Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Enjoy the delightful flavors of Starbucks' cake pops right in your own kitchen with this easy copycat recipe.

Ainsley Harper

Created by

Ainsley Harper

Last updated on 2025-12-18T15:28:31.813Z

This Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the sweet, moist treat that has taken the coffee world by storm. With a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the magic at home!

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 Joy of Homemade Cake Pops

Creating cake pops at home is not only a fun activity, but it also allows you to customize flavors and decorations to suit any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these delightful treats will impress your guests and family alike. The satisfaction of knowing you made something so delicious from scratch is truly unparalleled.

These cake pops are perfect for kids and adults, making them an ideal treat for a variety of events. You can easily adapt the recipe by using different cake mixes, frostings, or coatings to create unique flavors and colors. Let your creativity shine by adding sprinkles, edible glitter, or even themed decorations to match the occasion.

Tips for Perfect Cake Pops

To achieve the best results, make sure your cake is completely cooled before crumbling and mixing it with frosting. Warm cake can lead to a gooey texture, making it difficult to form perfect balls. Additionally, achieving the right consistency in your frosting is crucial—too thick and it won’t blend well, too thin and it won’t hold the cake together.

When coating your cake pops, patience is key. Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly before dipping, as this can help create a smoother finish. If the chocolate is too hot, it may cause the cake pops to fall apart. Dipping the lollipop sticks in chocolate before inserting them into the cake balls also helps to secure them better.

Storing and Serving Cake Pops

Once your cake pops have set, storing them properly is essential to maintain their freshness. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cake pops before coating them. Just remember to allow them to thaw in the fridge before dipping them in chocolate.

Serving cake pops is a breeze! You can present them on a cake pop stand or a decorative platter to create a beautiful display. They also make great party favors, as you can individually wrap each cake pop in cellophane and tie them with a colorful ribbon, adding a personal touch to your gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Frosting

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Coating

  • 1 package chocolate melting wafers
  • Lollipop sticks

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before you start for a smooth baking experience.

Instructions

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking pan according to the package instructions for the cake mix. Mix the cake ingredients and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add milk and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Combine Cake and Frosting

Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Add the frosting and mix until well combined. Form into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Coat the Cake Pops

Melt the chocolate wafers according to package instructions. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate and insert it into the cake balls. Then, dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.

Chill and Serve

Place the coated cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or a cake pop stand. Allow to set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Starbucks-inspired cake pops!

Why Choose a Copycat Recipe?

Copycat recipes are a fantastic way to recreate your favorite treats without having to leave your home. This Starbucks cake pop copycat recipe not only saves you money but also gives you the freedom to modify the ingredients to your liking. You can choose organic or gluten-free alternatives, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these delicious bites.

Making your own cake pops allows you to experiment with flavors and fillings that you might not find at Starbucks. Perhaps you want to try a mocha-flavored cake pop or incorporate a creamy peanut butter center. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a versatile choice for any dessert lover.

Perfect Pairings

These delightful cake pops pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Consider enjoying them alongside a rich cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make a sweet addition to dessert tables at gatherings, complementing cakes, cookies, and pastries beautifully.

For a more festive occasion, pair your cake pops with cocktails or mocktails. The rich chocolate and hints of orange zest in this recipe create a flavor profile that can elevate any drink pairing. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful combination, making your event even more memorable.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! Any flavor of cake mix will work well for this recipe.

→ How do I store leftover cake pops?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze cake pops?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they are well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

→ What can I use instead of chocolate melting wafers?

You can use chocolate chips or candy melts as a substitute.

Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Enjoy the delightful flavors of Starbucks' cake pops right in your own kitchen with this easy copycat recipe.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Ainsley Harper

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 pops

What You'll Need

For the Cake

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

For the Frosting

  1. 1/2 cup butter, softened
  2. 2 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  4. 2 tablespoons milk
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Coating

  1. 1 package chocolate melting wafers
  2. Lollipop sticks

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking pan according to the package instructions for the cake mix. Mix the cake ingredients and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Step 02

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add milk and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Step 03

Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Add the frosting and mix until well combined. Form into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 04

Melt the chocolate wafers according to package instructions. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate and insert it into the cake balls. Then, dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.

Step 05

Place the coated cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or a cake pop stand. Allow to set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 2g