Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe

Recreate the magic of Starbucks’ cake pops at home with this simple and delicious recipe! These bite-sized treats feature a moist, sweet cake interior combined with creamy frosting, all coated in a smooth candy shell. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a fun afternoon snack, these homemade cake pops are just as delightful as the ones you love from your favorite coffee shop.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (or homemade vanilla cake recipe)
• Ingredients listed on the box (e.g., eggs, oil, 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 thin the coating)
• Sprinkles, for decoration

Tools:

• Lollipop sticks
• Styrofoam block (for drying cake pops)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat your oven and prepare the cake batter according to the box instructions.
2. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake as directed. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cake Pop Dough

1. Once the cake has cooled, crumble it into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the vanilla frosting a little at a time and mix until the cake crumbs hold together like dough. Be careful not to add too much frosting; the mixture should be moist but not sticky.

Step 3: Form the Cake Balls

1. Roll the cake mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
2. Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours or in the freezer for 20–30 minutes until firm.

Step 4: Prepare the Coating

1. Melt the white candy melts or chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals until smooth. Add vegetable shortening to thin the coating, if needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake Pops

1. Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted coating, then insert it about halfway into a chilled cake ball. This helps the stick stay in place.
2. Dip the cake pop into the melted coating, turning it gently to coat evenly. Allow any excess to drip off.
3. Decorate with sprinkles before the coating sets. Place the cake pop upright in a Styrofoam block to dry.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the coating has fully set, the cake pops are ready to serve.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Enjoy your cake pops as a treat or party dessert. They’re also perfect as homemade gifts!
• Storage: Store cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

1. How can I prevent the cake pops from falling off the sticks?

Chilling the cake balls before dipping and dipping the sticks in melted candy before inserting them helps the cake pops stay securely in place.

2. Can I use other types of cake and frosting?

Yes! You can use chocolate, red velvet, or lemon cake with complementary frostings for variety.

3. Why is my coating too thick?

If the candy melts are too thick, stir in a teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to thin the mixture. Avoid adding water, as it will cause the chocolate to seize.

4. Can I use chocolate chips instead of candy melts?

Yes, but chocolate chips may require thinning with vegetable shortening for a smoother coating. Candy melts are easier to work with and come in a variety of colors.

This Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe allows you to enjoy these iconic treats at home with simple ingredients and easy steps. Perfectly sweet, creamy, and festive, these cake pops are a hit for any occasion!

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