• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
I'm Hungry For That
  • Home
  • Breakfast Recipes
  • Casserole Recipes
  • Copycat Recipes
  • About Us
  • Social
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Breakfast Recipes
  • Casserole Recipes
  • Copycat Recipes
  • About Us
  • Social
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Easy Homemade Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe

    Published: Nov 7, 2022 · Modified: Nov 6, 2024 · By: Brendan Cunningham

    Jump to Recipe

    This copycat Starbucks cake pops recipe combines soft, dense cake, with a rich, smooth white chocolate coating. Every bite of 'em is just as addicting as the last, and they're so, so easy to make. In fact, just 10 minutes of prep work is all you need to whip these up. Best of all though, these taste spot-on just like the cake pops from Starbucks.

    Starbucks cake pops in a clear jar with more cake pops in the background.

    Table of Contents

    • The Best Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe
      • Ingredients
        • Ingredient Substitutions and Suggestions
      • How To Make Starbucks Cake Pops
        • Step 1: Create The Cake Mixture
        • Step 2: Make The Cake Balls
        • Step 3: Refrigerate The Cake Balls
        • Step 4: Melt The Chocolate
        • Step 5: Coat The Cake Balls 
      • How To Store Cake Pops
      • Wrapping It Up
    • More Dessert Recipes
    • Easy Homemade Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe
      • Ingredients
      • Instructions
      • Did you make this recipe?

    The Best Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe

    If you've ever gone to Starbucks just to get your hands on the cake pops, then you know how delicious they are. Honestly, I'd take the Starbucks cake pops over one of their drinks any day of the week. 

    Well, with this copycat Starbucks cake pops recipe, you can recreate all of that vanilla cake magic at home! So say goodbye to waiting in that long Starbucks drive-thru line!

    Now, I know I'm biased, but I think these cake balls might just be even better than the ones from Starbucks. The cake pops are made with the perfect combination of cake crumbs and powdered sugar to create a moist cake ball that just melts in your mouth. Then, those balls of cake are coated in a super rich white chocolate coating that takes them to a whole different level of deliciousness.

    Gah, they're just so, so good!

    They're also super easy to make too. The whole process of making these copycat Starbucks cake pops boils down to following just 5 simple steps. And, to make 'em, all you need are a few basic pantry staples.

    Honestly, I love making these Starbucks birthday cake pops with the kids as an afterschool sweet treat, as a dessert when I'm hosting a celebration, or even as a party favor. Everyone always compliments me on the look of them, not to mention they always say they taste amazing too.

    And for what it's worth, this is my favorite Starbucks copycat recipe, right up there with this Starbucks lemon loaf, Starbucks grilled cheese, and Starbucks overnight oats.

    A hand holding a single Starbucks cake pop.

    Ingredients

    So, as I mentioned, the ingredients needed to make Starbucks cake pops are some pretty simple ones that you probably already have on hand! If not, a quick trip to the store is well worth it.

    Anyway, here's what you'll need to make the cake pops:

    • 1 Premade Packaged Cake (or cake made from a box)
    • 1 ½ cups Powdered Sugar
    • ½ cup Unsalted Butter
    • ¼ cup Milk
    • 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

    And for the chocolate coating:

    • 1 cup White Chocolate + 1 tsp. Red Food Coloring (or pink candy melts)
    • White sprinkles
    • 20-24 Cake Pop Sticks

    Now, if you're grabbing a boxed cake mix, pick up a chocolate cake mix and Funfetti cake mix too. That way you can make these chocolate M&M cookies and Funfetti cookies next!

    An assortment of ingredients for Starbucks cake pops including a baked cake, cake pop sticks, butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.

    Ingredient Substitutions and Suggestions

    So, there is a ton of wiggle room when it comes to the ingredient list above. For the cake mixture - that you'll use to create the cake balls - you can use a premade packaged cake from the store, or you can grab some cake mix and bake a cake in advance.

    As for the flavor, I like using a classic vanilla cake, but you can use chocolate cake, red velvet cake, Funfetti cake, or really any kind that you want! Everything works great, it just depends on what you're in the mood for!

    Then, the same goes for the melted chocolate coating. If you want a fun color like red, blue, or green, then you'll definitely want to use white chocolate and food coloring, or something like pink candy melts candy. But, if you want the coating to have more of a rich chocolatey flavor, then feel free to use milk chocolate or even dark chocolate! 

    An electric hand mixer covered in cake pop mixture above a mixing bowl of cake pop ingredients not yet fully combined. Next to the mixing bowl there are containers of raw ingredients and a pile of cake pop sticks.

    How To Make Starbucks Cake Pops

    As I've mentioned a few times now, these copycat Starbucks cake pops are incredibly easy to make.

    With that said though, you will need about two hours for your cake pops to firm up in the fridge before you can frost them. So, just keep that in mind so you can plan accordingly. 

    Also, I know I briefly mentioned this earlier, but these homemade cake pops are really fun to make with kids. So you might want to recruit some helpers if you got some.

    Anyway, with all that said, let's stop wasting time and jump into how to make cake pops!

    A white mixing bowl of Starbucks cake pop ingredients next to a tray of cake crumbs, a container of butter, sprinkles, and a pile of cake pop sticks.

    Step 1: Create The Cake Mixture

    Before we begin, you'll want to make sure that you have a premade cake from the store or an already baked cake from a box of cake mix.

    Then, you'll want to grab a large mixing bowl and beat the butter and sugar in it with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. When that's looking good add in the vanilla extract and mix until it's well combined with the butter and sugar.

    Now, crumble the baked cake with your hands into the bowl with the rest of the ingredients and mix everything with a rubber spatula until a somewhat dense doughy cake mixture forms.

    A white mixing bowl with cake pop ingredients and a spoon in the bowl. Next to the mixing bowl there are containers of raw ingredients including sprinkles, butter, vanilla extract, and a pile of cake pop sticks.

    Step 2: Make The Cake Balls

    Now that the cake mixture is good to go, it's time to make the cake balls!

    So, to do that you'll want to scoop out about 20 to 24 one-and-a-half tablespoon-sized balls from that doughy mixture. Then, after you scoop 'em out you can roll 'em in your hands to make sure they're smooth.

    Now, when they're smooth, you'll want to add all of the cake balls to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    Baking sheet lined with parchment paper containing cake balls next to an assortment of ingredients including cake pop sticks, vanilla extract, and sprinkles.

    Step 3: Refrigerate The Cake Balls

    So, at this point you'll want to melt some of the white chocolate chips - or candy melts - (a small amount) in a microwave-safe bowl. Then, after you've got those melted, you'll want to take your cake pop sticks and dip the tips of each one in the melted chocolate.

    Next, you'll want to insert all of the sticks into your cake pop balls, put them back on the baking sheet, and refrigerate them for about two hours until they're kind of firm. 

    Baking sheet lined with parchment paper containing Starbucks cake pops with cake pop sticks, next to an assortment of ingredients including butter, vanilla extract, and sprinkles.

    Step 4: Melt The Chocolate

    Once the cake pops are stiff, it's time to coat them in chocolate!

    Start by adding the rest of the white chocolate - or candy melts - in the bowl you used earlier, and microwave 'em in a few 30-second increments, stirring between each one - or until the chocolate has melted. 

    Then, slowly add enough red food coloring - or the food coloring of your choice - and mix until the coloring combines totally into the chocolate.

    By the way, if you're using pink melted candy melts instead, then you don't have to worry about adding red food coloring.

    A mixing bowl with cake pop ingredients not yet mixed together, next to containers of raw ingredients and a pile of cake pop sticks.

    Step 5: Coat The Cake Balls 

    Now that the melted chocolate is ready to go, you can dip each cake pop in it until it's well coated. Then, when it is, you'll want to immediately sprinkle the sprinkles on top of each pop.

    Finally, to finish up, let all the cake pops sit at room temperature for a few minutes until the chocolate hardens. Then, serve these incredible copycat Starbucks cake pops to whoever is around - or maybe just yourself - and enjoy!

    Starbucks cake pops in a clear jar with more cake pops in the background.

    How To Store Cake Pops

    So, this recipe for Starbucks cake pops will make about 20-24 pops. So there's a good chance you'll have some leftovers if you make 'em.

    Luckily storing them is a breeze. To store your leftover cake pops I recommend taking the sticks out and then keeping them in an air-tight container or bag. Then, stored like this, you can keep the leftover cake pops at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for up to a week.

    By the way, if you want to keep these cake pops for even longer you can freeze them. Just store the pops in an airtight container - or freezer-safe bag - separated with parchment paper, so they don't stick to one another. Stored this way they will stay good for about a month.

    A Starbucks cake pop with a bite taken out.

    Wrapping It Up

    Well, that's how to make Starbucks cake pops at home in just a few simple and easy steps.

    You honestly won't be able to tell the difference between these copycat Starbucks cake pops and the ones you'd get from the coffee shop. Yeah, they're that good! 

    And what's great is adults and kids both love these equally. So, no matter what you make these for, these Starbucks cake pops are sure to be a hit!

    Anyway, if you give these homemade cake pops a try, leave a comment below and let us know how it went.

    By the way, if you love Starbucks, you have to give this mango dragonfruit refresher a try!

    More Dessert Recipes

    If you're looking for some more quick and easy recipes to curb your sweet tooth we have a ton on the blog to do that with.

    Here are some of our favorites:

    • Oreo Balls
    • Small batch sugar cookies
    • Peanut butter balls
    • Mape fudge
    • Starbucks banana bread recipe
    • McDonald's Oreo McFlurry

    Also, don't forget to follow us along on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for more easy dessert recipes just like this one. We post new ones on them every single day.

    Print

    Easy Homemade Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe

    Five cake pops assorted in a glass jar.
    Print Recipe

    ★★★★★

    5 from 2 reviews

    This copycat Starbucks cake pops recipe combines soft, dense cake, with a rich, smooth white chocolate coating. Every bite of 'em is just as addicting as the last, and they're so, so easy to make. In fact, just 10 minutes of prep work is all you need to whip these up. Best of all though, these taste spot-on just like the cake pops from Starbucks.

    • Author: Brendan Cunningham
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 0 minutes
    • Total Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
    • Yield: 24 cake pops 1x
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: Mixing
    • Cuisine: Starbucks

    Ingredients

    Scale

    1 Premade Packaged Cake (or cake made from a box)

    1 ½ cups Powdered Sugar

    ½ cup Unsalted Butter

    ¼ cup Milk

    1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

    1 cup White Chocolate + 1 tsp. Red Food Coloring (or pink candy melts)

    White sprinkles

    20-24 Cake Pop Sticks

    Instructions

    1. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until creamy.
    2. Add vanilla and mix until well combined.
    3. Crumble the already baked cake with your hands into a large bowl.
    4. Mix the cake crumbles and the butter/sugar mixture together until combined.
    5. Make 1 ½ tbsp. balls out of the mixture and arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
    6. Melt the chocolate, dip each stick in the chocolate and poke the sticks in the balls.
    7. Refrigerate them until stiff (around 2 hours).
    8. Heat the white chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring between each, in the microwave and mix with red food coloring until you get a nice pink color.
    9. Coat each cake pop in the chocolate, cover with sprinkles, and let them cool until the chocolate sets.

    Keywords: starbucks cake pops, copycat starbucks cake pops, copycat starbucks cake pop recipe, cake pops recipe, starbucks birthday cake pops, cake balls, cake balls recipe, cake pops recipe easy with cake mix, starbucks cake pops ingredients,

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag us @ImHungryForThat — we can't wait to see what you've made!

    « The BEST Coconut Pie Recipe | Just 5 Minutes Of Prep Work Needed
    The BEST Birria Ramen Recipe | Takes Just 10 Minutes Of Prep »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Bri

      November 07, 2022 at 4:38 pm

      Honestly better than Starbucks!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Julie Moore

      November 08, 2022 at 10:31 am

      Very easy cake pops that my kids loved!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. A dude

      February 23, 2023 at 5:14 pm

      So nommy I almost died.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Two men in a kitchen smiling.

    Hey, we're Brendan & Joe! We love making delicious quick and easy recipes. Most of them take under 30 minutes to whip up and require less than 10 ingredients and 5 steps as well.

    More about us →

    Latest Recipes

    • A bowl of boat dip garnished with chopped parsley. The bowl is on a wooden board with chips. The board is on a white counter with a ramekin of garnishes.
      TikTok Viral Boat Dip (Rotel Ranch Dip)
    • A square glass baking dish with Tennessee onions garnished with fresh parsley. There is a fork in the onions. The dish is on a white counter with a bowl of sour cream, garnishes, and brick of cheese.
      Tennessee Onions Recipe: A Southern Classic
    • A white plate filled with mini pancakes. The plate is on a white counter with a cup of coffee and additional plate of pancakes.
      Easy Mini Pancakes Recipe
    • A white bowl of strawberry fluff salad with a sliced strawberry on top. The bowl is on a white counter with strawberries.
      Easy Strawberry Fluff Salad Recipe

    Popular Recipes

    • A plate with egg fried rice on it.
      Uncle Roger's Fried Rice Recipe
    • A sausage, meat, and cheese McGriddle on a wire rack on a white tablecloth on a wooden board on top of a counter. There is a knife through the top center of the McGriddle.
      Homemade McGriddle In Under 30 Minutes (Sausage, Egg, And Cheese)
    • A plate with a slice of taco casserole on it.
      Taco Casserole With Tortillas
    • Two lamb breasts and a few slices of lamb breast to the right of them all on a rectangular white plate on a wooden counter.
      Lamb Breast Recipe | Just 15 Minutes To Prepare
    • A chicken breast sliced in half stuffed with filling. The chicken is on a white plate and behind it is part of a white bowl with cheddar cheese in it.
      Ruth Chris Stuffed Chicken Recipe
    • A piece of fried dough with a bite out of it on pieces of fried dough.
      Fried Dough Made In 15 Minutes | Tastes Like The One From The Fair

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About Us

    • About

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    YouTube

    • Subscribe

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

    Privacy Policy Copyright © 2024 Terms & Conditions