Name: Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pops
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: PT-487032H34M14S
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup boiling water; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 12 oz chocolate chips (milk or dark chocolate); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for thinning)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Starbucks-inspired Chocolate Cake Pops are a fantastic way to enjoy the signature treat without stepping foot in the café. The recipe combines rich chocolate cake with a creamy, decadent coating, offering the perfect balance of textures. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want a delightful dessert, these homemade cake pops are a fun and easy way to enjoy a chocolatey treat that’s sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup boiling water

For the Frosting:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coating:

12 oz chocolate chips (milk or dark chocolate)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for thinning)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the cake: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. Gradually pour in the boiling water and stir to combine—this will create a thin batter.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Make the frosting: While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter and cream cheese together in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.
Crumble the cake: Once the cake has cooled, crumble it into small pieces using your hands or a fork. Place the crumbled cake into a large bowl.
Mix with frosting: Add a generous amount of frosting to the crumbled cake (about 1/4 cup at a time) and mix until the cake forms a dough-like consistency. You want it to be moist but not too sticky.
Shape the cake pops: Roll the cake mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
Prepare the coating: Melt the chocolate chips with the vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Dip and decorate: Insert a lollipop stick into each cake ball and dip it into the melted chocolate. Tap off any excess chocolate and return it to the tray. Allow the cake pops to set for 30 minutes or until the chocolate coating hardens.
Serve: Once the chocolate coating is fully set, your Starbucks-inspired Chocolate Cake Pops are ready to be enjoyed!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12-15 cake pops. The preparation time is approximately 45 minutes, with an additional 1 hour for cooling and setting.

Variations

Flavors: Try using white chocolate chips or a combination of milk and dark chocolate for the coating. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like mint or almond in the frosting.
Decoration: After coating the cake pops in chocolate, you can roll them in sprinkles, chopped nuts, or drizzle with colored melted chocolate for an extra festive touch.
Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake pops gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. To enjoy them after freezing, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a box cake mix for these cake pops?

Yes, you can substitute a box cake mix for the homemade cake. Just follow the instructions on the package for baking, then proceed with the rest of the recipe.

2. Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! You can use buttercream or a different flavor of frosting, but cream cheese frosting adds a nice tangy flavor that pairs well with the chocolate.

3. How do I make sure my cake pops don’t fall off the stick?

Dip the stick into the melted chocolate before inserting it into the cake pop. This helps “glue” the stick into place.

4. Can I use a different coating for the cake pops?

While chocolate is the traditional coating, you can use candy melts or white chocolate as an alternative. Both work well for dipping and decorating.

5. Can I make the cake pops ahead of time?

Yes, cake pops can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. You can prepare them a day or two in advance for parties or gatherings.

6. How do I keep my cake pops from getting soggy?

Make sure the cake is fully cooled before mixing it with the frosting. Also, ensure that the cake balls are not too moist when shaping them.

7. Can I freeze cake pops?

Yes, you can freeze cake pops. After dipping them in chocolate and allowing them to set, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

8. Can I decorate my cake pops?

Absolutely! Once the chocolate coating sets, you can decorate your cake pops with sprinkles, edible glitter, or a drizzle of colored chocolate for a personalized touch.

9. How do I dip the cake pops without making a mess?

Use a deep bowl for the melted chocolate so the cake pop can be fully dipped. Gently tap the stick to shake off excess chocolate and prevent drips.

10. Can I use cake pop molds?

Yes, you can use a cake pop mold if you prefer a uniform shape. Just fill the molds with the cake mixture and follow the same dipping and decorating instructions.

Conclusion

These Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pops are the perfect treat for any occasion. Rich, chocolatey, and utterly delicious, they are sure to become a favorite dessert. With just a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can recreate this popular Starbucks snack at home and enjoy it with your favorite coffee. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, these cake pops are guaranteed to impress!

Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pops