... Print

Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops: Moist and Perfectly Coated

A single, round, pink, shimmering starbucks cake pop on a white stick against a light gray background.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make the popular Starbucks cake pops at home with this easy recipe. You will create moist cake balls dipped in a hard, smooth candy coating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (any flavor, yellow or chocolate recommended)
  • 1 cup (8 oz) prepared frosting (canned or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for drier mix)
  • 12 oz candy melts (white, pink, or chocolate)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening or coconut oil (for thinning coating)
  • Lollipop sticks

Instructions

  1. Bake the cake mix according to the package directions using a 9×13 inch pan. Let the cake cool completely.
  2. Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl using your hands or a fork until it resembles fine crumbs. Discard any large, dry pieces.
  3. Add the frosting to the cake crumbs. Mix thoroughly with your hands until the mixture holds together when squeezed. If the mixture is too wet, add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time.
  4. Roll the mixture into uniform 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is important for shaping and dipping.
  6. Melt the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl according to package directions, stirring every 30 seconds. Stir in the shortening or oil to achieve a smooth, thin consistency for easy dipping.
  7. Dip the tip of a lollipop stick about half an inch into the melted coating and insert it halfway into a chilled cake ball. This acts as glue. Return the tray to the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set the sticks.
  8. Hold the stick and dip the entire cake ball into the melted coating, rotating it to cover completely. Gently tap the stick against the side of the bowl to remove excess coating.
  9. Place the dipped cake pop upright in a styrofoam block or a cake pop stand to dry completely.
  10. If decorating, apply sprinkles or drizzle contrasting chocolate immediately after dipping while the coating is still wet. Allow the coating to set fully before serving.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use a dense cake mix and avoid overly sweet frosting.
  • If your coating is too thick, add a little more shortening; if it is too thin, it will slide off the cake ball.
  • Chill the cake balls before dipping; room temperature balls will fall apart when dipped in warm coating.
  • To get the signature Starbucks look, use high-quality candy melts for a hard, shiny shell.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/starbucks-cake-pop-secret-recipe/