Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making Starbucks Cake Pops at home allows you to enjoy the rich flavor and fun of these desserts whenever you want. This recipe is super easy to follow, and the end result is a sweet, bite-sized treat that’s perfect for parties, snacks, or gifts. You get to control the ingredients, so you can make them exactly how you like. Plus, it’s a fun way to spend time in the kitchen, especially if you have kids who want to help shape and decorate the cake pops.

Ingredients

• 1 box classic cake mix (ingredients called for on the box to make the cake)

• 3 tablespoon Vanilla Frosting (I used pre-made)

• 24-36 Cake Pop Sticks or Lollipop Sticks

• 12 oz Pink Candy Melts

• White Sprinkles

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the cake according to the instructions on the box. Bake and allow it to cool at room temperature.

2. Once the cake has cooled, remove it from the pan and discard the brown outer layer. Crumble the remaining cake into a large bowl.

3. Add the frosting to the crumbled cake and mix thoroughly until the cake and frosting are fully combined.

4. Shape the mixture into about 24-36 cake balls, depending on your desired size, and place them on a lined cookie sheet. Use a cookie scoop to help ensure each ball is uniform in size.

5. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the pink candy melts. Heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring between each interval until smooth and creamy.

6. Dip each cake pop stick into the melted candy and then insert it halfway into each cake ball. Place the cake pops in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to set.

7. Once the cake pops have chilled, dip each one into the melted candy coating. Make sure the candy covers the cake pop completely, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl.

8. Stick the cake pops into a block of styrofoam while the candy coating dries and solidifies. Add white sprinkles before the candy sets.

9. Repeat the process for all the cake pops, allowing them to dry completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cake pops

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Freeze Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Flavored Cake Mix: Experiment with different cake mixes, such as chocolate or red velvet, to create unique cake pops.

• Different Coatings: Instead of pink candy melts, try white or dark chocolate coating for a different flavor.

• Decorations: Use various types of sprinkles, edible glitter, or even drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra festive touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cake pops to extend their freshness for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

• Freezing: To store longer, you can freeze the cake pops for up to 2 months. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cake pops from falling off the sticks?

Make sure to dip the cake pop sticks into the melted candy before inserting them into the cake balls. This helps create a "seal" that keeps the stick firmly attached.

Can I use homemade frosting instead of store-bought?

Yes! You can use homemade frosting in place of store-bought if you prefer. Just ensure it's thick enough to bind the cake crumbs together.

How do I keep the coating from cracking?

Make sure the candy coating is smooth and fully melted. You can also try dipping the cake pops in smaller batches and allow the excess to drip off more thoroughly.

What can I use instead of candy melts?

If you don’t have candy melts, you can use chocolate chips. Just melt them gently, adding a small amount of shortening or coconut oil to make them smoother and easier to work with.

Can I make these cake pops without the sticks?

Yes, you can skip the sticks and simply make mini cake balls, serving them with a fork or as a bite-sized snack.

Why did my cake pops not set properly?

If your cake pops are too soft, try adding more frosting to the mixture. If the candy coating isn't hardening, it might need more time to cool or be refrigerated for a quicker set.

How can I make my cake pops more colorful?

You can use candy melts in various colors or add food coloring to your frosting before mixing it into the cake. This will create vibrant and fun cake pops.

Can I decorate my cake pops with more than just sprinkles?

Absolutely! Get creative by adding nonpareils, crushed candies, or even chocolate drizzles for a personal touch.

How long do cake pops take to set?

Cake pops will take about 10-15 minutes to set in the freezer after the sticks are inserted, and an additional 10-15 minutes for the candy coating to dry after dipping.

Can I use gluten-free cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version of this recipe. Just follow the instructions on the box for best results.

Conclusion

Starbucks Cake Pops are a sweet and fun treat that are surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can recreate these popular desserts and customize them to your liking. Whether you're making them for a party or just a casual snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

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