Description
This recipe guides you to create iconic Starbucks-style cake pops at home. Using a simple boxed cake mix and vanilla frosting, you'll roll cake balls, chill them, dip them in melted white chocolate or candy melts, and decorate with sprinkles for a fun, delicious, and budget-friendly treat that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 Boxed White Cake Mix (plus ingredients for cake)
1 16 oz can Vanilla Frosting
24 oz White Candy Melts or White Chocolate
1–2 tsp Vegetable Shortening (optional)
As desired Sprinkles
30–40 Lollipop Sticks
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the white cake mix according to package directions. Let it cool completely
- Once cool, crumble the entire cake into a large bowl. Use your hands or a fork
- Add about 3/4 of the can of vanilla frosting to the crumbled cake. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is moist and holds together, resembling dough. Use more frosting if needed
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of cake mixture. Roll it into a tight ball, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat for all cake mixture
- Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 30 minutes. This firms them up for dipping
- Melt the candy melts according to package directions. If too thick, add a teaspoon of shortening to thin it. Use a deep, narrow mug for easier dipping
- Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into melted chocolate, then insert it about halfway into a chilled cake ball. Let the chocolate set for a few seconds
- Dip the entire cake pop into the melted chocolate. Gently tap off excess chocolate
- Immediately add sprinkles before the chocolate sets
- Place the finished Starbucks cake pops upright in a Styrofoam block or on a baking sheet to set completely
Notes
Do not skip chilling the cake balls. Cold cake balls prevent cracking and ensure a smooth dip.
Melt chocolate properly: Overheated chocolate becomes thick and clumpy. Use a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well each time, or a double boiler. Thin with a bit of shortening if necessary.
Use a deep, narrow mug or glass for your melted chocolate for a full, even dip without wasting chocolate.
After dipping, gently tap the stick against the edge of your container to remove excess chocolate and create a smooth finish.
Sprinkles adhere best when the chocolate is still wet, so have them ready and work quickly.
Store finished cake pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
For best flavor, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 70 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake pop
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Starbucks cake pops, cake pops, copycat recipe, dessert, DIY, homemade, treats