If you’re looking to bring a little extra magic to your next celebration, these Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are a sweet and charming way to do just that. They’re the ultimate fun-sized treat: soft, vanilla cake blended with luscious buttercream, all enrobed in a pastel pink candy coating, and finished with a generous sprinkle of cheerful white nonpareils. Whether you’re throwing a party or simply want to indulge in a nostalgic bite, this homemade version captures all the festive flavors of the Starbucks classic—plus, you get complete control over every last detail. Trust me, once you whip up a batch of these cake pops, you’ll never look at a bakery counter the same way again!

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make show-stopping Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops at home—just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together for that iconic taste, texture, and color. Here’s how each element brings its own special touch to the party.

Vanilla cake mix (13.25 oz box): This forms the base for those soft, moist cake pops, making prep super speedy and reliable every time.
Neutral oil (⅓ cup, like vegetable, avocado, or canola): Keeps the cake ultra-tender and gives it that signature melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Milk or water (1 cup): Adds just the right amount of moisture; milk boosts richness, but water works beautifully if you want a lighter bite.
Large eggs (4): These bind everything together, adding softness and structure for perfectly formed pops.
Unsalted butter (¼ cup, softened): Blends seamlessly into the buttercream for a creamy, dreamy frosting.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Gives the buttercream a smooth, sweet finish.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Just a splash takes the cake and frosting from good to unforgettable.
Pinch salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out all the flavors.
Milk (1 tsp, more if needed): Loosens the buttercream to the perfect spreading consistency.
Candy melts (12 oz): The secret to that glossy, picture-perfect shell—choose pink for maximum birthday vibes.
White nonpareils or sprinkles: The final flourish for classic, eye-catching cake pops just like the real thing.

How to Make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Step 1: Bake the Vanilla Cake

Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature based on your cake mix (usually 325-350℉). Grease or line your baking pan, then whisk together the cake mix, oil, milk (or water), and eggs until smooth and creamy. Pour the batter in, level it out, and bake according to the box—just remember to check for doneness with a toothpick a few minutes before the end so it stays extra moist. Resist the urge to overbake; a tender crumb is the key to perfect pops!

Step 2: Crumble the Cake

When the cake is hot from the oven, carefully transfer it into a large mixing bowl. Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed to gently break it down, or simply crumble it by hand if you prefer. You want an even, fine consistency with no large chunks left. Getting the texture right here ensures your cake pops will hold together beautifully later on.

Step 3: Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and that splash of milk. Stir it all together—don’t worry about tiny lumps, they’ll melt into the mix. You’re aiming for a soft, spreadable frosting that will bind those cake crumbs into a delicious dough.

Step 4: Mix & Shape the Cake Pops

Add the buttercream directly into the crumbled cake and mix until everything is fully combined. The mixture should resemble a thick, slightly tacky dough. Now, roll the dough into balls about 1¼-inch across (or roughly 30g each if you want to be precise). Place the cake balls onto a baking sheet and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes so they firm up, then let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes—this step makes dipping much easier.

Step 5: Insert the Sticks

Melt a small amount of your pink candy melts in the microwave, stirring every 15–30 seconds until smooth and silky. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy before gently pressing it halfway into each chilled cake ball. This little trick helps secure the cake pop so it won’t fall off later. After all the sticks are in, return the tray to the freezer for another 15 minutes to set.

Step 6: Coat in Candy Melts

Let the freezer-chilled cake pops soften at room temperature for 10 minutes while you melt the remaining candy melts to a pourable consistency. Dip each cake pop into the pink melts, making sure to completely submerge up to where the stick meets the cake. A single, even coating works best—avoid double-dipping, as excess weight can cause pops to loosen from their sticks.

Step 7: Tap Off Excess & Decorate

Hold each cake pop by the stick and gently tap against your hand or a bowl to let any excess candy melt drip away. Quickly (before the coating sets) sprinkle the top with white nonpareils or your favorite festive sprinkles. To keep the shape pristine, stick the finished pops upright in a styrofoam block or a cake pop stand and let them dry completely before serving.

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Garnishes

For that iconic look, classic white nonpareils or sprinkles are an absolute must—they pop against the pink and add that irresistible crunchy texture. If you want to mix it up, try adding a drizzle of white chocolate, colorful sugar confetti, or even edible glitter for a super-festive touch.

Side Dishes

These cake pops make a perfect sweet treat alongside your favorite coffee drinks, homemade frappuccinos, or a tall, icy glass of milk. If you’re celebrating, add a platter of fresh fruit or a bowl of berries to balance the sweetness and make everything feel a little more special.

Creative Ways to Present

Set your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops in decorative jars filled with rice or beans to keep them upright, or arrange them in cute mini vases for a stunning centerpiece. Wrap each one individually in clear cellophane with a ribbon for party favors, or use a pretty cake pop stand if you’re going for wow-factor at the dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days if your kitchen is cool and dry. For longer storage, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The chocolate shell helps keep the cake fresh and moist inside.

Freezing

If you want to prep these cuties well in advance, you’re in luck! Freeze the finished pops, well wrapped in plastic and then in a container, for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before serving—just be sure not to unwrap them until fully thawed, so condensation doesn’t make the coating sticky.

Reheating

Since Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are meant to be devoured at room temperature, you won’t need to reheat them. If they’ve been chilled or frozen, just let them come back to room temp for that perfect soft bite and smooth candy coating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade vanilla cake instead of a mix?

Absolutely! A homemade vanilla cake works beautifully if you have a favorite recipe—just make sure it’s a bit on the moist side so your cake pops stay rich and tender. The mix simply keeps things easy and consistent for quick results.

Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?

No stand mixer? No problem! A handheld mixer or even a good old-fashioned fork and your hands will do the trick for crumbling and blending. It may take a little extra effort, but the end result will be just as delicious.

What if I can’t find candy melts?

If you can’t find candy melts, you can substitute white chocolate chips with a drop or two of food coloring for that pink hue. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to help thin out the chocolate for dipping.

How can I prevent the cake pops from falling off the stick?

The trick is to chill your cake balls until just firm, dip the stick in melted candy melt before inserting, and avoid over-coating or re-dipping. Letting the pops come closer to room temp before dipping also helps prevent cracks.

Can I make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops in advance for a party?

Definitely! These little treats are made for prepping ahead—just store them as directed, and you’ll be party ready with less stress on the big day. They look just as perfect a day or two after making as they do fresh.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add a dash of joy to any gathering, give these Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops a try. The process is fun and creative, the flavors are irresistible, and the smiles they spark are always worth it. Happy baking!

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Makes about 24 cake pops 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make Starbucks copycat birthday cake pops with this easy recipe. These delightful treats are perfect for celebrations or just as a fun sweet indulgence.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325-350℉ (162-175℃).
Mix Cake: Combine all cake ingredients in a large bowl, pour into pan, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Crumble Cake: Transfer baked cake to a bowl, crumble, and mix with buttercream.
Form Cake Pops: Roll into balls, chill, and insert lollipop sticks.
Dip Cake Pops: Dip in melted candy melts and decorate with sprinkles.

Notes

Be careful not to overbake the cake.
Ensure the candy melts are at the right consistency for dipping.
Work quickly when decorating with sprinkles before the candy coating sets.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cake pop
Calories: 150
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Starbucks, birthday cake pops, copycat recipe, dessert, sweet treats