Starbucks-style cake pops

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 box of vanilla cake mix (and ingredients as per package instructions: oil, eggs, water)

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 1¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream (adjust as needed)

For the Coating:

• 2 cups white chocolate or candy melts (pink and white are typical Starbucks colors)
• Lollipop sticks

Optional Toppings:

• Sprinkles

Instructions:

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Prepare the vanilla cake according to the box instructions.
2. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 2: Crumble the Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled, crumble it into fine crumbs using your hands or a fork.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
3. Add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Combine Cake Crumbs with Frosting

1. Mix the cake crumbs with ⅓ to ½ cup of the frosting until it becomes a moist, moldable dough (you don’t need all the frosting; just enough to hold the cake together).
2. Shape the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a lined baking sheet.
3. Chill the balls in the refrigerator for 2 hours or in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Coat the Cake Pops

1. Melt the white chocolate or candy melts in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
2. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it halfway into each cake ball.
3. Once all cake pops have sticks, dip each one into the melted chocolate, covering it entirely. Tap off excess coating.
4. If desired, decorate with sprinkles before the coating sets.

Step 6: Let them Set

1. Place the cake pops upright (you can use a styrofoam block or a cake pop stand) and allow them to set completely.

Serve & Enjoy!

These cake pops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.