If you love the Orange Cream Cake Pops from Starbucks, you’re going to love this homemade version! These little bites of heaven are moist, sweet, and bursting with citrusy vanilla flavor, just like a creamsicle.
The best part? You can make them at home with simple ingredients, and they taste even better than the real thing.
Let’s get started!
📋 What You’ll Need
Cake Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup buttermilk
Frosting Ingredients:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp orange zest
Coating & Assembly:
- 2 cups orange candy melts
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening
- 12–15 lollipop sticks
- White chocolate drizzle (optional)
- Extra orange zest for garnish
Tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Lollipop sticks
- Microwave-safe bowl
⭐ Pro Tips:
- Use fresh orange zest – It gives the cake the best citrus flavor.
- Chill the cake balls before dipping – This keeps them from falling apart in the coating.
- Melt candy melts slowly – Overheating can make them too thick.
- Want a stronger orange flavor? Add a few drops of orange extract.
- For extra smooth coating, add a little coconut oil to the melted candy.
🔄 Substitutions & Variations:
- No buttermilk? Use regular milk with 1 tsp of vinegar or lemon juice.
- No candy melts? Use white chocolate and add orange food coloring.
- Dairy-free? Use dairy-free butter, milk, and cream cheese.
- Want it extra creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream to the frosting.
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips:
- Bake the cake a day before – It makes the texture easier to work with.
- Store cake pops in the fridge – They last up to a week in an airtight container.
- Freeze for later! Cake pops can be frozen for up to a month—just let them thaw before serving.
👩🍳 How to Make Starbucks Copycat Orange Cream Cake Pops
1. Make the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest, then mix until smooth.
2. Mix the Dry & Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with orange juice and buttermilk.
3. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Make the Frosting & Mix the Cake Crumbs
Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth. Crumble the cooled cake into the frosting and mix until a dough forms.
5. Shape & Chill the Cake Balls
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
6. Coat the Cake Pops
Melt the orange candy melts with coconut oil, then dip each cake ball using a lollipop stick.
7. Decorate & Let Set
Drizzle with white chocolate and sprinkle with orange zest. Let set until the coating is firm.
💛 Time to Enjoy!
These Starbucks copycat orange cream cake pops are sweet, citrusy, and totally irresistible! If you try them, leave a comment and let me know how they turned out. Happy baking! 🍊🍰✨
