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 birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a sweet snack. Their rich chocolate flavor, combined with a creamy center and fun toppings, makes them irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious cake pops in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to casual gatherings.
• Decadent Chocolate Flavor: Made with rich chocolate cake mix and dark cocoa candy melts for an indulgent experience.
• Customizable: Decorate with your favorite sprinkles or nonpareils to match any theme or event.
• Fun Activity: Making cake pops is a great way to get the family involved in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops, gather your tools. Having everything ready will help the process go smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Baking pan
• Lollipop sticks
• Styrofoam block (for drying)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Essential for crumbling the cake evenly and mixing in the buttercream smoothly.
• Baking pan: A good-quality pan ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect texture.
• Styrofoam block: Keeps your cake pops upright while they dry, preventing any mess.

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Ingredients

To make these delicious Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops, you’ll need the following 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℃). Check the cake box for the exact temperature based on your baking pan size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Combine all cake ingredients in a large bowl. Pour batter into a greased or lined pan. Bake according to package instructions. Use a toothpick to check for doneness about 2-4 minutes before the end of the bake time; do not overbake.

Step 3: Crumble the Baked Cake

Once baked, transfer the hot cake into a large stand mixing bowl. Crumble it on low speed using a paddle attachment until no large pieces remain. Alternatively, crumble it by hand or with a handheld mixer.

Step 4: Make the Buttercream

In a small mixing bowl, combine all buttercream ingredients, sifting in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Stir well until fairly smooth; some small lumps are normal. Mix this buttercream into the crumbled cake until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Form Cake Pops

Roll mixture into balls approximately 1¼-inch (3cm) in diameter or around 30g each. Chill in the freezer for about 15 minutes. Allow them to come back to room temperature for about 10 minutes while melting your candy melts.

Step 6: Attach Lollipop Sticks

Melt a small amount of candy melts in the microwave according to package instructions. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into melted candy before inserting it halfway into each cake ball. Chill again in the freezer for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Coat with Candy Melts

Remove from freezer and allow them to reach room temperature for about 10 minutes. Melt remaining candy melts until smooth and thin enough for dipping. Submerge each cake pop completely into melted candy to ensure adherence.

Step 8: Remove Excess Candy Melt

Holding each stick gently, tap off any excess melted candy until you achieve an even coating on each pop without re-dipping.

Step 9: Decorate Your Cake Pops

Quickly decorate with sprinkles or nonpareils while still wet. Place finished pops upright in a styrofoam block to dry completely before serving. Repeat until all are coated and decorated.

Enjoy your homemade Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops make for a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various settings. Whether you are hosting a party or simply indulging yourself, these cake pops can be served in fun and creative ways.

For Birthday Parties

• Colorful Displays: Arrange the cake pops in a vibrant container filled with candy or rice to create an eye-catching centerpiece.
• Party Favors: Wrap each cake pop in clear plastic and tie with colorful ribbons. Guests will love taking these home as treats!

As a Snack

• With Coffee: Pair your cake pops with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Kids’ Treat Box: Include them in lunch boxes for a sweet surprise that children will enjoy.

During Holidays

• Festive Decorations: Decorate the cake pops with seasonal sprinkles to match the theme of any holiday celebration.
• Dessert Buffet: Add them to a dessert table alongside other sweet treats for guests to choose from.

How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

To ensure your Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill Before Dipping: Ensure your cake pops are chilled before dipping into the candy melts. This helps them hold their shape and makes dipping easier.
• Use Quality Candy Melts: Choose high-quality candy melts for better taste and smoothness when melting.
• Avoid Over Mixing: When combining cake crumbs with the buttercream, mix just until incorporated. Over mixing can lead to dry cake pops.
• Ensure Even Coating: When dipping, fully submerge the cake pop and allow excess candy melt to drip off. This creates a smooth finish and prevents weight-related detachment.
• Decorate Quickly: Add decorations immediately after dipping while the coating is still wet. This ensures that sprinkles stick well.

Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

To complement your delicious Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops, consider pairing them with these tasty side dishes. They add variety and balance to your dessert table.

1. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and natural sweetness, making it a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chocolate flavor.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast. Include crackers for added texture!
3. Mini Muffins: Light muffins such as blueberry or banana offer a soft, fruity flavor that pairs well with chocolate.
4. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that enhances the dessert experience.
5. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Keep the chocolate theme going! These berries provide freshness along with indulgence.
6. Coffee or Tea Service: Offering drinks enhances the overall enjoyment of your dessert, making it feel more like a special occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your baking experience and ensure delicious results.

• Ignoring baking time: Always check the cake for doneness a few minutes before recommended baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry cake pops.
• Not crumbling the cake enough: Make sure to crumble the cake until there are no large pieces left. This ensures a smooth mixture with the buttercream, resulting in better-formed pops.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the shaped cake pops is crucial before dipping them in candy melts. This helps prevent them from falling apart during coating.
• Dipping too quickly: Take your time when dipping each cake pop into the melted candy. A slower approach allows for an even coating and prevents excess melt from weighing them down.
• Using warm melted candy: Ensure that the candy melts are at a good temperature—not too hot. If they’re too warm, they can cause the cake pops to slide off the stick.
• Neglecting decoration timing: Decorate the cake pops immediately after dipping while the coating is still wet. This helps sprinkles adhere better.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor absorption.

Freezing Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

• Freeze individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes until slightly softened.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds; check frequently to avoid melting completely.
• Stovetop: Use a double boiler on low heat, gently warming while keeping an eye on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops gluten-free?

You can substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free version available in stores. Follow the same instructions for moisture and eggs.

Can I use different flavors for Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavored cake mixes or add extracts like almond or mint for a unique twist.

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

Make sure to chill them properly before dipping, and ensure you dip the stick into melted candy before inserting it into the cake ball.

What can I use instead of dark cocoa candy melts?

You can use white chocolate or colored candy melts if you prefer different flavors or designs for your cake pops.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields approximately 32 delicious Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops, perfect for parties or gatherings!

Final Thoughts

These Starbucks Copycat Chocolate Cake Pops are not only delightful but also offer endless customization options. You can adjust flavors, colors, and decorations to suit any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and indulge in these sweet treats that are sure to impress friends and family!