Why Make this Recipe
Cake pops are delightful little treats that combine the best of cake and candy. They are perfect for all ages, making them a fantastic choice for parties, celebrations, or just a fun snack at home. These cake pops are not only easy to make, but they also allow for a lot of creativity. You can choose your favorite colors, add fun sprinkles, or even customize the flavors to suit your taste!
Making Starbucks-style cake pops at home is also a great way to save money. Those small bites of joy can be quite pricey at coffee shops, but with this simple recipe, you can enjoy them for much less. Plus, making treats at home can be a fun activity to do with kids or friends, making it a memorable experience.
Additionally, cake pops are versatile. You can make them for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays or just for a cozy day at home. They also make fantastic gifts when wrapped up nicely. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into making these delicious Starbucks cake pops!
How to Make Starbucks Cake Pops
Creating these delightful cake pops is straightforward and rewarding. The process requires minimal ingredients and simple steps. Below, we will provide a detailed breakdown of what you need and how to create your tasty treats.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 package melted candy coating (white or colored)
- Cake pop sticks
- Sprinkles (optional)
Directions
Bake the Vanilla Cake: Start by preheating your oven. Follow the instructions on the box for baking the vanilla cake. Once it is finished baking, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. It is essential that the cake is entirely cool before you crumble it.
Crumble the Cooled Cake: Once the cake is cool, break it apart into small pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. You can use your hands or a fork to crumble the cake into fine bits. This process is crucial as it helps to mix evenly with the frosting.
Add the Frosting: Pour in the cup of frosting into the crumbled cake. Use a spatula or your hands to mix them thoroughly. Make sure the frosting is evenly distributed throughout the cake crumbs. This mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape.
Shape the Mixture into Balls: Now it’s time to shape the cake mixture into small balls. You can make them as big or as small as you like, but a good size is about one inch in diameter. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Freeze for About 30 Minutes: Once shaped, place the baking sheet in the freezer. Freezing will help the cake pops hold their shape when you stick the sticks in and when you dip them in candy coating. Leave them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
Melt the Candy Coating: While the cake pops are freezing, melt the candy coating according to the instructions on the package. You can do this in a microwave or a double boiler. If using the microwave, heat in short intervals and stir until smooth.
Insert the Cake Pop Sticks: Take the cake balls out of the freezer. Dip the end of each cake pop stick into the melted candy coating. This will help the stick adhere to the cake pop. Carefully insert each stick into the center of the cake ball. Make sure you do not push all the way through.
Dip the Cake Balls: Hold each cake pop by the stick and dip it into the melted candy coating. Ensure the entire ball is coated. Allow any excess candy coating to drip off back into the bowl.
Decorate with Sprinkles: If you want to add some colorful sprinkles, now is the time! While the candy coating is still wet, sprinkle your desired toppings over the cake pop. This is optional but makes your cake pops look even more festive.
Let Set Before Serving: Place the decorated cake pops back on the baking sheet or a cake pop stand to allow them to set. The candy coating will harden as it cools. Once it is firm, your cake pops are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Starbucks Cake Pops
Serving cake pops is quite simple. You can present them in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion. Here are some ideas for how to serve your delicious treats:
On a Cake Pop Stand: If you have a cake pop stand, they can be beautifully displayed. This makes it easy for guests to grab one.
In a Cup or a Jar: You can also place the cake pops upright in a cup or jar filled with rice or candy for added stability. This creates a cute centerpiece for a party.
On a Platter: For casual gatherings, simply arrange the cake pops on a decorative platter. This allows guests to serve themselves easily.
Cake pops are often best enjoyed fresh, but they can be served at room temperature. You can also pair them with coffee or milk for a delightful snack.
How to Store Starbucks Cake Pops
If you have leftovers or want to make your cake pops ahead of time, proper storage is important. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
In the Fridge: Store the cake pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week this way. Just remember, the candy coating may become sticky if exposed to moisture.
In the Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cake pops. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, making sure they do not touch each other to avoid sticking. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Tips to Make Starbucks Cake Pops
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cake pops turn out perfectly:
Use Good Quality Frosting: If you are making homemade frosting, a cream cheese or buttercream frosting works great for flavor and binding.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to use different cake mixes, such as chocolate, red velvet, or lemon. You can also experiment with various frosting flavors to create new combinations.
Be Patient with Coating: Allow the candy coating to cool slightly before dipping the cake pops. This helps prevent the coating from becoming too runny.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the cake crumbs and frosting, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake pop.
Variation (If Any)
While this basic recipe is delicious, you can always tweak it to create variations. Here are some ideas:
Chocolate Coated Cake Pops: Use chocolate or dark candy coating instead of white for a richer flavor.
Filled Cake Pops: Try adding a surprise filling, like peanut butter or jam, in the center of your cake pops for an exciting twist.
Themed Cake Pops: Decorate your cake pops according to different themes or holidays. Use colored candies to match party themes, such as red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade cake for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use homemade cake! Just follow the same steps of crumbling it and mixing it with frosting.
2. What if I don’t have cake pop sticks?
If you don’t have cake pop sticks, you can use pretzel sticks, lollipop sticks, or even cut straws as a cute alternative.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can. Cake pops can be made a few days in advance and stored in the fridge or frozen for longer storage.
With this detailed guide, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious Starbucks cake pops at home. Enjoy the process, have fun decorating, and most importantly, relish every bite!
Starbucks Cake Pops
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven and bake the vanilla cake according to the instructions on the box. Once done, let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Crumble the cooled cake into fine bits in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour in the frosting and mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the cake balls for about 30 minutes.
- While the cake pops are freezing, melt the candy coating according to the package instructions.
- Dip the end of each cake pop stick into the melted candy coating and insert it into the center of each cake ball.
- Dip each cake pop into the melted candy coating and let excess drip off.
- Sprinkle colorful toppings over the cake pops while the coating is still wet.
- Place the finished cake pops back on the baking sheet to set until the coating hardens.