Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops
Perfectly soft and sweet with a creamy vanilla center and a crisp pink shell, these homemade Starbucks Cake Pops look and taste just like the real thing — for a fraction of the price.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Lollipop sticks
- Tall glass or jar (for dipping)
- Styrofoam block or cardboard box (for setting pops upright)
Ingredients
Cake Pop Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix plus ingredients listed on the box
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Coating & Decoration
- 12 oz light pink candy melts
- white nonpareil sprinkles optional, for decoration
- 24 lollipop sticks
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the vanilla cake mix according to package instructions. Let it cool slightly until just warm to the touch.
- Crumble the warm cake into a stand mixer bowl. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix on low with paddle attachment until a soft, dough-like texture forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in freezer for 15–20 minutes until firm.
- Melt pink candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20–30 seconds until smooth.
- Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy and insert into the center of each cake ball. Chill again briefly to secure the sticks.
- Transfer melted candy to a tall glass or jar. Dip each cake pop straight down, rotating gently to fully coat. Tap gently to remove excess.
- While still wet, sprinkle with white nonpareils. Stand pops upright in a foam block or box to set completely.
- Once candy coating is firm, serve and enjoy!
Notes
If candy melts are too thick, stir in 1–2 teaspoons coconut oil for a smoother consistency. These make great gifts when wrapped individually in cellophane.