Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Enjoy the delightful flavors of Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops right at home with this easy recipe!

Maya Richardson

Created by

Maya Richardson

Last updated on 2025-12-20T22:36:04.279Z

These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are perfect for any celebration or sweet craving. With a moist cake and creamy coating, they bring joy to every bite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich vanilla flavor with fun sprinkles
  • Moist cake texture that’s perfectly balanced
  • Great for parties and special occasions

Perfect for Any Celebration

Birthday Cake Pops are not just for birthdays! Their vibrant colors and delightful flavors make them a fantastic treat for any celebration. Whether you’re throwing a party, celebrating a milestone, or just want to bring a smile to someone’s face, these cake pops are sure to impress. Their fun size makes them perfect for sharing, so you can easily serve them at gatherings like baby showers, bridal showers, or holiday parties.

Imagine the joy on your guests' faces when they see these adorable cake pops displayed on your dessert table. They add a beautiful touch to any event and are easy to grab and enjoy. With their creamy frosting and soft cake, these pops combine both visual appeal and taste, making them a hit among people of all ages.

Customization Options

One of the best aspects of making Birthday Cake Pops at home is the ability to customize them to your liking. You can easily swap out the vanilla cake mix for chocolate, lemon, or even funfetti to suit your taste or theme. Additionally, the frosting can be flavored with extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist. Don’t forget about the sprinkles! Choose colors that match your event or go for a mix for a more festive look.

You can also experiment with different coatings. While white chocolate gives a classic look, you can melt colored candy melts or even use dark chocolate for a more sophisticated flavor. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a personalized cake pop that reflects your style and the theme of your celebration.

Storage and Serving Tips

To keep your Birthday Cake Pops fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week, making them a great make-ahead treat. If you want to prepare them even further in advance, you can freeze the uncoated cake balls. Just ensure they are wrapped well in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and coat as directed.

When serving, consider using a decorative cake pop stand or a simple styrofoam block to display your pops beautifully. This not only keeps them upright but also adds a charming touch to your party decor. You can arrange them in different heights for an eye-catching display that will have your guests reaching for these delightful treats in no time!

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 box vanilla cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil

For the Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Sprinkles for decoration

For the Coating

  • 1 cup white chocolate chips or candy melts
  • Lollipop sticks

Make sure to have everything prepared before starting!

Instructions

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, water, and oil until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let it cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy.

Combine Cake and Frosting

Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Add the frosting a little at a time, mixing until the mixture can hold its shape. Form into balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Chill the Cake Balls

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up the cake balls.

Coat the Cake Pops

Melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it into a chilled cake ball. Dip each cake pop into the chocolate coating and let excess drip off.

Sprinkle with fun sprinkles while the coating is still wet.

Let Set and Serve

Place the coated cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or a cake pop stand to set. Once the chocolate has hardened, they are ready to serve!

Enjoy your delicious homemade cake pops!

Tips for Success

To achieve the best texture for your cake pops, make sure the cake is completely cooled before crumbling it. This will help prevent the mixture from becoming too moist and difficult to shape. Additionally, when forming the cake balls, try to keep them uniform in size for consistent baking and coating. Using a small cookie scoop can help with this.

When melting your chocolate or candy melts, use short bursts in the microwave and stir frequently. This will prevent overheating and ensure a smooth coating. If the melted chocolate is too thick, add a little vegetable oil to thin it out, making it easier to dip your cake pops.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Birthday Cake Pops on a decorative platter or in treat bags for a fun party favor. You can also pair them with a variety of beverages like milk, coffee, or even cocktails for a delightful snack pairing. Consider creating a themed dessert table with other treats to complement the cake pops, such as cupcakes or cookies.

For a fun twist, try dipping some of your cake pops in crushed nuts or coconut flakes for added texture. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds visual interest to your dessert display. Your guests will appreciate the variety and unique presentation!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with chocolate or any flavor you like.

→ How can I store leftover cake pops?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free.

→ How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?

Make sure your cake pops are chilled before coating them, and avoid overheating the chocolate.

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Enjoy the delightful flavors of Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops right at home with this easy recipe!

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Maya Richardson

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 pops

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 1 box vanilla cake mix
  2. 3 large eggs
  3. 1 cup water
  4. 1/3 cup vegetable oil

For the Frosting

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 2 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1/4 cup milk
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. Sprinkles for decoration

For the Coating

  1. 1 cup white chocolate chips or candy melts
  2. Lollipop sticks

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, water, and oil until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy.

Step 03

Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Add the frosting a little at a time, mixing until the mixture can hold its shape. Form into balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 04

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up the cake balls.

Step 05

Melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it into a chilled cake ball. Dip each cake pop into the chocolate coating and let excess drip off. Sprinkle with fun sprinkles while the coating is still wet.

Step 06

Place the coated cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or a cake pop stand to set. Once the chocolate has hardened, they are ready to serve!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 1g