Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Enjoy the delightful taste of Starbucks' Birthday Cake Pops right at home with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Marianne Hughes

Created by

Marianne Hughes

Last updated on 2025-12-23T04:36:38.118Z

These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are not just a treat; they are a celebration in every bite! With a perfect blend of cake and frosting, each pop is coated in chocolate and decorated to resemble the classic Starbucks version.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Deliciously sweet and festive for any occasion
  • Easy to make and customize with your favorite flavors
  • Fun to eat and perfect for sharing with friends and family

A Sweet Celebration in Every Bite

Birthday cake pops are not just a treat; they are a celebration on a stick! Each bite of these delightful morsels brings together the nostalgic flavors of vanilla cake and frosting, making them perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a simple afternoon indulgence. Their festive appearance, adorned with colorful sprinkles, adds a joyful touch to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a promotion, or just the arrival of the weekend, these cake pops are sure to bring smiles all around.

What makes these cake pops even more special is their versatility. You can easily customize them with your favorite flavors, such as chocolate, red velvet, or even lemon. Add in your preferred extracts or mix in some fun ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts to make them uniquely yours. The possibilities are endless, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a personalized treat that suits their taste.

Easy to Make, Fun to Share

This recipe is designed to be simple and accessible, even for novice bakers. With just a box of cake mix and a few other ingredients, you can whip up a batch of cake pops in no time. The straightforward steps guide you through baking, mixing, and coating, making it a fun activity to tackle alone or with loved ones. Kids will love getting involved, from crumbling the cake to decorating the pops with sprinkles.

Sharing these cake pops is half the fun! They are perfect for parties where you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to grab and enjoy, and they can be packaged beautifully for gifts. Imagine surprising a friend with a box of homemade birthday cake pops—they’ll appreciate the effort and thoughtfulness behind such a sweet gesture.

Tips for Perfect Cake Pops

To achieve the best results, make sure your cake is completely cooled before crumbling. This helps the mixture bind together better when you add the frosting. If your cake pops are falling apart, consider adding a bit more frosting to the mix. It’s all about finding the right balance for the perfect texture.

When it comes to coating your cake pops, patience is key. Melting the chocolate chips slowly in the microwave ensures a smooth coating that adheres well. If the chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin it out. Lastly, don’t forget to let your decorated cake pops sit to set before serving; this will help them hold their shape and make for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

For the Cake Pops

  • 1 box vanilla cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (for coating)
  • Sprinkles (for decoration)

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting for a smooth baking experience!

Instructions

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the Cake Crumbles

Once the cake has cooled, crumble it into a large bowl. Add the frosting and mix until fully combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.

Form the Cake Pops

Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place the cake balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball and freeze for 15 minutes.

Coat the Pops

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals until smooth. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, then immediately sprinkle with decorations. Place back on the parchment paper to set.

Let the cake pops set completely before serving. Enjoy your homemade treats!

Storage and Shelf Life

Once your cake pops are made, you might be wondering how to store them. They can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving, as this will enhance their flavor and texture.

For longer storage, you can also freeze the cake pops. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them.

Suggested Pairings

These birthday cake pops pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. They also make a delightful addition to coffee or tea parties, where their playful nature can complement the warm beverages. Consider serving them alongside a variety of other sweets for a dessert table that dazzles.

For a more festive touch, try pairing cake pops with cocktails or sparkling beverages during celebrations. Their vibrant colors and fun shapes can enhance the overall visual appeal of your drink station, making them a hit among guests. Don't forget to experiment with flavor pairings; chocolate cake pops with a rich coffee or fruity pops with a sparkling lemonade can create a delightful tasting experience.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! You can use any flavor you like, such as chocolate or red velvet.

→ How long can I store cake pops?

You can store cake pops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze cake pops?

Yes, cake pops can be frozen. Just make sure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

→ What type of chocolate should I use for coating?

You can use chocolate chips, candy melts, or any chocolate coating of your choice.

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Enjoy the delightful taste of Starbucks' Birthday Cake Pops right at home with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Marianne Hughes

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 pops

What You'll Need

For the Cake Pops

  1. 1 box vanilla cake mix
  2. 3 large eggs
  3. 1 cup water
  4. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  5. 1/2 cup butter, softened
  6. 1 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  7. 1 cup chocolate chips (for coating)
  8. Sprinkles (for decoration)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 02

Once the cake has cooled, crumble it into a large bowl. Add the frosting and mix until fully combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.

Step 03

Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place the cake balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball and freeze for 15 minutes.

Step 04

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals until smooth. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, then immediately sprinkle with decorations. Place back on the parchment paper to set.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 9g
  • Protein: 1g