Recreate the magic of Starbucks’ iconic cake pops right in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe! These bite-sized delights feature a moist, sweet cake center mixed with smooth frosting, all coated in a glossy candy shell. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or enjoying a fun afternoon snack, these homemade cake pops are just as delightful as the ones served at your favorite coffee shop.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (or a homemade vanilla cake recipe)
- Ingredients listed on the box (such as eggs, oil, and water)
For the Frosting:
- 1/3 cup vanilla frosting (store-bought or homemade)
For the Coating:
- 2 cups white candy melts or white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (optional, to help thin the coating)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Tools:
- Lollipop sticks
- Styrofoam block (for drying the cake pops)
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by preheating your oven and following the instructions on the cake mix box to prepare the cake batter. Once mixed, pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake as directed. After baking, allow the cake to cool completely before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pop Dough
After the cake has cooled, break it apart into fine crumbs inside a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the vanilla frosting, mixing slowly until the crumbs bind together to form a dough-like consistency. Be cautious about the amount of frosting you add. The mixture should be moist but not sticky, so avoid over-wetting it.
Step 3: Shape the Cake Balls
Once your mixture is ready, roll it into balls, each about 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed cake balls onto a lined baking sheet. Once shaped, chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours, or freeze them for 20–30 minutes to ensure they firm up.
Step 4: Melt the Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white candy melts or white chocolate chips. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each to ensure smoothness. If the coating is too thick, add a tablespoon of vegetable shortening to help thin it out for a more even coating.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake Pops
To secure the lollipop sticks in place, dip the tip of each stick into the melted coating before inserting it into the center of a chilled cake ball. This step ensures the stick stays in place. Then, dip the entire cake ball into the melted coating, rotating gently until it is evenly covered. Allow any excess coating to drip off. For an added touch, decorate the cake pops with sprinkles while the coating is still wet. Insert each cake pop upright into a Styrofoam block to dry and set.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the candy coating has completely hardened, your homemade cake pops are ready to enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
These cake pops make the perfect treat for any occasion, whether as a party dessert, a sweet snack, or a fun homemade gift for friends and family.
Storage:
To keep your cake pops fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to store them for a longer period, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. You can also freeze cake pops for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How can I prevent the cake pops from falling off the sticks?
The key is to chill the cake balls before dipping them and to dip the sticks in melted candy before inserting them into the cake. This creates a secure bond that helps keep the pops from falling off.
2. Can I use different cake flavors or frosting types?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the flavors by using chocolate, red velvet, or even lemon cake, paired with a matching frosting for a unique twist.
3. My coating is too thick; what should I do?
If the coating seems too thick to work with, simply stir in a teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to achieve a smoother texture. Avoid adding water, as it can cause the chocolate to seize and become unusable.
4. Can I substitute chocolate chips for the candy melts?
Yes, you can use chocolate chips instead of candy melts, but keep in mind that they may require additional thinning with vegetable shortening for a smoother consistency. Candy melts are easier to work with, and they also come in a variety of colors, making them ideal for various decorating options.
Conclusion
This Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe lets you enjoy these delightful treats from the comfort of your own home, using simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process. With their sweet, creamy interior and festive coating, these homemade cake pops are sure to impress at any celebration or gathering. Try them today for a fun and indulgent snack that brings the magic of Starbucks into your kitchen!
Starbucks Cake Pops
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix or homemade vanilla cake recipe
- 1/3 cup vanilla frosting store-bought or homemade
- 2 cups white candy melts or white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening optional, for thinning coating
- to taste sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions and prepare the cake batter.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and pour in the cake batter. Bake according to the package instructions. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Once the cake has cooled, crumble it into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the vanilla frosting gradually, mixing until the cake crumbs hold together like dough. Be careful not to add too much frosting.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Chill for 1–2 hours in the refrigerator, or for 20–30 minutes in the freezer.
- Melt the white candy melts or chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between. If necessary, add vegetable shortening to thin the coating.
- Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted coating, then insert it into a chilled cake ball. This helps the stick stay in place.
- Dip the entire cake ball into the melted coating, rotating to cover evenly. Let any excess drip off and decorate with sprinkles before the coating hardens.
- Insert the cake pops into a Styrofoam block to dry completely before serving.
