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.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-19T17:00:57.735Z

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.

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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.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time55 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 cake pops

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 1 tsp baking powder
  5. 1/2 tsp baking soda
  6. 1/4 tsp salt
  7. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  8. 2 large eggs
  9. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  10. 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Coating

  1. 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
  2. 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  3. Sprinkles or crushed nuts (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

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.

Step 02

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.

Step 03

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.

Step 04

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