How to Make Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops

How to Make Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops - Homemade versions of the popular cake pops sold at Starbucks. But not as pricey as the coffee shop version. Buy the real thing for $3 each or make 20 for about 50 cents each! If you're a fan of copycat recipes, you'll love this one!

Why I love this easy recipe -  How to Make Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops

• These cake pops replicate the taste, texture, and appearance of the Starbucks birthday cake pop, but can be made in your own kitchen.

• This easy cake pop recipe replicates the delicious, sweet flavor of Starbucks' popular cake pops, offering a satisfying little treat.

• You can personalize this copycat Starbucks cake pop recipe by adjusting flavors, and decorations to your liking such as chocolate cake pops.

• Making homemade cake pops is much more economical than purchasing them from Starbucks. Great with a cup of coffee served at home.

• Assembling and decorating this copycat Starbucks cake pops recipe can be a fun and creative activity to do alone or with family and friends.

• The perfect bite-sized treats to serve at your next birthday party! And they can be ready in just a few easy steps.

What you need

Ingredient Notes

Soft Frosted Grocery Store Cookies - They are often found in the bakery section of grocery stores, pre-packaged in plastic containers. Their tender, cake-like texture and sugary frosting make them the perfect base for these birthday cake flavored cake pops. The cookies will be crushed to combine with the cream cheese.

Cream Cheese - Full-fat cream cheese maintains its structure better than lower-fat versions, ensuring that the cake pops hold their shape well. Also keep in mind that the rich flavor of full-fat cream cheese adds a delicious tanginess that complements the sweetness of the cake pops, creating a balanced taste.

Pink Candy Coating or Candy Melts - Vibrant, disk-shaped confectionery coatings commonly used in baking and decorating. They have a smooth, glossy finish and a creamy, sweet vanilla flavor. Find them in the baking section of craft stores or major department stores.

Treat Sticks or Cake Pop Sticks - Similar to a lollipop stick. Treat sticks for cake pops are slender, sturdy sticks designed specifically for holding and displaying cake pops and other similar confections. Typically made from food-grade paper, plastic, or bamboo, these sticks are strong enough to support the weight of cake pops while being safe for food use. Find them in the baking section of craft stores or major department stores. Do not use a popsicle stick.

Cake Pop Kit - This is optional but there are some nifty cake pop kits available online that include items such as a Cake Pop Stand, Cake Pop Sticks and Wrappers, Decorating Pen, 4 Piping Tips, Measuring Cup, Meat Baller with Handles, and Twist Ties.

How to Make Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops

1. Place cookies in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and beat on low until you have fine cake crumbs. Best in softened cream cheese. Roll into balls using the palm of your hands (about 20 cake pop balls). Refrigerate 2-4 hours.

2. Melt candy melts in microwave according to package instructions - I used Wilton brand candy melt). (If you're feeling fancy, you can get a Wilton Candy Melts Melting Pot.) Add a few teaspoons of vegetable oil if it seems too thick. Dip a treat stick in melted candy melts, then gently press into chilled ball. Repeat for all of them. This helps the treat stick stay in place. Let set a few minutes, then dip balls in melted candy melts. Add white sprinkles, if desired.

3. Let set by placing treat sticks in an upside down pizza box or cardboard box with holes punched in it.

4. Store leftovers in refrigerator for several days. Scroll to the bottom of this post for recipe card with full recipe.

Quick tips

• Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator or freezer before dipping. This helps them firm up and makes it easier to coat them without falling apart.

• Dip the end of the stick in melted coating before inserting it into the cake ball. This helps secure the stick in place.

• Use candy melts or chocolate that melts smoothly. Adding a bit of vegetable oil or shortening can help achieve a better consistency for dipping.

• After dipping the cake pops, gently tap the stick on the edge of the bowl to remove any excess coating. Rotate the cake pop to ensure an even coating.

• Add sprinkles or decorations while the coating is still wet so they adhere well.

• Stick the cake pops into a styrofoam block or use a cake pop stand to keep them upright while the coating sets.

• Store finished cake pops in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Frequently asked questions

How do I achieve a smooth coating on my cake pops? Use candy melts or good quality chocolate that melts smoothly. Adding a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening can help achieve a better consistency for dipping.

Can I make homemade Starbucks cake pops without candy melts? Yes, you can use melted chocolate or almond bark as an alternative. Adding a bit of oil or shortening can help achieve the right consistency.

How long do cake pops last? Cake pops can last at room temperature for a few days. If you need to store them longer, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month.

What’s the best way to display and dry cake pops? Use a styrofoam block, a cake pop stand, or even an upside down pizza box to keep the cake pops upright while the coating sets.

How do I transport cake pops without damaging them? Use a cake pop stand or place them in a container with individual compartments to keep them from touching and getting damaged.

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