A Starbucks hoco proposal is one of the most popular ways to ask someone to homecoming, and for good reason: everyone loves Starbucks, it’s easy to theme, and the poster puns write themselves. The problem is that a real Starbucks haul for a proposal basket costs $30 to $50 before you’ve even bought the poster board. These copycat recipes let you build the whole thing at home, and a homemade lemon loaf or frappuccino says a lot more than a drive-thru bag.
Below you’ll find the treats, then poster sayings and a quick plan for putting the whole proposal together.
Copycat Starbucks Drinks for the Proposal
Ninja Creami Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino
The caramel ribbon crunch is the most-ordered frappuccino for a reason. This Ninja Creami version blends into a thick, creamy frappe with a caramel swirl and crunchy topping. Pour it into a clear cup with a green straw and it’s the centerpiece of the basket.
Ninja Creami Copycat Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino
Sweet, creamy and coffee-forward, this is the frappuccino for someone who orders the same thing every time. It spins up smooth in the Ninja Creami and holds its texture long enough to hand over with the poster.
Ninja Creami Caramel Iced Coffee Starbucks
Cold brew, almond milk, caramel syrup and Greek yogurt turn into a rich, creamy iced coffee. It’s the simplest drink on the list and the easiest to make ahead. Top with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle right before the ask.
Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe
For a fall homecoming, a warm cinnamon dolce latte in a to-go cup with their name written on the side is the move. Espresso, steamed milk and cinnamon dolce syrup, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon sugar. It can be made iced too.
Homemade Gingerbread Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
If your homecoming falls late in the season, the gingerbread latte is cozy and a little unexpected. Gingerbread syrup, frothed milk and coffee, finished with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.
Copycat Starbucks Bakery Treats
Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf
The lemon loaf is the single most requested Starbucks bakery item, and this copycat nails the dense, tender crumb and thick lemon glaze. Bake it in the air fryer the day before, slice it, and wrap a couple of pieces in parchment with a Starbucks-green ribbon.
Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Vanilla Bean Scones
The little glazed vanilla bean scones are perfect basket size. They bake in the air fryer in 10 to 12 minutes and the specks of real vanilla bean make them look bakery-made. Pack four or five in a clear treat bag.
Air fryer: 330°F, 10–12 minutes
Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Scones
For a fall hoco, pumpkin scones with the signature double glaze (white icing plus spiced drizzle) are the seasonal pick. They look exactly like the coffee shop version and taste better fresh.
Copycat Starbucks Double Chocolate Brownies
Dense, fudgy, chewy at the edges and covered in chocolate chunks, these are the brownie from the pastry case. One bowl, no mixer, and about 30 minutes in the air fryer. Cut them into squares and stack them in the basket.
Air fryer: 310°F, 28–34 minutes
Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Banana Nut Bread
Moist banana bread with a crunchy walnut top, made in the air fryer. It’s the treat for someone who always goes for the banana bread over the sweet stuff. Wrap a thick slice in parchment.
Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake
Cinnamon swirl coffee cake with a thick streusel top. It slices clean, travels well and rounds out the basket if you want one more baked good.
Starbucks Hoco Proposal Poster Sayings
Write one of these on a poster board in Starbucks green and white, or on a cup sleeve if you want to keep it small:
- It would be a latte fun to go to hoco with you
- I like you a latte. Hoco?
- You’re brew-tiful. Go to hoco with me?
- Let’s espresso ourselves at hoco
- Hoco with you would be grande
- I’d be frapp-y if you went to hoco with me
- Words can’t espresso how much I want to go to hoco with you
- You mocha me so happy. Hoco?
- This isn’t a venti big question: hoco?
- Don’t leave me de-caf-fenated. Say yes to hoco!
How to Put the Starbucks Hoco Proposal Together
- Pick two or three treats, not all eleven. One drink, one loaf or scone, and one brownie or slice is plenty.
- Bake the day before. Lemon loaf, scones, brownies and coffee cake all keep overnight. Make the drink the morning of.
- Get the packaging right. A clear cup with a dome lid and green straw, parchment paper, twine and a small basket or reusable Starbucks-style tote sell the theme. Write their name on the cup with a Sharpie.
- Add a gift card if you want. A $5 or $10 card tucked into the cup sleeve is a nice touch, but the homemade treats are the point.
- Make the poster the last thing they see. Hand over the basket first, let them look, then flip the sign.
Starbucks Hoco Proposal FAQs
How much does a Starbucks hoco proposal cost? Buying everything at Starbucks runs $30 to $50. Making the treats at home costs about $10 to $15 in ingredients plus poster board and packaging.
What should I put in a Starbucks hoco basket? One drink, one or two bakery items, a small gift card if you like, and something personal like their favorite candy or a photo. Keep it to five or six items so it doesn’t look cluttered.
Can I make the frappuccino without a Ninja Creami? Yes. Blend the same ingredients with ice in a regular blender. It won’t be quite as thick, but it’ll still look and taste right.
How far ahead can I bake the treats? Loaves, scones, brownies and coffee cake can all be made one to two days ahead and stored airtight at room temperature. Glaze the scones the day of so the icing stays clean.
What if they don’t drink coffee? Use the pumpkin scones, lemon loaf and brownies, and swap the coffee drink for hot chocolate or a fruit refresher in a clear cup. The poster puns still work.
