Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Enjoy the delightful taste of Starbucks with these homemade birthday cake pops that are perfect for any celebration!

Hayley Morton

Created by

Hayley Morton

Last updated on 2025-12-23T03:15:30.031Z

These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are a whimsical treat that brings the joy of birthdays to any gathering. With a moist cake center, creamy coating, and colorful sprinkles, they're sure to impress!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Deliciously moist cake that melts in your mouth
  • Customizable flavors and colors for any occasion
  • Fun and festive, perfect for parties and celebrations

The Perfect Treat for Every Occasion

Birthday cake pops are not only a delicious dessert, but they are also a fun and interactive treat that guests of all ages will love. Their small, bite-sized nature makes them easy to enjoy without the mess of traditional cake. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, graduation, or any special milestone, these cake pops are sure to add a festive touch to your event.

With their vibrant colors and customizable flavors, cake pops can fit any theme you have in mind. From pastel shades for a spring celebration to bold hues for a summer party, the options are endless. Plus, you can experiment with different cake mixes and frosting to create unique flavor combinations that will delight your guests.

A Fun Baking Activity

Making cake pops is not just about the end result; it's also about the experience! This recipe is perfect for involving family or friends in the kitchen. Kids particularly enjoy rolling the cake mixture into balls and decorating them with sprinkles. It’s a great way to bond and create lasting memories while indulging in a sweet treat.

Additionally, this recipe allows for creativity and experimentation. You can try different coatings such as milk chocolate or even dark chocolate, and add various toppings like crushed cookies or colorful edible glitter. Each cake pop can be a unique masterpiece, reflecting your personal style and taste.

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results, ensure your cake is completely cooled before crumbling it. This step is crucial as warm cake may result in a sticky mixture that’s difficult to shape. Once you have the right texture, don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of frosting to achieve the perfect consistency for rolling.

When melting the chocolate for coating, patience is key. Microwaving in short intervals helps prevent burning, ensuring a smooth and glossy finish for your cake pops. If the chocolate thickens too much, adding a bit more coconut oil can help restore its fluidity, making it easier to coat your cake pops evenly.

Ingredients

Cake Pops

  • 1 box of vanilla cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  • 12 lollipop sticks

Coating

  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • Sprinkles for decoration

Mix all ingredients thoroughly before shaping the cake pops.

Instructions

Bake the Cake

Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions. Prepare a 9x13-inch cake pan and pour in the cake batter. Bake as directed and let it cool completely.

Prepare the Cake Crumbs

Once the cake is cool, crumble it into a large bowl. Mix in the frosting until fully combined and the mixture holds together.

Form the Cake Pops

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

Melt the Coating

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.

Coat the Cake Pops

Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Decorate with sprinkles while the coating is still wet. Return to the baking sheet and let set.

Let the cake pops cool completely before serving.

Storage and Shelf Life

Once your cake pops are decorated and set, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you plan to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their freshness for up to two weeks. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

For longer storage, cake pops can be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This method helps preserve their deliciousness and keeps them ready for any spontaneous celebrations.

Creative Variations

While this recipe focuses on classic vanilla cake pops, feel free to get adventurous with your flavors. Chocolate cake pops, red velvet, or even funfetti are great alternatives that can bring a new twist to your dessert table. Just remember to match the frosting to your cake flavor for a harmonious taste.

You can also experiment with different coatings aside from white chocolate. Try using colored candy melts for a vibrant appearance, or even a combination of coatings for a marbled effect. Incorporating flavored extracts or infused oils into your cake mix can also elevate the taste, making your cake pops truly unique.

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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 like.

→ How do I store leftover cake pops?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make these cake pops ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them a day or two in advance. Just store them properly.

→ What can I use instead of frosting?

You can use cream cheese or ganache for a different flavor profile.

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Enjoy the delightful taste of Starbucks with these homemade birthday cake pops that are perfect for any celebration!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Hayley Morton

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 pops

What You'll Need

Cake Pops

  1. 1 box of vanilla cake mix
  2. 1 cup water
  3. 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  4. 3 large eggs
  5. 1/2 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  6. 12 lollipop sticks

Coating

  1. 2 cups white chocolate chips
  2. 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  3. Sprinkles for decoration

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions. Prepare a 9x13-inch cake pan and pour in the cake batter. Bake as directed and let it cool completely.

Step 02

Once the cake is cool, crumble it into a large bowl. Mix in the frosting until fully combined and the mixture holds together.

Step 03

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

Step 04

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.

Step 05

Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Decorate with sprinkles while the coating is still wet. Return to the baking sheet and let set.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 2g