Recreate the beloved Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops at home with this easy and fun recipe. These delightful treats feature moist vanilla cake blended with creamy buttercream, all coated in a sweet pink candy shell and finished with colorful sprinkles. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet indulgence any time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes just like Starbucks – A perfect homemade version of the classic treat.
- Great for parties – A fun, bite-sized dessert that’s easy to serve.
- Customizable – Change the coating color or sprinkles to match any theme.
- Kid-friendly – A great baking project for little hands.
- Easy to make ahead – Store well in the fridge or freezer for later.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- vanilla cake mix
- milk (to replace water in the cake mix instructions)
- vegetable oil
- large eggs (one more than the cake mix calls for)
For the Vanilla Buttercream:
- unsalted butter, softened
- powdered sugar
- vanilla extract
- milk (as needed)
For Coating and Decoration:
- pink candy melts
- lollipop sticks
- sprinkles
Directions
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, milk, oil, and eggs. Mix until well blended.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake as directed on the box, checking for doneness a few minutes early to prevent overbaking.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Crumble the Cake:
- While the cake is still warm, transfer it to a large bowl.
- Crumble it into fine pieces using your hands or a mixer.
Make the Buttercream:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- If the mixture is too thick, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
Combine Cake and Buttercream:
- Add the buttercream to the crumbled cake and mix until fully incorporated.
- The mixture should hold together when pressed.
Form Cake Balls:
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture.
- Roll into balls approximately 1¼ inches in diameter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Insert Sticks:
- Melt a small amount of the pink candy melts according to the package instructions.
- Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy, then insert it halfway into each cake ball.
- This helps secure the stick in place.
Chill:
- Place the cake pops in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up.
Coat the Cake Pops:
- Melt the remaining pink candy melts in a deep, narrow container for easier dipping.
- Dip each cake pop into the melted candy, ensuring full coverage.
- Gently tap off any excess coating.
Decorate:
- While the coating is still wet, sprinkle the cake pops with your choice of sprinkles.
- Insert the sticks into a styrofoam block or a box with holes to hold them upright as they dry.
Serve:
- Once the coating has set, your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are ready to enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 30 cake pops
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per cake pop
Variations
- Different Colors – Use blue, white, or rainbow-colored candy melts for a customized look.
- Chocolate Version – Replace vanilla cake with chocolate cake and use chocolate candy melts.
- Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version.
- Flavor Boost – Add almond extract or lemon zest to the cake or buttercream for a new twist.
- Drizzle Design – After coating, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the pops for a fancier finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing – Freeze cake pops (without coating) for up to 2 months. Thaw before dipping in candy melts.
- Reheating Candy Melts – If the candy coating thickens, reheat in 15-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a mix?
Yes! A homemade vanilla cake works just as well—just ensure it’s moist and finely crumbled.
Why are my cake pops falling off the sticks?
They may be too heavy, or the sticks weren’t inserted deep enough. Chilling the pops and dipping the sticks in melted candy first helps secure them.
How do I prevent cracks in the coating?
Let the cake balls come to room temperature before dipping. A sudden temperature change can cause cracks.
What’s the best way to melt candy melts?
Use a microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring in between, or a double boiler for gentle heating.
Can I use white chocolate instead of candy melts?
Yes! Use white chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to help smooth the consistency.
How do I get a smooth candy coating?
Dip in one smooth motion and tap off excess gently to avoid air bubbles.
Do I need to refrigerate cake pops?
Not necessary, but they stay fresher longer when chilled.
How can I make the cake pops even more moist?
Add a tablespoon of milk or extra buttercream if the cake mixture feels too dry.
Can I make mini cake pops?
Yes! Just roll smaller balls and use shorter sticks for bite-sized versions.
Can I make these without lollipop sticks?
Absolutely! Simply shape the cake balls and serve as cake truffles instead.
Conclusion
These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are fun, festive, and perfect for any celebration. With a moist vanilla cake center, creamy buttercream, and a smooth pink candy shell, they taste just like the original but are even better homemade. Whether for a birthday party, holiday event, or just a sweet treat, these cake pops will be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing them with family and friends!
Print
Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
- Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 30 cake pops
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Recreate the famous Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops at home! These moist vanilla cake balls mixed with creamy buttercream, coated in a sweet pink candy shell and topped with sprinkles, are perfect for parties, celebrations, or a fun homemade treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box (13.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup milk (to replace water in the cake mix instructions)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs (one more than the cake mix calls for)
For the Vanilla Buttercream:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (as needed)
For Coating and Decoration:
- 12 oz pink candy melts
- Lollipop sticks
- Sprinkles
Notes
- For smoother candy coating: Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to the melted candy melts.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Variation: Try different candy melt colors for various themes!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Party Treats
- Method: Baking, Dipping
- Cuisine: American