Starbucks cake pop recipe is your go-to guide for recreating these delightful, bite-sized treats at home. Whether you’re hosting a party, treating yourself, or making a special dessert for loved ones, this recipe has everything you need to match the irresistible taste and texture of Starbucks’ famous cake pops. From moist cake centers to the luscious chocolate coating, you’ll learn how to craft these sweet bites with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps—all without leaving your kitchen.

Craving a Starbucks cake pop but don’t want to leave the house? You’re in luck! This guide will show you how to make these delicious, bite-sized treats from scratch. They are moist, rich, and coated with a sweet chocolate shell—just like the ones at Starbucks!
Who doesn’t love a Starbucks cake pop? These delicious treats are the perfect sweet bite for any occasion. They’re moist, flavorful, and covered in a luscious chocolate shell. The best part? You don’t need a trip to Starbucks to enjoy them!
Making them at home is easy, fun, and budget-friendly. Plus, you can customize the flavors, colors, and decorations to your liking.
Starbucks Cake Pop: The Essential Ingredients
Cake Base Options
- Vanilla Cake (classic choice)
- Chocolate Cake (for a rich taste)
- Red Velvet Cake (for a bold flavor)
Frosting Choices
- Buttercream Frosting (best for binding)
- Cream Cheese Frosting (for tangy flavor)
- Chocolate Ganache (for extra indulgence)
Coating and Decorations
- White or Milk Chocolate (for dipping)
- Sprinkles, Crushed Nuts, or Drizzles (for decoration)
- Lollipop Sticks (to hold the cake pops)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Starbucks Cake Pops
Bake the Cake
Firstly, bake your favorite cake flavor. You can use a store-bought mix or make one from scratch. Let it cool completely before moving to the next step.
Crumble and Mix with Frosting
Crumble the cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a fork. Then, mix in a few tablespoons of frosting until the mixture becomes moist and moldable.

Roll into Perfect Balls
Scoop out small portions and roll them into smooth, round balls. They should be about the size of a golf ball.
Insert the Lollipop Sticks
Melt a small amount of chocolate and dip the tip of each lollipop stick before inserting it into a cake ball. This helps secure the stick inside the cake pop.
Freeze for Stability
Place the cake pops on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 15-20 minutes. This ensures they hold their shape when dipped in chocolate.
Melt the Chocolate Coating
Melt the chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir well to get a smooth consistency.
Dip and Decorate
Take each cake pop and dip it fully into the melted chocolate. Let the excess drip off before decorating with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or drizzled chocolate.
Let Them Set and Enjoy
Finally, place the cake pops upright in a foam block or a stand to let the coating set. Once hardened, they’re ready to enjoy!
Tips for the Best Starbucks Cake Pops
- Use just enough frosting—too much will make the cake pops mushy.
- Always chill the cake balls before dipping to keep them from falling apart.
- Stir the melted chocolate well and add a little coconut oil if it’s too thick.
Fun Variations to Try
Chocolate Cake Pops
Use chocolate cake and chocolate frosting for an extra decadent treat.
Red Velvet Cake Pops
A classic Starbucks favorite—pair red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.
Funfetti Cake Pops
Add colorful sprinkles to the cake mix for a fun, festive look.

Starbucks Cake Pop: Storage and Shelf Life
How Long Do Cake Pops Last?
- Room Temperature: 1-2 days
- Refrigerator: Up to a week
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
Freezing and Refrigerating Tips
- Wrap each cake pop individually in plastic wrap.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe Without Cake Mix
Making a Starbucks cake pop recipe without cake mix is simple. Firstly, you need basic baking ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. So, start by mixing these into a soft, moist cake batter. Then, bake the cake, let it cool, and crumble it. Finally, mix with frosting to form a dough.
Also, shaping the cake pops correctly is important. Accordingly, roll small balls and freeze them before dipping. Afterward, coat with melted candy and decorate as desired. Because chilling them helps hold their shape, always freeze before coating.
After that, you can personalize the flavors. Another way to enhance the recipe is by using flavored extracts. Basically, making cake pops without cake mix allows full control over ingredients. During the process, you can adjust sweetness or texture.
Starbucks Cake Pop Menu
At first, Starbucks offers a variety of cake pops. The most popular flavors include Birthday Cake, Chocolate, and Cookies and Cream. Also, they introduce seasonal flavors during holidays.
So, if you love Starbucks cake pops, you can recreate their menu at home. Accordingly, choose similar ingredients and flavor combinations. Afterward, practice the dipping technique for a professional look.
After that, you may want to try custom flavors. Another great idea is to mix flavors like caramel or peanut butter. Basically, with the right technique, you can match Starbucks’ quality. During special occasions, homemade cake pops can be a hit.

Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe With Cake Mix
Firstly, using cake mix makes the process easier. So, start by baking a cake following the package instructions. Then, let it cool and crumble it into fine pieces. Finally, mix it with frosting until you get a dough-like consistency.
Also, rolling the perfect cake balls takes practice. Accordingly, use a small scoop to keep sizes uniform. Afterward, chill the cake balls before inserting sticks. Because this prevents falling apart, it is an important step.
After that, dip them into melted candy coating. Another way to make them stand out is by adding sprinkles. Basically, cake mix saves time but still gives amazing results. During decorating, be creative with colors and textures.
What is the Best Way to Decorate Cake Pops?
At first, achieving a smooth candy coating is key. So, use melted candy melts or chocolate. Then, dip cake pops fully, letting excess drip off. Finally, allow them to dry upright for a polished look.
Also, decorations add personality. Accordingly, sprinkles, edible glitter, or drizzle enhance appearance. Afterward, place them on parchment paper to set. Because humidity affects coating, work in a cool environment.
After that, experiment with designs. Another idea is to use food coloring for unique effects. Basically, the best decorations reflect creativity. During holiday seasons, themed cake pops can be a fun project.
Starbucks Cake Pop Ingredients
Firstly, knowing the key ingredients is important. So, the basics include cake crumbs, frosting, candy melts, and sprinkles. Then, choosing high-quality ingredients improves the flavor. Finally, fresh dairy and pure vanilla extract make a difference.
Also, dietary substitutes are available. Accordingly, gluten-free flour or dairy-free frosting can be used. Afterward, adjust the sweetness based on preference. Because balance matters, avoid overly sweet frosting.
After that, sourcing ingredients from trusted brands helps. Another factor is using natural food colors. Basically, fresh and simple ingredients make the best cake pops. During the preparation, proper measurements ensure perfect texture.
Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe Cookies and Cream
At first, this variation needs crushed chocolate cookies. So, mix cookie crumbs with cake and frosting. Then, roll into balls and freeze them. Finally, dip in white chocolate for a creamy finish.
Also, using real Oreos enhances flavor. Accordingly, blending crumbs finely ensures smooth dough. Afterward, add extra cookie pieces for texture. Because cookies and cream is a fan-favorite, this version is always a hit.
After that, try different coatings. Another idea is to swirl dark and white chocolate. Basically, this recipe brings out rich chocolate flavors. During decorating, extra cookie crumbs can be used as a topping.

Birthday Cake Pop Recipe
Firstly, birthday cake pops need bright colors and sprinkles. So, use funfetti cake for a festive touch. Then, mix with vanilla frosting for a creamy texture. Finally, shape into even-sized balls.
Also, decorating makes them extra special. Accordingly, rainbow sprinkles and colorful candy melts work well. Afterward, let them dry fully before serving. Because birthday cake pops should be vibrant, use playful colors.
After that, presentation matters. Another tip is to wrap them in gift boxes. Basically, these cake pops bring joy to any party. During celebrations, they make a perfect dessert option.
Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe Reddit
At first, many bakers share their Starbucks cake pop experiences on Reddit. So, common discussions include texture tips and coating tricks. Then, users exchange ideas on homemade flavors. Finally, Reddit recipes often have unique twists.
Also, real user experiences are helpful. Accordingly, community feedback highlights what works best. Afterward, trying different suggestions improves skills. Because Reddit users experiment a lot, you can learn new techniques.
After that, finding trusted Reddit recipes is important. Another way to verify is by checking user reviews. Basically, community tips help refine baking skills. During trial and error, adjust ingredients based on feedback.
Conclusion
Making your own Starbucks cake pop recipe at home is easy, fun, and rewarding. Not only do you get to enjoy a sweet, homemade treat, but you can also customize the flavors and decorations however you like.
Next time you’re craving a Starbucks cake pop, skip the trip and make them yourself!
FAQs
Starbucks cake pops are made with cake crumbs, frosting, candy melts, and sprinkles. They also include vanilla extract and sugar for extra flavor.
Their rich, moist texture and perfectly sweet coating make them delicious. The balance of cake and frosting ensures a soft bite.
Chilling the cake balls before dipping prevents them from falling apart. Using the right ratio of cake to frosting creates the perfect texture.
Starbucks sources their cake pops from a third-party bakery, SROriginals (now known as Steven Charles). They produce high-quality desserts.
Basic ingredients include cake, frosting, candy melts, and lollipop sticks. Optional add-ins include sprinkles, food coloring, and flavor extracts.
Starbucks Refreshers contain fruit juice, green coffee extract, sweeteners, and flavors like strawberry, mango, or dragonfruit. They provide a light caffeine boost.

starbucks cake pop recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla or chocolate cake mix plus required ingredients
- ½ cup vanilla or chocolate frosting
- 2 cups candy melts pink or white
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or shortening for smooth coating
- 24 –30 lollipop sticks
- Sprinkles optional
Instructions
Bake the Cake
- Prepare and bake the cake according to the package instructions.
- Let it cool completely before handling.
Make the Cake Pop Dough
- Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl.
- Add the frosting and mix until a dough-like consistency forms.
Shape the Cake Pops
- Roll small portions of the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place them on a lined baking sheet and chill for 1 hour.
Dip the Cake Pops
- Melt the candy melts with oil, stirring until smooth.
- Dip lollipop sticks into the melted coating, then insert them into the cake balls.
- Chill for another 15 minutes to secure the sticks.
Coat and Decorate
- Dip each cake pop into the melted candy coating.
- Tap off excess and add sprinkles before the coating hardens.
Set and Serve
- Place the cake pops upright in a foam block or parchment-lined tray.
- Let them set at room temperature before serving.
Storage
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freeze for up to 1 month for longer storage.
Notes
Nutrition
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