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 parties, celebrations, or simply indulging in a sweet snack. They capture the rich chocolate flavor and joy of cake pops, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, creating your own cake pops is simple and fun.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and creamy buttercream will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual gatherings—everyone loves cake pops!
• Customizable Decor: Get creative with sprinkles or nonpareils to match any theme or occasion.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 32 servings, you can easily share these delicious treats with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this fun baking adventure, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Toothpick
• Lollipop sticks
• Styrofoam block (for drying)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer or Handheld Mixer: These tools help achieve a smooth cake mixture without lumps, making mixing effortless.
• Baking Pan: A sturdy pan ensures even baking, preventing overbaking and underbaking.
• Toothpick: This handy tool is essential for checking if the cake is done without disturbing it too much.

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Ingredients

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

• 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 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 batter into a greased/lined pan.
* Transfer into oven. Stick a toothpick in the center of the cake to check if it comes out clean 2–4 minutes before the end of bake time. DO NOT OVERBAKE.

Step 3: Crumble the Cake

Transfer baked cake into a large stand mixing bowl while it’s still hot:
* Crumble the cake on low speed using a paddle attachment until no large pieces remain.
* Alternatively, you can use a handheld mixer or crumble slightly cooled cake by hand.

Step 4: Make the Buttercream

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

Step 5: Shape the Cake Pops

Roll cake pops approximately 1¼-inch (3cm) in diameter or about 30g each:
* Chill cake pops in the freezer for 15 minutes.
* Bring them back to room temperature for 10 minutes as you melt your candy melts.

Step 6: Prepare Candy Melts

Melt a small amount of candy melts in the microwave according to package instructions:
* Heat and stir in 15–30 second increments until thin and smooth.

Step 7: Insert Sticks into Cake Balls

Dip tip of lollipop stick into melted candy melts:
* Gently insert dipped tip into each cake ball halfway.
* Repeat for all cake balls, then chill again in freezer for another 15 minutes.

Step 8: Dip Cake Pops in Candy Melts

Take chilled cake pops out of the freezer:
* Bring them back to room temperature for 10 minutes.
* Melt remaining candy melts until desired thin consistency.

Step 9: Finish Your Cake Pops

Dip each cake pop into melted candy melts:
* Ensure it’s submerged all the way to the stick to help adhere it together.

Final Touches

Holding the stick with one hand, gently tap each pop until excess candy melt drips off:
* Decorate quickly with sprinkles or nonpareils before they dry.
Place finished cake pops upright in a styrofoam block to let them dry completely. Repeat until all are dipped and sprinkled!

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

Serving Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops is a fun and delightful experience. These adorable treats are perfect for various occasions, and their versatility allows for creative presentations. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cake pops.

At Birthday Parties

• Use colorful cake pop stands to display them prominently.
• Pair with themed decorations to match the birthday party’s color scheme.

With Coffee or Tea

• Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
• Offer different flavors of beverages to complement the rich chocolate flavor.

As Party Favors

• Package each cake pop in clear bags tied with ribbons.
• Include a thank-you tag for a personal touch at events like weddings or baby showers.

For Movie Nights

• Arrange cake pops on a platter as part of a dessert table.
• Create fun labels for each flavor if making variations of cake pops.

As Classroom Treats

• Individually wrap each cake pop for easy distribution.
• Ensure they’re nut-free if sharing with children at school.

How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

Perfecting your Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cake pops turn out just right.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa powder and candy melts for the best flavor and appearance.
• Proper Cooling: Allow the baked cake to cool completely before crumbling; this helps achieve a better texture for the pops.
• Consistent Sizing: Roll cake balls uniformly for even baking and coating, ensuring they look appealing when served.
• Chill Correctly: Chilling the shaped cake pops before dipping helps prevent them from falling off the stick during coating.
• Tap Off Excess: After dipping, gently tap the stick to remove excess candy melts; this gives a smooth finish without clumps.
• Decorate Quickly: Apply sprinkles immediately after dipping while the coating is still wet; this helps them adhere better.

Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

Pairing side dishes with your Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops can enhance your dessert table. Here are some great options that complement these sweet treats.

1. Fresh Fruit Skewers: Colorful fruit skewers add freshness and balance the sweetness of the cake pops.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides creamy contrast and pairs well with chocolate flavors.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda to create an interesting savory counterpoint.
4. Mini Muffins: Offer assorted mini muffins, such as blueberry or banana, for variety in flavors and textures.
5. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These elegant treats echo the chocolate theme while adding an extra layer of indulgence.
6. Nut Mixes: A selection of spiced or sweetened nuts can provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft cake pops.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops, it’s easy to make a few errors that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not checking the cake for doneness: Always use a toothpick to check if the cake is fully baked. Remove it from the oven as soon as it comes out clean to prevent dryness.
• Crumbling the cake too much: While crumbling the cake, be careful not to overdo it. Aim for small pieces rather than crumbs, which help maintain moisture in your cake pops.
• Skipping the chilling steps: Chilling your cake pops between steps is crucial. It helps them hold their shape and makes dipping easier, so don’t skip this step!
• Overheating the candy melts: When melting candy melts, do it in short increments and stir frequently. This prevents burning and ensures a smooth consistency for dipping.
• Adding too much decoration: While sprinkles are fun, adding too many can weigh down your cake pops. Keep it simple with just a light sprinkle for a balanced look.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

• Freeze individually on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes until slightly soft.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for about 10-15 seconds; watch closely not to melt completely.
• Stovetop: Not recommended as direct heat may alter texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use any cake mix for Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops?

Yes, you can use any chocolate cake mix you prefer! Just follow the instructions on the box while adhering to our ingredient substitutions if needed.

How can I customize my Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops?

You can add different flavors or fillings like peanut butter or caramel inside your cake pops. Experiment with various toppings like crushed nuts or coconut shavings too!

What is the best way to store Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops?

Store your cake pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Why did my candy melts harden before I finished dipping?

Candy melts can harden quickly when exposed to air. Make sure to keep them covered while working and reheat in short intervals if they start to thicken.

Final Thoughts

These Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops are not only delightful but also incredibly versatile! You can easily customize them with different flavors and decorations to suit any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find yourself making these delicious treats time and time again!