake balls.
Step 4: Shape the Cake Balls
Now it’s time to shape the cake balls. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make between 24 to 36 cake balls, depending on the size. Place the shaped cake balls onto a lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Prepare the Pink Candy Melts
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 12 oz of pink candy melts. Start by microwaving them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the candy melts are completely smooth and lump-free. Be cautious not to overheat the candy melts as they can become too thick.
Step 6: Insert Cake Pop Sticks
Before inserting the sticks into your cake balls, dip each stick about 1/2 inch into the melted candy. This step helps anchor the stick inside the cake ball. Then, insert the stick into each cake ball about halfway through.
Step 7: Freeze the Cake Pops
Place the cake pops in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes to firm up. This quick freezing step helps the cake balls hold their shape and makes them easier to dip into the candy coating.
Step 8: Dip Cake Pops into Candy Melts
Once the cake pops have firmed up, it’s time to dip them into the melted candy. Gently dip each cake pop into the melted candy, ensuring that the entire cake ball is coated. Tap off any excess candy melt by lightly tapping the stick on the side of the bowl. Be sure to work quickly before the candy hardens.
Step 9: Add Sprinkles and Let Dry
While the candy coating is still wet, immediately sprinkle your white sprinkles (or any desired decoration) onto the cake pops. Stand the cake pops in a block of Styrofoam or a cardboard box to let them dry. Allow the cake pops to fully harden before serving.
Creative Variations of Starbucks Cake Pops
Although the classic vanilla cake pops are delicious, you can experiment with different flavors and color combinations to make your copycat Starbucks cake pops even more fun and festive. Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate Cake Pops: Swap out the vanilla cake mix for a rich chocolate mix and pair it with chocolate frosting.
- Red Velvet Cake Pops: Use red velvet cake mix and white candy melts to create a visually striking and tasty dessert.
- Lemon or Strawberry Cake Pops: Try lemon or strawberry cake mix for a fruity twist. Pair it with colored candy melts to match the flavor.
- Holiday-Themed Cake Pops: Use different colored candy melts and sprinkles to match the season—green for Christmas, red for Valentine’s Day, or orange for Halloween.
The possibilities are endless, and you can customize your cake pops to suit any occasion!
Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Cake Pops
Making cake pops at home may take a little practice, but these tips will help you master the process and create bakery-quality pops every time:
- Avoid Overmixing: When mixing the frosting and cake crumbs, be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake pop rather than a soft, moist one.
- Chill, Don’t Freeze: Freezing the cake pops for too long can cause cracks in the candy coating once they return to room temperature. Aim for a quick 10-15 minute chill in the freezer to prevent cracking.
- Candy Melt Consistency: If your candy melts start to thicken, reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave to achieve a smooth dipping consistency.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures that all your cake pops are uniform in size, which helps them cook evenly and look more professional.
Make-Ahead Option
Cake pops are a fantastic dessert to make ahead of time. You can prepare and shape the cake balls, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month. When you’re ready to serve, simply dip them in candy melts and decorate them. This is a great time-saver if you’re preparing for a party or special event.
