Skip the pricey coffee shop and make your own Starbucks-style cake pops at home! These easy, sweet treats feature moist vanilla cake mixed with frosting, dipped in pink candy coating, and topped with white sprinkles—just like the real deal, but for a fraction of the cost.
💕 Why You’ll Love These Homemade Cake Pops
Let’s face it—Starbucks cake pops are as adorable as they are delicious, but buying them frequently adds up. With this easy copycat recipe, you can recreate the magic in your own kitchen using simple ingredients and a little prep. These cake pops are perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, gifts, or just a fun treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee.
🎂 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Starbucks-inspired cake pops:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box: typically water, eggs, and oil)
- ⅓ cup French vanilla frosting (or regular vanilla)
- 1 bag (12 oz) pink candy melts (or white chocolate with pink food coloring)
- White sprinkles
- Lollipop sticks
Tip: Use a gluten-free cake mix and frosting if needed.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Cake
Prepare the cake mix according to package directions. Bake in a greased 9×13-inch pan (or two 8×8-inch pans) at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
2. Make the Cake Pop Mixture
Once the cake is cool, crumble it into fine crumbs using a fork or your hands. Add the frosting and mix until fully combined. The mixture should be moist but moldable.
3. Form the Cake Balls
Scoop and roll the mixture into evenly sized balls (about the size of a ping-pong ball). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30–60 minutes, until firm.
4. Insert the Sticks
Melt a small amount of pink candy melts. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate and insert it halfway into each cake ball. Return the pops to the freezer to firm up again (this helps them stay on the stick).
5. Coat and Decorate
Melt the remaining pink candy melts in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each, until smooth. Dip each cake pop into the candy melts, turning to coat evenly. Let the excess drip off, then add white sprinkles while the coating is still wet.
6. Set the Pops
Stick the finished pops into a styrofoam block, cardboard box, or colander to stand upright while the coating hardens completely.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t rush chilling. Cold cake balls hold their shape better and won’t fall off the stick when dipped.
- Don’t overdo the frosting. Add just enough to bind the crumbs—too much can make the mixture mushy.
- Work in batches. Only take a few pops out of the freezer at a time so they stay cold while you coat them.
- Avoid cracks. Let cake balls sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before dipping to reduce cracking.
🧊 How to Store
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Store up to 4 days in a sealed container lined with paper towels.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
❓ FAQs
How much do Starbucks cake pops cost?
Around $3.75 each—this recipe saves you a lot!
How do I stop cake pops from falling off the stick?
Make sure they’re well chilled and insert sticks dipped in melted chocolate before freezing.
What if I don’t have a styrofoam block?
Use a cardboard box or flip a colander upside down and poke the sticks through the holes.
🍰 More Sweets You’ll Love
- [Lemon Cake Pops Recipe]
- [Biscoff Cheesecake]
- [Carrot Cake Pop Recipe]
- [Keto Chocolate Almond Butter Cookies]
📌 Final Thoughts
These DIY Starbucks Cake Pops are an easy and adorable treat for any occasion—and way more budget-friendly than buying them at the store. Soft, sweet, and coated in pretty pink chocolate, they’re guaranteed to impress!