Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Starbucks with these homemade Birthday Cake Pops. Perfect for celebrations or just a sweet treat!

Marianne Hughes

Created by

Marianne Hughes

Last updated on 2025-12-23T04:33:33.962Z

These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are not only fun to make but also a joy to eat. With a rich vanilla flavor and colorful sprinkles, they bring a festive touch to any occasion.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich vanilla flavor with a hint of almond
  • Perfectly moist cake covered in creamy coating
  • Fun and festive treat for any celebration

The Perfect Celebration Treat

Birthday cake pops are an irresistible way to celebrate any occasion. These bite-sized delights are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. With their rich vanilla essence complemented by a hint of almond, they’re sure to be a hit at parties. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, graduation, or just want to brighten someone’s day, these cake pops are the perfect treat.

One of the best things about cake pops is their versatility. You can easily customize them to match the theme of your celebration. From colorful sprinkles to themed decorations, the options are endless! This makes them a fun project to involve kids or friends in. Get creative and let your imagination run wild!

Tips for the Best Cake Pops

To achieve the best texture for your cake pops, ensure that your cake is completely cooled before crumbling. This will help you achieve the right consistency when combining with frosting. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more frosting; if too wet, add more crumbled cake. Finding the perfect balance is key to creating that delicious bite-sized treat.

When coating your cake pops, make sure to use high-quality white chocolate or candy melts. This will ensure a smooth coating that not only tastes great but also looks professional. If you’re having trouble with the coating, consider adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin it out for easier dipping. Remember to work quickly when adding sprinkles, as the coating sets fast!

Storing and Serving

Once your cake pops are coated and set, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like them to last longer, consider refrigerating them. Just be cautious, as refrigeration can sometimes cause the coating to sweat, which may affect their appearance. Serve them on a decorative platter or in a jar for a charming presentation.

For a fun serving idea, consider creating a cake pop stand using a block of Styrofoam or a decorated piece of cardboard. This not only keeps them upright but also adds a festive touch to your dessert table. Guests will love picking their favorite cake pop, making it a delightful experience for everyone!

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before starting to make the process smoother.

Cake Ingredients

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

Coating Ingredients

  • 12 oz white chocolate or candy melts
  • Sprinkles for decoration
  • Lollipop sticks

Make sure to let the cake pops cool completely before coating them.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create the perfect cake pops.

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

Prepare the Cake Pops

Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Add a little bit of frosting to the crumbled cake (about 1/2 cup) and mix until it holds together. Form small balls (about 1 inch) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Insert lollipop sticks into the center of each ball and freeze for 30 minutes.

Coat the Cake Pops

Melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Immediately sprinkle with decorations before the chocolate sets. Place them back on the parchment paper to dry.

Enjoy your homemade cake pops at your next party or as a delightful snack!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Absolutely! While this recipe uses vanilla cake mix, feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate or funfetti. Just remember to adjust the frosting accordingly to complement the cake flavor.

How do I prevent cake pops from falling off the stick? To secure your cake pops, dip the end of the lollipop stick into the melted chocolate before inserting it into the cake ball. This acts like glue, helping to keep the cake pop in place while it sets.

Variations to Try

For a twist on classic cake pops, consider adding flavored extracts to the cake mixture or frosting. Almond, coconut, or even peppermint extracts can elevate the flavor profile and offer a unique taste that your guests will love.

You can also experiment with different coatings! While white chocolate is a popular choice, try using dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even colored candy melts for a fun pop of color. Each variation brings a new taste and aesthetic to your cake pops.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chocolate, red velvet, or any flavor you prefer.

→ How long can I store cake pops?

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

→ Can I freeze cake pops?

Yes, you can freeze uncoated cake balls for up to 2 months. Just coat them with chocolate after thawing.

→ What type of sprinkles should I use?

You can use any type of sprinkles you like, such as rainbow, chocolate jimmies, or themed sprinkles for special occasions.

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Starbucks with these homemade Birthday Cake Pops. Perfect for celebrations or just a sweet treat!

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Marianne Hughes

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 pops

What You'll Need

Cake Ingredients

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

Coating Ingredients

  1. 12 oz white chocolate or candy melts
  2. Sprinkles for decoration
  3. Lollipop sticks

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

Step 02

Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Add a little bit of frosting to the crumbled cake (about 1/2 cup) and mix until it holds together. Form small balls (about 1 inch) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Insert lollipop sticks into the center of each ball and freeze for 30 minutes.

Step 03

Melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Immediately sprinkle with decorations before the chocolate sets. Place them back on the parchment paper to dry.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 2g