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Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Easy Copycat)

This recipe helps you recreate the cheerful, pink Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops at home. It's a simple and easy baking project, perfect for parties or a fun activity with kids, using a basic vanilla cake mix and frosting to achieve that iconic fudgy texture. The result is an impressive treat that looks and tastes like it came straight from the coffee shop.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 15 servings
Calories: 246
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, like eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1/3 cup French vanilla frosting
  • 1 bag (12oz) light pink candy melts
  • White nonpareils or sprinkles for decorating
  • Lollipop sticks

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch pan
  • wire rack
  • large bowl
  • Small cookie scoop
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • Lollipop sticks
  • Microwave or double boiler
  • Styrofoam block or cardboard with holes

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bake the Cake: Prepare and bake your vanilla cake mix according to the directions on the box in a 9x13-inch pan. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
  2. Crumble and Mix: Once the cake is completely cool, crumble it into fine crumbs in a large bowl. Add the vanilla frosting and mix until it has a thick, dough-like consistency.
  3. Roll and Chill: Use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture and roll it into tight, 1.5-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30-60 minutes until very firm.
  4. Melt and Prep Sticks: While the cake balls are chilling, melt the pink candy melts in the microwave or a double boiler until smooth. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy and insert it about halfway into a frozen cake ball. Return them to the freezer for another 15 minutes to solidify.
  5. Dip and Decorate: Hold the stick and dip each cake pop into the melted pink candy, coating it completely. Tap off any excess candy. Before the coating sets, add white sprinkles. Place the finished pops upright in a styrofoam block or similar holder to dry completely.

Notes

To get a smooth candy coating, stir a tiny bit of coconut oil or vegetable shortening into thick candy melts. Use a tall, narrow glass for dipping for a cleaner finish. To prevent the coating from cracking, let the frozen cake balls sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before dipping them.