The Tricks To Making Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Discover the secrets to creating delicious chocolate cake pops that taste just like the ones from Starbucks.
These chocolate cake pops are a delightful treat that you can easily replicate at home. With a rich chocolate flavor and a fun presentation, they're perfect for parties or a special dessert.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Decadent chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth
- Fun and interactive way to enjoy cake
- Perfect for gifting or special occasions
Understanding Cake Pops
Cake pops are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: cake and popsicle fun! Originating from the need to use leftover cake, these bite-sized sweets have become a popular item at bakeries and coffee shops like Starbucks. The beauty of cake pops lies in their versatility; you can personalize them with various flavors, coatings, and decorations.
Creating cake pops is not only about taste but also about presentation. The round, shiny exterior invites you to take a bite, while the moist cake inside surprises you with its rich flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging yourself, cake pops can elevate any occasion.
Tips for Perfect Cake Pops
To achieve the best results, ensure that your cake is completely cooled before crumbling. This step is crucial as warm cake can create a soggy mixture, resulting in unstable pops. Additionally, don’t skip the freezing step. Freezing the formed cake balls makes them easier to dip and helps maintain their shape during the coating process.
When melting your chocolate, do so carefully. A microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, is ideal. If your chocolate is too thick, adding a little vegetable oil can help achieve a smoother consistency, making for an easier dipping experience. Remember, patience is key when working with chocolate!
Customization Ideas
The fun of making cake pops comes from customizing them to suit your taste or theme. Experiment with different cake flavors such as vanilla, red velvet, or even lemon for a refreshing twist. Each flavor can be paired with various coatings, from milk chocolate to white chocolate or even candy melts for vibrant colors.
Decorating your cake pops opens up a world of creativity. Use colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed nuts to give them a unique touch. You can also drizzle contrasting chocolate over the pops for an artistic flair. The possibilities are endless, making cake pops a fun project for both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Coating
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sprinkles or crushed nuts (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the butter, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk. Beat until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes.
Cool and Crumble
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. When cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl.
Form the Cake Pops
Using your hands, form small balls (about 1 inch) from the crumbled cake. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Insert sticks into each ball and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
Coat with Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with vegetable oil. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Let them set on parchment paper.
Enjoy!
Storing Your Cake Pops
Proper storage is essential to keep your cake pops fresh and delicious. If you plan to serve them within a few days, simply keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. However, for longer storage, consider refrigerating them. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving to maintain their delightful texture.
If you choose to freeze your cake pops, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Pairing Suggestions
Cake pops are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a beverage can enhance the experience. A rich cup of coffee or a creamy hot chocolate complements the chocolate flavor beautifully, making them a perfect match for a cozy afternoon treat.
For a refreshing option, consider pairing your cake pops with a fruit-infused iced tea or lemonade. The contrast between the sweet, dense cake and the light, tangy beverage creates a delightful balance, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch?
Yes, you can use a chocolate cake mix for convenience.
→ How do I store leftover cake pops?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze cake pops?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after coating. Just ensure they are well-wrapped.
→ What can I use instead of chocolate chips for coating?
You can use candy melts or white chocolate as alternatives.
The Tricks To Making Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops
Discover the secrets to creating delicious chocolate cake pops that taste just like the ones from Starbucks.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 cake pops
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Coating
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sprinkles or crushed nuts (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the butter, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk. Beat until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. When cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl.
Using your hands, form small balls (about 1 inch) from the crumbled cake. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Insert sticks into each ball and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with vegetable oil. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Let them set on parchment paper.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g