Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Name: Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 pops
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla cake mix; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 12 ounces white chocolate or candy melts; Sprinkles for decoration; Lollipop sticks

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the joy of birthdays with these delightful Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops. Perfectly sweet and bite-sized, they are sure to brighten any celebration.

Created by

Katherine Blake

Last updated on 2025-12-21T07:56:00.927Z

These cake pops capture the essence of Starbucks' famous birthday cake flavor in a fun and portable treat. Perfect for parties or just a sweet snack, they combine fluffy cake with creamy frosting and a chocolate coating.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich vanilla flavor reminiscent of birthday cake
Cute and festive presentation perfect for celebrations
Easy to make and customize with your favorite sprinkles

      

The Perfect Celebration Treat

Birthday cake pops are the ultimate treat for any celebration, combining the joy of cake with the fun of a pop! These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a hit at parties. Whether you're hosting a birthday bash or just want a sweet snack, these cake pops will surely impress your guests.

The bite-sized nature of cake pops makes them easy to serve and eat, perfect for gatherings where guests might want to mingle. With their rich vanilla flavor, they evoke the nostalgic taste of birthday cake, bringing back fond memories of childhood celebrations. Plus, their festive presentation, adorned with colorful sprinkles, adds a cheerful touch to any dessert table.

Customizable and Fun

One of the best aspects of making cake pops is the endless customization options available. You can easily swap out the vanilla cake mix for your favorite flavor or incorporate different frosting varieties. Additionally, the choice of sprinkles allows you to tailor the cake pops to fit any theme or color scheme, making them suitable for any occasion.

Involving kids in the decorating process can turn this simple recipe into a fun family activity. Let them choose their favorite sprinkles and get creative with the designs. This not only makes the baking process more enjoyable but also creates lasting memories together, making these cake pops even more special.

Make Ahead and Store

These cake pops can easily be made ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy schedules. After coating and decorating them, simply store the pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows you to prepare for your celebration in advance without compromising on taste or freshness.

If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing the uncoated cake balls. Once you're ready to enjoy them, just dip them in chocolate and decorate as desired. This flexibility makes birthday cake pops a practical choice for any event, ensuring you have a delightful treat on hand whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious cake pops:

Cake Ingredients

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

Frosting Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating Ingredients

12 ounces white chocolate or candy melts
Sprinkles for decoration
Lollipop sticks

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start making your cake pops!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your own cake pops:

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a cake pan by greasing it. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until smooth and pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

Make the Frosting

While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Crumble the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, crumble it into a large bowl. Add about half of the frosting and mix until combined. You want a dough-like consistency that holds together when rolled into a ball.

Form the Cake Pops

Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball and freeze for about 30 minutes.

Coat the Cake Pops

Melt the white chocolate or candy melts according to package instructions. Dip each frozen cake pop into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Roll in sprinkles before the coating sets. Place back on the parchment paper to harden.

Once your cake pops are set, they are ready to serve! Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Cake Pops

To ensure your cake pops hold their shape, be sure not to overbake the cake. A moist cake will help create the right consistency when mixed with frosting. Additionally, allow the cake to cool completely before crumbling it. This prevents the mixture from becoming too warm, which can affect the rolling process.

When melting the chocolate or candy melts, use a microwave in short intervals to avoid burning. Stirring frequently will help achieve a smooth, even melt. If the coating is too thick, add a small amount of vegetable oil to thin it out, ensuring a smooth dip for your cake pops.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra special touch, consider displaying your cake pops in a decorative vase or a cake pop stand. This not only showcases your delicious treats but also makes it easy for guests to grab one as they mingle. You can even match the display to your party theme for a cohesive look.

Pair your birthday cake pops with other treats like cupcakes or cookies for a delightful dessert table. Offering a variety of sweets allows guests to mix and match, catering to different tastes and preferences. This creates a festive atmosphere that will be remembered long after the last bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate or red velvet.

→ How long do these cake pops last?

They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze cake pops?

Yes, you can freeze uncoated cake balls for up to 3 months. Just thaw before dipping in chocolate.

→ What can I use instead of lollipop sticks?

You can use pretzel sticks or even just serve them on a plate if you prefer.