Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

Make these Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops at home and you’ll think twice about buying one ever again! These delightful treats are perfect for a variety of occasions, from birthday parties to cozy gatherings. With a rich chocolate flavor and a fun pop format, they’ll impress both guests and family alike. Plus, making them at home allows you to customize the flavor and presentation to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Fun: The rich chocolate flavor combined with a smooth candy coating makes these cake pops irresistible.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet snack, they fit any occasion!
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can master this recipe.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or flavors for a personal touch.
• Shareable Delight: Each pop is a portion-controlled treat that’s easy to share with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these cake pops, gather your essential tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Baking pan
• Lollipop sticks
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Styrofoam block or similar for drying

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of the cake batter and buttercream, achieving a smooth consistency.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for melting candy melts evenly without burning them.

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Ingredients

Make these Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops at home and you’ll think twice about buying one ever again!

Ingredients:
– 1 box 13.25oz chocolate cake mix
– ⅓ cup neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, canola, etc.)
– 1 cup milk or water
– 4 large eggs
– ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1½ tbsp cocoa powder
– ½ tsp vanilla extract
– pinch salt
– 1 tsp milk (add more if needed)
– 12 oz dark cocoa candy melts
– white nonpareils or sprinkles

How to Make Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325-350℉ (162-175℃). Refer to the recipe on the cake box for the exact temperature depending on your baking pan size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Combine all cake ingredients in a large bowl. Pour the batter into a greased or lined pan and transfer it to the oven. Stick a toothpick in the center of the cake to check if it comes out clean 2-4 minutes prior to the end of bake time.

Step 3: Crumble the Baked Cake

Transfer the baked cake into a large stand mixing bowl immediately while it’s still hot. Crumble the cake on low speed using a paddle attachment until no large pieces remain. Alternatively, crumble slightly cooled cake by hand.

Step 4: Make Buttercream Filling

In a small mixing bowl, combine all buttercream ingredients by sifting in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Stir well until fairly smooth; small lumps are common. Add all buttercream to the crumbled cake and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Shape Cake Pops

Roll the mixture into balls approximately 1¼-inch (3cm) in diameter or about 30g each. Chill cake pops in the freezer for 15 minutes, then let them sit at room temperature for another 10 minutes while melting your candy melts.

Step 6: Insert Sticks

Melt a small amount of candy melts in the microwave according to package instructions. Heat and stir in increments of 15-30 seconds until thin and smooth. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into candy melt before gently inserting it halfway into each cake ball.

Step 7: Chill Again

Repeat this step for all cake balls, then chill them again in the freezer for another 15 minutes.

Step 8: Dip Cake Pops

Remove cake pops from the freezer and bring them back to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Melt remaining candy melts until desired thin consistency is achieved. Dip each cake pop into melted candy melt until submerged all the way to the stick.

Step 9: Finish with Toppings

Holding the stick with one hand, gently tap each cake pop with your other hand until excess candy melt drips off. Quickly decorate with sprinkles or nonpareils before placing finished pops into a styrofoam block to dry upright.

Enjoy creating these Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops that are sure to be loved by everyone!

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops are perfect for any occasion and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether at a birthday party, holiday gathering, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself, these cake pops will impress everyone!

At Birthday Parties

• Fun Treats – These cake pops are colorful and fun, making them a hit among kids and adults alike.
• Easy to Grab – Their bite-sized nature allows guests to enjoy them without the need for plates or forks.

As Party Favors

• Personalized Gifts – Wrap each cake pop in a clear bag with a colorful ribbon for a thoughtful party favor.
• Sweet Memories – Guests will remember your event every time they enjoy these delicious treats.

With Coffee or Tea

• Perfect Pairing – Enjoy these cake pops alongside your favorite coffee or tea for an indulgent afternoon snack.
• Flavor Harmony – The rich chocolate flavor complements both coffee and tea beautifully.

For Movie Nights

• Cozy Treats – Serve cake pops while watching movies at home for a fun and easy snack.
• Shareable Goodness – Pass around a platter of these cake pops for everyone to enjoy during the show.

How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

Creating flawless Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops is all about attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to make your cake pops stand out.

• Use the Right Temperature – Ensure your melted candy melts are at the right temperature for easy dipping. Too hot can cause them to thin out, while too cool makes them hard to coat evenly.
• Chill Properly – After forming the cake balls, chill them in the freezer to firm up before dipping. This helps maintain their shape during the coating process.
• Avoid Over-Dipping – When coating your pops, do not dunk them back into the candy melts after tapping off excess. This prevents them from becoming too heavy and falling off the stick.
• Experiment with Toppings – Get creative! Use different types of sprinkles or drizzle with white chocolate for added flair and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops can be paired with several delightful side dishes that complement their rich chocolate flavor. Here are some options that will elevate your dessert table.

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of cake pops.
2. Cheese Platter – Offer a selection of cheeses that pair well with chocolate, such as brie or sharp cheddar, for contrast.
3. Mini Brownies – Serve small brownie bites alongside cake pops for double chocolate goodness; they’re sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
4. Coffee or Hot Chocolate – Both beverages enhance the chocolate experience, providing warmth and richness with every bite.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy counterpoint to the rich flavors of the cake pops.
6. Nut Mix – A crunchy nut mix adds texture and offers a savory contrast to the sweetness of your dessert.

These side dishes make excellent companions for your homemade Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops, enhancing any gathering!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cake pops turn out perfectly.

• Overbaking the Cake: Always check your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry cake pops. Stick a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
• Not Crumbling the Cake Enough: Ensure the cake is crumbled into very fine pieces before mixing with the buttercream. This helps create a smooth texture for your cake pops.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: Don’t skip chilling the cake pops after rolling them. This step helps them hold their shape when dipped in melted candy melts.
• Using Too Much Candy Melt: When coating, dip only once and tap off excess candy melt. This prevents heavy coatings that can cause the cake pop to fall from the stick.
• Ignoring Decorating Timing: Decorate with sprinkles as soon as you coat each cake pop. The candy melt dries quickly, so act fast to get those sprinkles on!
• Not Storing Properly: Store your finished cake pops in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Using proper storage will extend their shelf life.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to one week.

Freezing Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

• Place cake pops in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to three months.

Reheating Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Use medium power and heat for about 10-15 seconds at a time until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes, checking regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops.

Can I use different flavors of cake mix?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix to create unique variations of Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops.

How do I prevent my cake pops from falling off the stick?

To prevent falling, make sure to dip the stick into melted candy melts before inserting it into the cake pop. This helps secure it in place.

How long do these cake pops last?

Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops can last up to one week in the refrigerator and up to three months if frozen properly.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark cocoa candy melts?

Absolutely! You can substitute dark cocoa candy melts with milk chocolate or even white chocolate based on your preference.

Are these suitable for kids’ parties?

Definitely! These delicious treats are perfect for parties and can be customized with colorful sprinkles or toppings that kids love.

Final Thoughts

These Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops are not only delicious but also fun to make! Their versatility allows you to customize them with different flavors and decorations. We encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress family and friends alike!