Introduction
I’ve always had a soft spot for Starbucks treats, and those little chocolate cake pops are simply irresistible!
They’re cute, bite-sized, and packed with moist chocolate cake inside a silky chocolate shell. After a few trials and tweaks, I finally created a copycat Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pop Recipe that’s just as fudgy, rich, and perfect.
In this recipe blog, I’ll share every step to replicate the Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pop Recipe in your kitchen. Whether you’re prepping for a birthday party, holiday platter, or just indulging your sweet tooth, you’re in for a delightful ride.
Let’s get baking!
Why do Starbucks cake pops taste so good?
You know that feeling when you’re in line at Starbucks, coffee in hand, and those perfectly round chocolate cake pops are calling your name? Been there, done that—way too many times! But what makes them so addictive?
- They’re rich, moist, and fudgy on the inside
- They’re coated with chocolates.
- They’re small enough to feel guilt-free but indulgent enough to satisfy any sweet tooth
Cake pops first popped (pun intended!) onto Starbucks’ menu over a decade ago and have since become one of the most popular mini-desserts across the country.
What is the new cake pop at Starbucks in 2025?
♥ Strawberries & Cream Cake Pops are the new
♥ Features a strawberry cream cake center
♥ Dipped in rich chocolate icing
♥ Decorated with a cute strawberry design
♥ Released in 2025 in the summer menu
♥ Perfectly sweet, fruity, and fun for summer!
Equipment You’ll Need
♥ Large mixing bowl
♥ Electric mixer (optional, but helpful!)
♥ Cake pop sticks
♥ Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
♥ Baking sheet
♥ Parchment paper
♥ A cooling rack or foam block for drying
Can I make vegan Starbucks chocolate cake pops?
Yes! Use vegan chocolate cake, dairy-free frosting, and vegan chocolate chips or candy melts. Flax eggs or applesauce can replace traditional eggs in the cake.
Ingredients for the Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pop Recipe
Ingredients Needed for Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pop Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this Starbucks favorite at home:
For the Cake:
♥ 1 box of chocolate cake mix
♥ 3 eggs, a half cup of oil, and water
♥ For the Frosting:
♥ 1/2 cup chocolate or vanilla frosting (store-bought or homemade)
For the Coating:
♥ 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
♥ 1 tbsp coconut oil for smoothing
Optional:
♥ Sprinkles or colored sugar
♥ White chocolate drizzle
♥ Cake pop sticks or lollipop sticks
Lollipop sticks
♥ Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
💡 Tip: Ghirardelli or Nestlé chocolate chips melt beautifully and taste divine!
How to Make Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pops at Home
Recreating the iconic Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pops at home is surprisingly easy once you break it down into simple steps. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying this for the first time, this guide walks you through every stage with clear instructions and helpful tips.
Can I make cake pops a day ahead?
Yes! They hold their shape better when chilled overnight.
Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake
Use a Boxed chocolate mix or a homemade cake. Using a mix saves time and still gives great results.
✅ If Using a Cake Mix:
♥ Preheat your oven according to the box instructions (usually 350°F / 175°C).
♥ Now, combine the three ingredients: chocolate cake mix, eggs, oil & water.
♥ Mix until smooth (no dry lumps remain).
♥ Now, pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan.
♥ Next step is to bake the mixture for at least half an hour & to check the perfectly baked or not, insert a toothpick in the centre, when it comes out clean, it means perfectly baked.
♥ Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely before proceeding.
💡 Tip: Cooling the cake completely prevents the frosting from melting and making the mixture too soft.
Step 2: Crumble the Cake
♥ Once the cake is cool:
♥ Now, break the cake into fine crumbs with the help of a fork or your hands.
♥ Make sure there are no large chunks—this ensures a smooth, truffle-like texture.
♥ Take a large mixing bowl & place the crumbs.
Step 3: Add Frosting and Mix
♥ Now, gently add about half a cup of chocolate or vanilla frosting to the cake crumbs.
♥ Use a spoon, spatula, or clean hands to mix until the mixture holds together like dough.
♥ The texture should be soft but moldable. You can add some frosting if it’s dry.
❗ Don’t overdo the frosting. If you want the perfect cake pops & easy to dip!
Step 4: Shape the Cake Balls
♥ Scoop out roughly 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball between your palms.
♥ Try to make them uniform in size for even coating and presentation.
♥ Now you need to place cake balls on a baking sheet.
♥ You should get about 24–30 cake balls, depending on size.
Step 5: Insert Cake Pop Sticks
♥ Now, melt some chocolate chips for coating.
♥ And dip about half an inch of each cake pop stick into the melted chocolate. Now insert the sticks gently.
♥ This process helps in anchoring the stick.
♥ Place the cake pops back on the tray.
Step 6: Chill the Cake Pops
♥ Refrigerate the tray of cake pops for at least 1 hour, or freeze them for 15–20 minutes.
♥ The goal is to firm them up without freezing them solid.
🧊 Chilling prevents the cake pops from falling apart or sliding off the stick when dipped.
Step 7: Melt the Chocolate Coating
♥ In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or shortening.
♥ Now, in a microwave for at least 30-second intervals, stirring it well until perfectly melted and smooth texture.
🍫 Coconut oil gives the coating a shiny finish and smooth texture, just like Starbucks.
Step 8: Dip the Cake Pops
♥ Holding the stick, dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate.
♥ Gently tap off the excess by tapping the stick on the edge of the bowl while rotating the cake pop.
♥ If desired, add sprinkles, edible glitter, or a white chocolate drizzle immediately before the coating sets.
♥ Place upright in a foam block or cake pop stand to let them set completely.
Why are my cake pops cracking after dipping?
Cake pops can crack if there’s a sudden temperature change, like dipping a cold cake pop into hot chocolate.
Step 9: Let the Chocolate Set
Allow the dipped cake pops to cool and harden at room temperature (about 30 minutes), or refrigerate them to speed up the process.
🥳 Now you have glossy, chocolate-dipped, Starbucks-style cake pops ready to impress!
✅ Extra Tips for Perfect Cake Pops
- Coating too thick? Add a bit more coconut oil to thin it out.
- Cake pop cracks? Let chilled cake balls sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before dipping.
- Dipping trouble? Try using a tall glass instead of a bowl to fully submerge the cake ball.
Ingredient Substitutes for Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pop
Whether you’re customizing the recipe to meet dietary needs or simply want to explore new flavor profiles, there are plenty of delicious ways to tweak the classic Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pop Recipe 2025. From vegan options to gourmet twists, this section offers practical substitutions and creative variations so you can make these cake pops truly your own.
✅ Cake Substitutes
1. Boxed Cake Mix Alternatives
Gluten-Free Option:
Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix like King Arthur’s Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake Mix or Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Devil’s Food Cake. These yield similar textures and are ideal for people with gluten intolerance.
Vegan Option:
Try Duncan Hines Classic Dark Chocolate Cake Mix, which is dairy-free and egg-free when made with substitutes (see below). Or, make your vegan chocolate cake using flax eggs and plant-based milk.
2. Homemade Cake Base (From Scratch)
Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, sugar, eggs (or substitutes), oil, and buttermilk (or non-dairy milk + vinegar). This gives more control over taste and ingredients.
✅ Egg Substitutes (For Vegan Cake)
If you’re avoiding eggs, try these proven alternatives (each replaces 1 egg):
Flaxseed Meal:
Add 1 tbsp of flaxseeds with some water.
Unsweetened Applesauce:
1/4 cup = 1 egg (adds slight sweetness and moisture)
Mashed Banana:
1/4 cup = 1 egg (adds flavor and softness, best for richer flavor cake)
🔁 These work well with boxed or homemade cake recipes!
✅ Frosting Substitutes
1. Store-bought Options:
Use vanilla, chocolate, or even cream cheese frosting for a rich, tangy flavor.
For vegan or dairy-free diets, choose Duncan Hines Creamy Home-Style Frosting (vegan-friendly).
2. Homemade Alternatives
Vegan Chocolate Frosting:
Mix cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vegan butter, and almond milk.
Nutella Frosting:
Blend Nutella with whipped cream cheese or a bit of milk for a decadent twist.
Peanut Butter Frosting:
For a Reese’s vibe, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter (or plant-based margarine), and a splash of milk.
✅ Chocolate Coating Substitutes
1. Types of Chocolate:
- Milk Chocolate Chips: Classic Starbucks flavor.
- Dark Chocolate: For enhanced & less sweet flavor.
- White Chocolate: Offers a smooth, creamy contrast and is perfect for drizzling designs.
2. Dairy-Free Coating Options:
- Use Enjoy Life chocolate chips (vegan and allergen-free).
- Melt cocoa butter and cocoa powder with powdered sugar for a homemade vegan shell.
3. Additives for Smooth Coating:
Use coconut oil or shortening to thin and shine the melted chocolate.
(1 tbsp per 1 cup of chocolate chips is a good ratio.)
🍬 Flavor Variations: Creative Twists
Elevate your cake pops by infusing them with fun, seasonal, or gourmet flavors.
⭐ Flavor Infusions for the Cake or Frosting:
♥ Espresso:
Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the cake batter for a mocha kick.
♥ Peppermint:
Stir a drop of peppermint extract into the frosting for holiday vibes.
♥ Salted Caramel:
Add a swirl of caramel sauce to the frosting and drizzle caramel over the dipped cake pops.
♥ Orange Zest:
Mix zest into frosting or batter for a chocolate-orange flavor.
🎨 Decorative Variations
Let your creativity shine with themed decorations:
- Holiday Edition: Red and green sprinkles, crushed peppermint, white chocolate drizzle
- Birthday Cake Pops: Rainbow sprinkles, edible glitter, cake batter-flavored frosting
- Wedding or Baby Shower Pops: Pastel-colored candy melts and edible gold accents
- Galaxy Pops: Dark chocolate with white, purple, and blue splatters
🌱 Health-Conscious Swaps
Want to cut down on sugar or fat? Try these:
- Low-Sugar Frosting: Use light whipped topping or Greek yogurt-based frosting (only if not vegan).
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: Try brands like Lily’s or ChocZero for a keto-friendly option.
- Coconut Sugar or Maple Syrup: Use in homemade cakes and frostings instead of refined sugar.
✅ Summary of Popular Substitutes & Variations:
| Component | Substitute / Variation | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cake Mix | Gluten-free or vegan mix | Dietary restrictions |
| Eggs | Flax eggs, banana, applesauce | Vegan-friendly |
| Chocolate | Dairy-free chips, dark/white chocolate | Preference & dietary needs |
| Coating Add-ins | Coconut oil, shortening | Smooth texture |
| Flavor Boosters | Peppermint, espresso, orange zest | Seasonal or gourmet twist |
| Toppings | Sprinkles, edible glitter, crushed nuts | Presentation and texture |
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
🎉 Serving Ideas:
- Stick them into decorative foam for a cake pop bouquet
- Wrap them in clear treat bags for party favors
- Serve alongside espresso or cold brew for a dessert bar
🧊 Storage Tips
- Best for up to 5 days. Store in the fridge
- Freeze (undipped) for up to 2 months
- Avoid humid environments to prevent chocolate sweating
Tips for Perfect Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pop
♥ Use just enough frosting to bind — too much makes them soggy.
♥ Chill: Chill the cake pops for 2 times. After shaping & after inserting sticks
♥ Tap the cake poops gently to after dipping the chocolates to avoid breaking.
♥ Let the chocolate set fully at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
What does Starbucks use on their cake pops?
Starbucks cake pops are made with crumbled cake and frosting (or syrup) to form the base, and then are dipped in a confectionery coating made with sugar, palm oil, cocoa powder, lecithin, and milk solids for the glossy finish.
Top Alternate Cake pops To Try Today
- Vanilla Birthday Cake Pops – Classic vanilla + rainbow sprinkles = party favorite.
- Double Chocolate Espresso Pops – Mocha-flavored for coffee lovers.
- Vegan Chocolate Almond Pops – Plant-based, rich, and satisfying.
- Pumpkin Spice Pops – Cozy fall flavors with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
- Strawberry Shortcake Pops – Light and fruity, perfect for spring or summer.
- Cookies & Cream Pops – Oreo-loaded goodness kids love.
- Apple Cinnamon Pops – Warm and spiced, ideal for holiday gatherings.
Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pop Nutrition Facts
📊 Summary Insights
♥ Calories: ~150 kcal
♥ Macros: High in fats and carbs, moderate sugar
♥ Protein: Low (~2 g)
♥ Micronutrients: Minor amounts of cholesterol, sodium
♥ Best consumed as: An occasional indulgence or dessert treat
✅ Takeaway
Enjoying a Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pop as a sweet morning or afternoon treat? It’s delightful—but at ~150 calories with moderate fat and carbs, it’s a dessert snack, not a daily staple.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bake the Cake:First, you need to prepare & bake the chocolate cake properly as per the instructions. Let it cool completely.
- Crumble the Cake:Crumble the cooled chocolate cake & set aside in the lined tray.
- Mix with Frosting:Add frosting gradually and mix until the dough forms a shape that holds without being too sticky.
- Form Cake Balls:Roll & form the chocolate cake balls with your hands & forks.
- Insert Sticks:Insert the sticks into each chocolate cake ball & dip each cake ball to make a firm chocolate coating.
- Chill:Freeze the chocolate cake balls for at least 15–20 minutes until they're perfectly stable.
- Melt Coating:Microwave chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Dip and Decorate:Dip cake pops in chocolate, tap off excess, decorate quickly, and place upright to set.
- Serve or Store:Once coating hardens, enjoy immediately or store chilled for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before crumbling to avoid melting the frosting.
- Use candy melts for easier dipping and smoother coating.
- Allow cake balls to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before dipping to avoid cracking.
- Make-ahead tip: Undipped cake balls can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Starbucks cake pops gluten-free?
No, Starbucks cake pops contain wheat and are not gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free cake mix and frosting to make your version at home.
Can I make cake pops without sticks?
Yes! Simply roll them into bite-sized balls and serve them as cake truffles. They’re just as delicious and easier to store or gift without worrying about presentation on sticks.
Can I freeze Starbucks-style cake pops?
Yes, you can freeze undipped cake balls for up to 2 months. Dip them in chocolate after thawing. Fully assembled cake pops can also be frozen, but may crack when defrosted if not stored carefully.
What kind of sticks do I use for cake pops?
Use lollipop sticks, which are available at baking supply stores or online. Choose 4–6-inch food-safe sticks that can hold the weight of the cake pop without bending or breaking.
Are Starbucks chocolate cake pops nut-free?
They do not contain nuts but are not guaranteed nut-free due to possible cross-contamination. Always check Starbucks’ allergen info or make a homemade version using certified nut-free ingredients.
What frosting is best for chocolate cake pops?
Chocolate frosting is most common for a rich flavor, but vanilla or cream cheese frosting works well too. Use just enough to bind the crumbs into a dough without making it too sticky or soft.
Final Conclusion
And there you have it—the ultimate Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pop Recipe 2025, ready to impress your family and friends! 🎉 Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just testing your sweet skills, these delightful bites are doable at home.
Go ahead and indulge that chocolate craving. And hey, don’t forget to share these pops with someone who loves Starbucks just as much as you do!
I love gifting these during the holidays or just enjoying one (okay, maybe two!) with my afternoon coffee. Try the recipe, play around with flavors, and don’t forget to tag your creations if you share them online!
👉 Loved this recipe? Bookmark it, share it with fellow Starbucks fans, or explore other copycat recipes on the blog. If you have any thoughts, share them with me in the comment section below!
Happy baking! 🍫
