The Tricks To Making Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness of Starbucks' famous cake pops right at home with these easy-to-follow tricks!

Maya Richardson

Created by

Maya Richardson

Last updated on 2025-12-18T14:49:35.468Z

This recipe brings the joy of Starbucks' delicious chocolate cake pops right into your kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create these delightful treats that are perfect for any occasion!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Decadent chocolate flavor that satisfies every sweet tooth
  • Fun, bite-sized treats perfect for sharing
  • Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

The Joy of Homemade Cake Pops

Making cake pops at home is not only a fun activity, but it also allows you to unleash your creativity in the kitchen. The process of crumbling the cake and forming the pops can be a delightful family activity. Kids will love to help shape the cake balls and choose their favorite toppings, making it a perfect project for a rainy day or a weekend gathering.

In addition to being a fun activity, homemade cake pops can be significantly more economical than purchasing them from a café. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a batch that will impress your friends and family without breaking the bank. Plus, you can customize the flavors and decorations to suit your preferences—something you can’t do with store-bought versions!

A Chocolate Lover's Dream

If you’re a chocolate lover, these cake pops will be your new favorite treat. The combination of rich chocolate cake and sweet candy coating creates a decadent experience in every bite. The addition of chocolate chips adds an extra layer of indulgence that can satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings.

These cake pops are not just delicious; they also provide a wonderful opportunity to explore different flavor combinations. Consider infusing the cake batter with espresso powder for a mocha twist or using white chocolate melts for a contrasting color and flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, and each variation can result in a unique treat that caters to your taste buds.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Cake pops are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed for various occasions. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, celebrating a holiday, or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy on a cozy evening, these cake pops fit the bill perfectly. They are easy to transport, making them an ideal dessert for potlucks or gatherings.

Additionally, you can decorate your cake pops to match any theme or event. Use colored candy melts and sprinkles to create seasonal designs for Halloween, Christmas, or birthdays. This not only enhances their visual appeal but also adds a personal touch that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Cake Pops

  • 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
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup candy melts (for coating)
  • Lollipop sticks

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined.

Gradually stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9x9 inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Make Cake Crumbs

Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl. Add the chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed.

Form the Cake Pops

Using your hands, form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the cake mixture. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Melt the Candy Coating

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the candy melts according to package instructions until smooth. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted candy, then insert it into the center of each cake ball.

Coat the Cake Pops

Once all sticks are inserted, dip each cake pop into the melted candy coating, ensuring it's fully covered. Allow any excess to drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.

Let Them Set

Place the cake pops in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the coating to set completely.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cake pops turn out perfectly, it’s crucial to let the cake cool completely before crumbling it. This step prevents excess moisture from affecting the texture of your cake pops. Additionally, don’t skip the process of dipping the lollipop sticks in melted candy before inserting them into the cake balls. This helps to secure the sticks and prevent them from falling out during the coating process.

When melting your candy coating, be cautious not to overheat it. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, to achieve a smooth consistency. If the coating is too thick, you can add a small amount of vegetable oil to thin it out. This will make it easier to dip the cake pops and create a flawless finish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Once your cake pops are fully set, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer to keep them fresh for a longer period, consider refrigerating them. Just be mindful that refrigeration may slightly alter the texture of the candy coating, making it less crisp.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake pops. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

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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 can 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 coating. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

→ What can I use instead of candy melts?

You can use melted chocolate, but it may require tempering for a glossy finish.

The Tricks To Making Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

Enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness of Starbucks' famous cake pops right at home with these easy-to-follow tricks!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Maya Richardson

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 cake pops

What You'll Need

For the Cake Pops

  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. 2 large eggs
  8. 1/2 cup milk
  9. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  10. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  11. 1/2 cup boiling water
  12. 1 cup chocolate chips
  13. 1 cup candy melts (for coating)
  14. Lollipop sticks

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined. Gradually stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.

Step 02

Pour the batter into a greased 9x9 inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 03

Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl. Add the chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed.

Step 04

Using your hands, form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the cake mixture. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 05

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the candy melts according to package instructions until smooth. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted candy, then insert it into the center of each cake ball.

Step 06

Once all sticks are inserted, dip each cake pop into the melted candy coating, ensuring it's fully covered. Allow any excess to drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.

Step 07

Place the cake pops in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the coating to set completely.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 2g