Best Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Create delightful, festive treats with this Best Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops recipe. This easy-to-follow guide will help you whip up these scrumptious, moist cake pops that are perfect for celebrating birthdays or any special occasion.

Jenna Rowland

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2025-12-13T17:14:21.149Z

With a rich vanilla cake blended with creamy frosting, coated in sweet chocolate, and adorned with colorful sprinkles, these cake pops are sure to impress friends and family. Elevate your dessert game and bring the Starbucks experience to your home kitchen!

Perfect for Any Celebration

Birthday cake pops are not just for birthdays! These delightful treats can brighten up any gathering, from anniversaries to holiday parties. Their portable size makes them easy to transport and serve, allowing your guests to enjoy a sweet bite without the mess of traditional cake slices. Whether you’re hosting a themed party or simply want to add a festive touch to your dessert table, these cake pops are a versatile choice that will impress your friends and family.

The cheerful colors and decorative sprinkles make these cake pops an eye-catching addition to any celebration. They can be customized with different colored chocolate melts and sprinkles to match your party's theme, making them a fun project for kids and adults alike. Plus, they are easy to make in large batches, so you can have plenty on hand for all your guests to enjoy.

Easy to Make at Home

Creating cake pops at home is a straightforward process that requires minimal ingredients and equipment. With just a box of cake mix, some eggs, water, and frosting, you can whip up a batch of soft, delicious cake balls in no time. The only specialized equipment you’ll need is lollipop sticks, which can easily be found at grocery stores or online. This makes the recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring that everyone can join in the fun of making their own sweet treats.

The steps are designed to be simple and enjoyable, allowing you to spend quality time in the kitchen. From baking the cake to decorating the pops, this recipe is perfect for family cooking sessions. You can get creative with flavors and decorations, transforming a basic recipe into a personalized masterpiece.

A Delight for All Ages

Cake pops are loved by both kids and adults, making them an excellent dessert choice for mingling crowds. Their small size allows for guilt-free snacking; it’s easy to have just one (or two!) without feeling overwhelmed. Children are particularly drawn to the vibrant colors and fun shapes, while adults will appreciate the nostalgic taste of birthday cake in a new form. This makes them a universal treat everyone can enjoy.

They also make great party favors! Individually wrapped cake pops are a delightful way to send guests home with a sweet memory of the celebration. Being able to customize each pop with different decorations allows for a personal touch that will leave a lasting impression.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for a fun baking experience!

For the Cake Pops

  • 1 box vanilla cake mix
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup vanilla frosting
  • 12 oz chocolate melts
  • Sprinkles for decoration
  • Lollipop sticks

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your cake pops!

Bake the Cake

Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions. Prepare the cake batter and pour it into a greased baking pan. Bake as directed and let cool completely.

Make Cake Pop Mixture

Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Add the vanilla frosting and mix until well combined. Roll the mixture into small balls.

Coat the Cake Pops

Melt chocolate melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the chocolate, then insert it into a cake ball. Freeze for 15 minutes to set.

Decorate

Once set, dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate and allow excess to drip off. Decorate with sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet. Let set completely.

Your delicious cake pops are ready to serve!

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your cake pops, ensure that your cake is completely cooled before crumbling it. If the cake is warm, it will be too moist and difficult to form into balls. Additionally, when mixing the cake and frosting, start with a small amount of frosting and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency. You want the mixture to hold its shape without being too sticky.

When dipping the cake pops in melted chocolate, it’s helpful to allow the excess chocolate to drip off slowly. This prevents a thick coating that could crack once it sets. For a smooth finish, dip the pops in a gentle, swirling motion and use a toothpick to help remove any uneven areas.

Storage Recommendations

Cake pops store well, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert. Once they are fully set and decorated, place them in an airtight container. For best results, keep them in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within a week. If you intend to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

When ready to enjoy frozen cake pops, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This will help maintain their texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving them, as this can lead to a change in consistency that detracts from their deliciousness.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mixes.

Best Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Create delightful, festive treats with this Best Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops recipe. This easy-to-follow guide will help you whip up these scrumptious, moist cake pops that are perfect for celebrating birthdays or any special occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Jenna Rowland

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 cake pops

What You'll Need

For the Cake Pops

  1. 1 box vanilla cake mix
  2. 2 large eggs
  3. 1 cup water
  4. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  5. 1 cup vanilla frosting
  6. 12 oz chocolate melts
  7. Sprinkles for decoration
  8. Lollipop sticks

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions. Prepare the cake batter and pour it into a greased baking pan. Bake as directed and let cool completely.

Step 02

Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Add the vanilla frosting and mix until well combined. Roll the mixture into small balls.

Step 03

Melt chocolate melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the chocolate, then insert it into a cake ball. Freeze for 15 minutes to set.

Step 04

Once set, dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate and allow excess to drip off. Decorate with sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet. Let set completely.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Carbohydrates: 20g