Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Name: Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Box Vanilla Cake Mix (15.25 Ounces); 1/3 Container Vanilla Frosting; 15 Lollipop Sticks; 1 Bag Pink Candy Melts (Vanilla Flavor, 12 Ounces); White Sugar Pearl Sprinkles (For Decorating)

Recipe By:

jesseca

Posted:

February 20, 2025

Updated:

February 20, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

This delicious recipe for Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops brings the café’s famous treat right into your kitchen! Imagine biting into a moist vanilla cake covered with sweet frosting and a colorful candy melt coating. It’s like a mini celebration in each bite! Not only are these cake pops perfect for birthdays, but they also make any gathering a little sweeter. Plus, making them together with friends or family will lead to memorable kitchen moments as laughter fills the air. So, let’s get started on this fun baking adventure that can turn any day into a festive occasion!

Jump to:

Why This Recipe Works

This Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops recipe brings the famous café treat right into your kitchen, allowing you to indulge in their delightful flavors without leaving your home. The combination of moist vanilla cake, sweet frosting, and colorful candy melts creates a perfect balance of taste and texture. Each bite-sized pop is a celebration in itself, ensuring your baking endeavor is both satisfying and successful.

Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

These cake pops are not just delicious; they are visually stunning and versatile, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or simply craving a sweet snack, these Starbucks-inspired cake pops will impress family and friends. Plus, the fun of making them together can lead to memorable moments in the kitchen.

Ingredients

1 Box Vanilla Cake Mix (15.25 Ounces)
1/3 Container Vanilla Frosting
15 Lollipop Sticks
1 Bag Pink Candy Melts (Vanilla Flavor, 12 Ounces)
White Sugar Pearl Sprinkles (For Decorating)

Prepare the Cake Mix

Start by preparing the vanilla cake mix according to the instructions on the box. This forms the moist base for your cake pops. Just follow the steps on the box, and don’t forget to preheat your oven!

Cool and Crumble the Cake

Allow the cake to cool completely before crumbling. This important step ensures that the cake has the right texture for your pops. Use your hands or a fork to break it into fine crumbs, ensuring an even, smooth texture throughout your mixture.

Combine Cake Crumbs and Frosting

In a large bowl, combine the cake crumbs with a portion of the vanilla frosting. Start by adding a little frosting at a time. Using a rubber spatula, mix until the mixture holds together well. You want it to be moist but not overly gooey!

Form Cake Balls

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch bite-sized balls. Each ball should be firm and well-shaped. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy handling. Keep everything organized as you work!

Freeze the Cake Balls

Next, place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 2 hours. This helps the cake pops to set and maintain their shape. It’s crucial not to skip this step if you want pops that won’t fall apart when dipping!

Melt the Candy Coating

About 5 minutes before the cake balls are ready, melt the pink candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, following the package instructions. Use short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between to get a smooth consistency.

Insert Lollipop Sticks

Once the cake balls are firm, it’s time to insert the lollipop sticks. Carefully remove the cake balls from the freezer and insert the stick into each ball, pushing it halfway through. For extra security, dip the tip of each stick into the melted candy coating before inserting.

Dip and Coat the Cake Pops

Now for the fun part! Fully dip each cake pop into the melted candy coating, swirling for an even coat. Make sure that the cake pop is completely covered, then allow excess coating to drip back into the bowl. This will give you that smooth finish we all love.

Decorate with Sprinkles

While the coating is still wet, generously sprinkle white sugar pearl sprinkles on top. This adds a festive touch to your cake pops. Get creative here! Sprinkles add color and crunch that makes everything just a little more exciting.

Display Your Cake Pops

Finally, place the finished cake pops in a cake pop stand or on a piece of styrofoam to hold them upright. This will ensure they set nicely and don’t lose their shape. If you have leftover pops, feel free to return them to the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops on a decorative platter for a festive look. They are great as dessert, party favors, or snack treats! Everyone will love grabbing one as a sweet little pick-me-up.

Tips for Success

Ensure the cake has cooled completely before crumbling to maintain the right texture.
Use high-quality candy melts for a smooth coating.
Experiment with different sprinkles or colors for a personalized touch.

Variations

If you want to mix things up, try using chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla for a richer flavor. You can also swap the pink candy melts for blue or yellow for different occasions. Adding flavor extracts to the frosting can create an extra layer of taste. Be playful with your creations!

Storage Tips

Store leftover cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week, but they are best enjoyed fresh. Ensure they remain covered to keep them moist.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these cake pops in advance?
A1: Yes! You can make the cake pops a few days ahead and store them properly to maintain their freshness.

Q2: What can I use instead of vanilla frosting?
A2: Cream cheese frosting or chocolate frosting are delightful alternatives, providing a nice twist to the flavor.

Q3: How many cake pops does this recipe make?
A3: This recipe yields about 15 cake pops, depending on the size of each ball.

Q4: Can I freeze cake pops?
A4: Yes, you can freeze unfrosted cake balls. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing to keep them fresh.

Q5: What other toppings can I use?
A5: Chocolate drizzle, crushed nuts, or colorful sprinkles can be great options for decorating your cake pops.

These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are not just visually appealing; they are easy to make and deliciously satisfying. With a balance of crispy coating and moist cake, they are sure to become a favorite for celebrations or casual snacking. So gather your friends and family, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delightful world of cake pop making! Experience the joy of both preparing and eating these delightful treats together!

More Easy Desserts Recipes:

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card