If you’ve ever stood in line at your favorite coffee shop, eyeing those perfectly round treats on a stick and wishing you could have a whole batch at home, this recipe is for you! With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up a batch of Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients that are every bit as fudgy, festive, and crowd-pleasing as the originals. Whether you’re baking for a party or just want a playful dessert to brighten up your week, these cake pops deliver all the chocolatey magic you crave—no barista required!

Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, straightforward ingredients truly make the Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients so special. Each one brings something unique to the taste, texture, and irresistible appearance of these bite-sized treats:

Chocolate cake mix: The rich, chocolatey base that keeps things moist and flavorful with minimal effort.
Neutral oil: Keeps your cake tender without overpowering the chocolate flavor—choose vegetable, avocado, or canola oil for best results.
Milk or water: Adds moisture and makes for a perfectly smooth batter; milk creates an extra-rich crumb.
Large eggs: Give your cake structure and a light, fluffy bite that holds up well on a stick.
Unsalted butter (softened): The base of your silky buttercream, delivering luxe richness in every pop.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the buttercream and creates that ultra-creamy texture you need for rolling the cake balls.
Cocoa powder: Adds an extra kick of chocolate to the creamy filling for true chocoholics.
Vanilla extract: A splash of pure vanilla for warmth and that signature bakery aroma.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweet factor and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Milk (for buttercream): Just a touch makes your frosting perfectly spreadable.
Dark cocoa candy melts: These create that flawless, glossy shell you expect in Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients.
White nonpareils or sprinkles: For that classic finish—pop-art whimsy and a tiny bit of crunch in every bite.

How to Make Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients

Step 1: Bake a Perfect Chocolate Cake

Preheat your oven between 325 and 350°F, depending on the directions for your cake mix and pan size. Mix together the cake mix, oil, eggs, and milk or water in a large bowl. Pour the batter into your greased or lined baking pan and bake, checking with a toothpick just before the timer goes off. You’re aiming for a clean, slightly moist pick—overbaking can make your pops dry, so keep a close eye!

Step 2: Crumble the Cake While Warm

As soon as your cake comes out of the oven, transfer it (still hot) into a large stand mixer bowl. Use the paddle attachment on low to gently crumble the cake into fine, even crumbs. If you don’t have a mixer, your hands will work just fine—just let the cake cool a few extra minutes before handling.

Step 3: Whip Up the Buttercream Filling

In a separate small bowl, sift your powdered sugar and cocoa powder to get rid of any lumps, then blend it with your softened butter, vanilla, pinch of salt, and the milk. Mix until smooth (a few tiny lumps are normal). This creamy frosting is what turns your cake crumbs into that iconic Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients dough!

Step 4: Combine Cake and Buttercream

Add all the buttercream into the crumbled cake and mix until it’s fully combined. The mixture will look a little sticky but should hold together easily when pressed into a ball. If it’s too dry, add a drop of milk; too wet, a dusting of cocoa powder does the trick.

Step 5: Shape and Chill the Cake Balls

Scoop the mixture into 1 1/4-inch balls (about 30 grams each). Roll them between your palms for a smooth finish. Arrange onto a lined baking sheet and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes—they’ll firm up just enough to hold their shape.

Step 6: Insert Lollipop Sticks

Melt a small amount of your candy melts in the microwave, going slow with 15 to 30 second bursts and stirring in between. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick in the melted chocolate and insert it halfway into a cake ball—this little chocolate glue helps keep your Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients secure. Return them to the freezer for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Dip the Cake Pops

Let the cake pops rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes so they aren’t too cold (cold cake pops + warm chocolate can make cracks). Melt the remaining candy melts to a smooth, pourable consistency. Dip each pop straight down into the chocolate, making sure the coating reaches the base of the stick for extra hold.

Step 8: Smooth and Set the Coating

Hold the stick and gently tap your wrist or spin the cake pop to let extra chocolate drip off. One good coating is all you need—dunking twice might weigh the cake pop down and loosen it from the stick. Aim for a glossy, even layer before moving on.

Step 9: Decorate and Let Dry

Before the chocolate sets, quickly sprinkle each cake pop with nonpareils or your favorite sprinkles for that classic Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients sparkle. Stand them upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to harden completely.

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients

Garnishes

Classic white nonpareils nail that recognizable look, but don’t stop there! Try mini chocolate chips, star-shaped sprinkles, or even a drizzle of contrasting colored candy melt for a special twist—all delicious finishes that suit any celebration.

Side Dishes

For a fun coffeehouse spread, serve these cake pops with fresh fruit platters, fluffy whipped cream, or a big pot of coffee. They also pair beautifully with homemade vanilla or caramel lattes, echoing those café vibes right in your kitchen!

Creative Ways to Present

Place your Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients in a tall mason jar, decorative vase, or even a themed mug. Arrange them bouquet-style at parties or wrap individually in cellophane for adorable, edible gifts. Kids love to help make “cake pop bouquets” for birthdays or holidays!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients keep fabulously at room temperature (in an airtight container) for about three days, or up to a week in the fridge. The candy coating helps keep them moist and delicious.

Freezing

Want to save cake pops for later? Once the coating has set, pop your Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

No reheating required! These cake pops are best enjoyed as-is, straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If they’re too cold just let them sit out for fifteen minutes, and they’ll be perfectly fudgy and soft in the center.

FAQs

Do I have to use box cake mix for Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients?

Nope! You can absolutely use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe if you prefer. Just aim for a moist, but not crumbly, cake as your starting point for best results.

Can I use white or milk chocolate candy melts instead?

Definitely! White or milk chocolate melts will give you a different look (and a sweeter taste), so feel free to get creative with colors and flavors to make your own signature Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients version.

What’s the best way to achieve smooth, even coatings?

Let your cake pops come up to room temperature before dipping, and make sure your candy melts are thin enough to run off easily. Spinning or tapping the stick gently helps, and letting any excess drip back into the bowl prevents drips or thick spots.

How do I keep the cake pops from falling off the sticks?

Dip the stick into melted chocolate before inserting—it acts as glue. Also, make sure your cake balls are chilled enough to hold shape but not frozen solid, which can create cracks or cake pops that slip off their sticks when dipped.

Can I make Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients gluten free?

Yes! Just swap your favorite gluten free chocolate cake mix and double-check that your candy melts and sprinkles are gluten free as well. No one will miss the wheat, and you’ll get the same rich, fudgy bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve always wanted to recreate that coffee shop magic at home, Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients are the ultimate treat to master. They’re show-stoppers—simple to share, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to make any gathering sweeter. Give them a try and watch them disappear in a flash!

Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake PopsIngredients Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Makes about 24 cake pops 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops at home with this easy recipe. These delicious cake pops are perfect for parties or as a sweet treat for yourself!

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325-350℉ (162-175℃).
Prepare Cake: Combine all cake ingredients, bake, and crumble cake.
Make Buttercream: Mix buttercream ingredients and combine with crumbled cake.
Shape Cake Pops: Roll cake into balls and chill.
Attach Sticks: Insert lollipop sticks into cake balls.
Coat Cake Pops: Dip cake pops in melted candy melt.
Decorate: Add sprinkles and let dry.

Notes

Be careful not to overbake the cake.
Ensure the cake balls are chilled before dipping in candy melt.
Work quickly when decorating with sprinkles as the candy melt sets fast.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking, Freezing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cake pop
Calories: 160
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Starbucks, Chocolate Cake Pops, Copycat Recipe, Dessert, Party Food