Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe
There’s something downright magical about Starbucks cake pops. Maybe it’s their cute, bite-sized appeal or that smooth candy shell over moist, fluffy cake. Either way, it’s safe to say these treats have become a fan favorite. But what if I told you that you can recreate this classic indulgence right in your own kitchen? And, spoiler alert: it’s actually a lot easier than you might think!
The best part about making cake pops at home is that you can customize them however you like. Want to make them bright blue? Go for it. Prefer chocolate cake instead of vanilla? Totally doable. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about enjoying a treat you made from scratch (well, mostly—let’s thank that box mix for helping out).
Let’s dive into the recipe and get you set up to make a batch of these pink candy-covered, sprinkle-topped delights that are bound to impress.
A quick story about my cake pop obsession
The first time I had a Starbucks cake pop, I was immediately hooked. It was after a long morning of running errands, and I desperately needed a little pick-me-up. There it was, in all its glory—perfectly round, glossy with a pink coating, and sprinkled with tiny white sugar crystals. One bite, and I was sold. It was sweet but not overly so, with a delicious contrast between the soft cake inside and the firm candy shell outside.
After that, I found myself craving them more and more. But let’s be real, a trip to Starbucks every time you want a cake pop can get pricey fast. So, I decided to figure out how to make them myself. After a few trials (and more than a few funny-looking attempts), I landed on a method that’s pretty foolproof. Now, these homemade cake pops have become a go-to treat in my kitchen, and I’m so excited to share the recipe with you.
What makes Starbucks cake pops so iconic?
Cake pops first gained popularity in the early 2010s, largely thanks to the viral success of baker Angie Dudley’s Bakerella blog, where she shared all kinds of adorable cake pop designs. Starbucks quickly caught on to the trend and introduced their own version—a simple yet delightful pink pop that’s become a staple at the coffee chain.
The concept is simple: cake is crumbled, mixed with a bit of frosting for moisture, rolled into balls, and then dipped in a candy coating. But the texture and flavor are what make them addictive. Starbucks uses vanilla cake, but the sky’s the limit when you’re making them at home. The recipe here sticks close to the original for that classic taste, but feel free to put your own spin on it!
Let’s talk ingredients: what you need (and a few tips for success)
- Cake mix: A boxed cake mix is the easiest way to make these pops, and it’s a bit of a time-saver. I used a classic vanilla cake mix here, but you could easily swap in chocolate, red velvet, or even a funfetti mix if you’re feeling festive!
- Vanilla frosting: Just a few tablespoons of frosting is all you need to bind the cake crumbs together. Pre-made frosting works perfectly, but if you have some homemade buttercream lying around, that would be delicious too.
- Pink candy melts: The pink candy melts are what give these cake pops their signature color. You can find candy melts at most grocery stores or craft stores. If pink isn’t your vibe, go for any color you like, or even try a chocolate coating.
- White sprinkles: The sprinkles add a fun touch and a bit of crunch. Classic white sprinkles match the Starbucks version, but feel free to get creative here too!
- Cake pop sticks: Lollipop sticks are essential for these pops. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with sturdy wooden skewers (just cut them down to size if needed).
Essential kitchen tools to make life easier
- Baking sheet: You’ll want a lined baking sheet for shaping and chilling the cake balls before coating. Parchment paper or a silicone mat will keep them from sticking.
- Microwave-safe bowl: Melting the candy coating is easiest in a microwave-safe bowl. A deep, narrow bowl is ideal for dipping to get an even coating.
- Styrofoam block or cake pop stand: This is a little trick that makes a big difference. Once dipped, the cake pops need to dry upright so the coating stays smooth. A Styrofoam block with little holes poked in is perfect for this, or you can use a cake pop stand if you have one.
Step-by-step: How to make Starbucks-style cake pops at home
1. Bake the cake
Start by baking your cake according to the instructions on the box. Once it’s done, let it cool completely. (Hot cake and frosting do not mix well—trust me, I’ve tried.)
2. Crumble the cake
Once the cake is cool, remove it from the pan and peel away the brown edges. This step is optional but gives you a smoother, more uniform texture. Crumble the remaining cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl.
3. Add frosting
Add about 3 tablespoons of frosting to the cake crumbs and mix until everything is well combined. The mixture should hold together when you press it but not be too sticky. If it’s crumbling apart, add a touch more frosting.
4. Shape the cake balls
Using a cookie scoop (or just eyeballing it), shape the mixture into balls. Aim for about 1-inch balls—you should get between 24 to 36 depending on the size. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
5. Insert sticks and chill
Melt a small amount of the candy melts and dip the end of each stick into the melted candy. Insert the stick halfway into each cake ball—this little step helps the stick stay put. Pop the tray in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes to firm up.
6. Melt the candy coating
Melt the rest of the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between. You want a smooth, pourable consistency, so add a few drops of vegetable oil if needed to thin it out.
7. Dip the cake pops
Take the chilled cake pops out of the freezer and dip each one into the melted candy coating, making sure to cover it fully. Let any excess drip off back into the bowl, and then stick it into your Styrofoam block or cake pop stand.
8. Decorate with sprinkles
Before the candy coating hardens, quickly sprinkle a few white sprinkles on top of each pop. Let them set completely—about 15 minutes—and they’re ready to go!
Fun variations to try
- Chocolate lovers: Use chocolate cake and chocolate frosting, then dip in dark chocolate candy melts for a rich treat.
- Holiday-themed pops: Add seasonal sprinkles or color the candy melts to match different holidays. Red and green for Christmas, orange for Halloween—get creative!
- Vegan cake pops: Use a vegan cake mix and frosting. Just double-check that your candy melts and sprinkles are also vegan.
- Nutty flavors: Try adding a tablespoon of almond butter to the mix for a hint of nuttiness.
Serving and presentation ideas
For a fun display, arrange the cake pops in a decorative cup or jar filled with colorful candies or beads. You can also wrap each one in a small plastic bag tied with ribbon for gift-giving (perfect for birthdays or holiday treat bags). The vibrant pink color and sprinkles make them look festive all on their own, but you can get as fancy as you like with ribbons, tags, and other decorations!
Drink pairings
A classic choice would be a vanilla latte or a cup of hot coffee to balance out the sweetness. For kids or non-coffee drinkers, a tall glass of milk or a strawberry smoothie would be lovely. If you’re feeling adventurous, try these with a fruity sparkling wine—the bubbles and sweetness play beautifully with the cake.
Storage and reheating tips
These cake pops store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’re making them ahead of time, they’ll last in the fridge for up to a week, but let them come to room temp before serving so the coating doesn’t feel too cold and hard. You can also freeze them for up to a month, but wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe bag.
Scaling up or down
If you want to make a smaller or larger batch, just adjust the cake mix and frosting quantities accordingly. I’ve found that larger cake pops are a bit trickier to dip without falling off the stick, so keep them around 1 inch for best results.
Troubleshooting tips
- Cake balls falling off sticks: Make sure you chill them before dipping and that the sticks are secured with a bit of melted candy.
- Candy coating too thick: Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin it out.
- Cracked coating: This can happen if the cake balls are too cold, so let them warm up for a couple of minutes before dipping.
Give this recipe a try!
These homemade Starbucks cake pops are perfect for parties, gifting, or just treating yourself. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see how easy (and fun) they are to make! Get creative with colors, flavors, and decorations, and don’t forget to enjoy every last bite.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure it’s a fairly dense cake so it holds up well when crumbled.
Q: What can I use instead of candy melts?
A: White chocolate with a few drops of food coloring works well, though it may not harden quite as firmly.
Q: Why are my cake pops cracking?
A: They might be too cold when dipped. Let them warm up for a couple of minutes after freezing.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just use a gluten-free cake mix and frosting, and check that your candy melts and sprinkles are gluten-free too.
Q: How long do they take to make?
A: About 1 hour from start to finish, including chilling time.
Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe
We love Starbucks Cake Pops. These bite size cake on a stick taste amazing. I am glad that I can make this easy copycat recipe at home.
- Total Time: 1 hours
- Yield: 24–36 cake pops 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box classic cake mix (ingredients called for on box to make the cake)
- 3 Tbsp Vanilla Frosting I used pre-made
- 24-36 Cake Pop Sticks or Lollipop Sticks
- 12 oz Pink Candy Melts
- White Sprinkles
Instructions
1. Bake the cake
Start by baking your cake according to the instructions on the box. Once it’s done, let it cool completely. (Hot cake and frosting do not mix well—trust me, I’ve tried.)
2. Crumble the cake
Once the cake is cool, remove it from the pan and peel away the brown edges. This step is optional but gives you a smoother, more uniform texture. Crumble the remaining cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl.
3. Add frosting
Add about 3 tablespoons of frosting to the cake crumbs and mix until everything is well combined. The mixture should hold together when you press it but not be too sticky. If it’s crumbling apart, add a touch more frosting.
4. Shape the cake balls
Using a cookie scoop (or just eyeballing it), shape the mixture into balls. Aim for about 1-inch balls—you should get between 24 to 36 depending on the size. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
5. Insert sticks and chill
Melt a small amount of the candy melts and dip the end of each stick into the melted candy. Insert the stick halfway into each cake ball—this little step helps the stick stay put. Pop the tray in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes to firm up.
6. Melt the candy coating
Melt the rest of the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between. You want a smooth, pourable consistency, so add a few drops of vegetable oil if needed to thin it out.
7. Dip the cake pops
Take the chilled cake pops out of the freezer and dip each one into the melted candy coating, making sure to cover it fully. Let any excess drip off back into the bowl, and then stick it into your Styrofoam block or cake pop stand.
8. Decorate with sprinkles
Before the candy coating hardens, quickly sprinkle a few white sprinkles on top of each pop. Let them set completely—about 15 minutes—and they’re ready to go!
Notes
Serving and presentation ideas
For a fun display, arrange the cake pops in a decorative cup or jar filled with colorful candies or beads. You can also wrap each one in a small plastic bag tied with ribbon for gift-giving (perfect for birthdays or holiday treat bags). The vibrant pink color and sprinkles make them look festive all on their own, but you can get as fancy as you like with ribbons, tags, and other decorations!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert