Best Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the delightful sweetness of these irresistible Birthday Cake Pops inspired by Starbucks! Soft, moist cake crumbles are blended with creamy frosting, shaped into bite-sized balls, and coated in vibrant candy melts. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a sweet treat anytime. These cake pops are a fun and festive way to celebrate any occasion—with their colorful sprinkles and rich flavor profile that mirrors the beloved Starbucks classic.

Nora Ellis

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2025-12-12T02:29:13.890Z

These cake pops are inspired by the beloved Starbucks treat!

A Fun Activity for All Ages

Making these Birthday Cake Pops is not just about the delicious end product; it's also a fun activity that brings families and friends together. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of baking and decorating together. Children will especially love shaping the cake into balls and choosing their favorite sprinkles and candy colors to decorate. This delightful experience creates cherished memories that go beyond just the sweet treat itself.

Whether you're hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, these cake pops can be the highlight of the event. Involving everyone in the decorating process fosters creativity and allows for personalization, making each cake pop special. Plus, they make for great party favors!

Culinary Versatility

These Birthday Cake Pops are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them to suit various tastes and occasions. Want a chocolate twist? Simply swap the vanilla cake mix for chocolate and use chocolate frosting! You can even experiment with different flavors, such as lemon or red velvet, and adjust the candy coating colors to match your theme. The possibilities are endless, making these cake pops a fantastic treat year-round.

Don't forget about gluten-free options! Simply use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure that your candy melts are also gluten-free. With just a few adjustments, everyone can enjoy these delicious cake pops, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Perfect for Gifting

These Birthday Cake Pops are not only delightful to eat but also visually appealing, making them perfect for gifting. Package them in cute boxes or jars and present them during celebrations, holidays, or as a sweet surprise for friends and family. Consider personalizing the wrappers with notes or stickers that resonate with the occasion. A thoughtful gift like homemade cake pops can bring joy and show your loved ones how much you care.

Especially during the festive season, these cake pops can be a unique alternative to traditional baked goods. They offer a compact, portable, and mess-free way to share sweetness, making them an ideal gift for coworkers, neighbors, or party hosts.

Ingredients

Cake Base

  • 1 box of vanilla cake mix
  • Eggs, oil, and water as per cake mix instructions
  • 1/2 cup of frosting (vanilla or cream cheese)

Coating

  • 1 bag of candy melts (your choice of color)
  • Sprinkles for decoration
  • Lollipop sticks

Make sure to let the cake cool completely before creating cake pops.

Instructions

Bake the Cake

Prepare the cake according to the package instructions. Allow it to cool completely.

Make the Cake Balls

Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl, then mix in the frosting until fully combined. Roll into balls.

Prepare for Coating

Melt the candy melts according to package instructions. Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted candy and insert it into the cake ball.

Coat the Cake Pops

Dip each cake pop into the remaining melted candy, ensuring it's fully covered. Tap off any excess and decorate with sprinkles.

Set and Enjoy

Place the cake pops in a styrofoam block to set. Allow them to cool before serving.

Store in a cool place or refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Storing Your Cake Pops

To keep your Birthday Cake Pops fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. If you plan to make them ahead of time, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. This will prevent them from drying out and keep the frosting and candy coating intact. They can typically stay fresh for about a week in the refrigerator, although they are best enjoyed within the first few days after making.

If you want to extend their shelf life further, you can also freeze your cake pops. Just make sure they are completely set before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid, you can transfer them to a freezer bag. They should stay good for about a month, allowing you to enjoy the sweet treat at a later date.

Tips for Cake Pop Perfection

Achieving the perfect cake pops requires a few tips and tricks. First, ensure your cake is cooled completely before crumbling. If it’s too warm, it will be difficult to shape and will fall apart. Additionally, when mixing in frosting, start with a small amount and increase to achieve your preferred texture. You want your cake mixture to be moist but not overly soggy.

When melting the candy coating, be patient. Heat it slowly to avoid seizing, and stir frequently to ensure a smooth consistency. If the melted candy is too thick for dipping, add a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to thin it out. Finally, remember to tap off excess coating by gently shaking each cake pop, so the finish is even and attractive.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor of cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cake mixes.

→ How should I store these cake pops?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Best Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Experience the delightful sweetness of these irresistible Birthday Cake Pops inspired by Starbucks! Soft, moist cake crumbles are blended with creamy frosting, shaped into bite-sized balls, and coated in vibrant candy melts. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a sweet treat anytime. These cake pops are a fun and festive way to celebrate any occasion—with their colorful sprinkles and rich flavor profile that mirrors the beloved Starbucks classic.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time2 hours

Created by: Nora Ellis

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 20 cake pops

What You'll Need

Cake Base

  1. 1 box of vanilla cake mix
  2. Eggs, oil, and water as per cake mix instructions
  3. 1/2 cup of frosting (vanilla or cream cheese)

Coating

  1. 1 bag of candy melts (your choice of color)
  2. Sprinkles for decoration
  3. Lollipop sticks

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare the cake according to the package instructions. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 02

Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl, then mix in the frosting until fully combined. Roll into balls.

Step 03

Melt the candy melts according to package instructions. Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted candy and insert it into the cake ball.

Step 04

Dip each cake pop into the remaining melted candy, ensuring it's fully covered. Tap off any excess and decorate with sprinkles.

Step 05

Place the cake pops in a styrofoam block to set. Allow them to cool before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 1g