Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Name: Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 pops
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla cake mix; 3 large eggs; 1 cup water; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups chocolate melting wafers; Sprinkles for decoration

Highlighted under: Cakes, Pies & More

Indulge in these delightful Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops that are perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat anytime. With their vibrant colors and delicious flavors, they are sure to bring a smile to your face!

Created by

Paige Sullivan

Last updated on 2025-12-21T00:15:55.997Z

These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are inspired by the popular treat found at Starbucks. Made with a moist cake and creamy frosting, they are dipped in chocolate and decorated for a festive touch. Perfect for birthday parties or just for fun!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich vanilla flavor with a hint of almond
Fun and festive appearance that's perfect for parties
Easy to make and customize with different sprinkles

      

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are not just for birthdays; they are versatile enough for any celebration. Whether you're hosting a baby shower, holiday party, or simply want to brighten someone's day, these cake pops are sure to impress. Their playful colors and delicious flavors make them appealing to both kids and adults alike. Plus, they can be customized to fit any theme or color scheme, making them a delightful addition to your dessert table.

These cake pops can be made in advance, which is a major advantage for busy bakers. Simply prepare the cake and frosting, form the balls, and dip them in chocolate a day or two before your event. This allows you to enjoy your time with friends and family without the stress of last-minute baking. They can also be individually wrapped for a cute party favor, ensuring your guests leave with a sweet memory.

Customizing Your Cake Pops

One of the best aspects of making your own cake pops is the ability to customize them. While this recipe calls for a classic vanilla cake with a hint of almond, feel free to experiment with different cake flavors. Chocolate, red velvet, or lemon cake can all be delicious alternatives. Additionally, you can mix and match the extracts in the frosting to create your unique flavor combinations.

Decorating your cake pops is where the fun truly begins! Use a variety of sprinkles, edible glitter, or even drizzles of contrasting chocolate for a gourmet touch. By varying your decorations, you can create themed pops for holidays, seasons, or personal preferences. This not only makes them visually appealing but adds a personal touch that can impress your guests.

Storage and Shelf Life

Once you’ve created your delightful cake pops, storing them properly is essential to maintain their freshness. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerating them can keep them fresh for up to a week. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

If you're planning to make a larger batch, consider freezing the cake pops before dipping them in chocolate. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature before decorating. This way, you can always have a sweet treat on hand whenever a craving strikes!

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start for a smooth baking experience.

For the Cake

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

For the Frosting

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

For Coating

2 cups chocolate melting wafers
Sprinkles for decoration

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for perfect cake pops.

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Combine Cake and Frosting

Once the cake is cooled, crumble it into a large bowl. Add the frosting to the crumbled cake and mix until well combined. Form small balls (about 1 inch) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate wafers in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

Dip the Cake Pops

Insert a lollipop stick into each cake ball, then dip them into the melted chocolate. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper. Decorate with sprinkles immediately before the chocolate hardens.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake pops for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Now that you have your delicious cake pops, enjoy them at your next celebration!

Pro Tips

For a more festive look, use colored melting chocolate or different sprinkles to match the occasion.

Tips for Perfect Cake Pops

Achieving the perfect cake pop takes a bit of practice, but these tips can help you along the way. Ensure your cake is completely cooled before crumbling; warm cake can create a mushy texture. When mixing the frosting with the cake, aim for a consistency that allows you to easily form balls without them falling apart. If the mixture is too dry, adding a little more frosting can help.

When melting the chocolate, be patient and melt it slowly in short intervals to avoid scorching. Stirring in between helps achieve a smooth consistency. If you find the chocolate too thick for dipping, adding a bit of vegetable oil can thin it out, making it easier to coat the cake pops evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops on a decorative platter or cake pop stand for a beautiful presentation. You can also arrange them in a mason jar or a flower pot filled with Styrofoam for a fun display. These cake pops are great as a grab-and-go treat, making them perfect for parties, picnics, or even movie nights at home.

Pair your cake pops with beverages for a delightful treat experience. A cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or even a refreshing fruit punch can complement the sweetness of the cake pops. Consider creating a dessert table with various treats, and include these cake pops as a standout option to delight your guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cake flavor?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cake mixes like chocolate or red velvet.

→ How long can I store cake pops?

Cake pops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze cake pops?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are in an airtight container.

→ What can I use instead of lollipop sticks?

You can use pretzel sticks or even forks if you don’t have lollipop sticks on hand.