How Do You Make The BEST Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?

Name: How Do You Make The BEST Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 pops
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla cake mix; 1 cup water; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Sprinkles for decoration

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Learn how to recreate the delicious and festive Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops at home with this simple and fun recipe.

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2025-12-11T11:28:42.412Z

These cake pops are a delightful treat for any celebration! With their sweet vanilla flavor and colorful sprinkles, they are perfect for birthdays and special occasions. Plus, they are a fun project to make with kids or to impress friends!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich vanilla flavor with a hint of almond
Fun and festive appearance with colorful sprinkles
Perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a sweet treat

      

The Joy of Homemade Cake Pops

Making cake pops at home is not just about enjoying a tasty treat; it's also about the fun and creativity that comes with the process. With this recipe, you can indulge in the delightful experience of baking and decorating, transforming a simple cake into adorable, bite-sized confections. Whether you're baking with kids or hosting a party, these cake pops bring joy to any occasion.

One of the best parts of making cake pops is the ability to customize them to your liking. You can experiment with different flavors by swapping vanilla for chocolate cake mix or adding unique extracts. The decorating possibilities are endless too! From vibrant sprinkles to themed decorations, let your imagination run wild as you create cake pops that reflect your personal style.

Perfect for Any Celebration

Birthday parties, weddings, or casual get-togethers—cake pops are the versatile treat that fits right in at any celebration. Their fun size makes them easy to serve and even easier to eat, allowing guests to enjoy a sweet bite without the fuss of traditional cake. Plus, they can be displayed beautifully on dessert tables, adding a festive touch to your event.

These cake pops are not only visually appealing but also pack a delicious flavor punch. The rich vanilla and almond notes create a delightful taste experience that will leave everyone wanting more. When you serve these Starbucks copycat cake pops, your guests will be impressed by your baking skills and the deliciousness of homemade treats.

Storage and Serving Tips

After creating these delightful cake pops, you'll want to know the best ways to store them. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will keep them fresh and moist, ensuring you can enjoy them for days to come. You can also freeze the uncoated cake balls for up to a month. Just thaw them in the fridge before coating them with chocolate for a quick treat anytime.

When it comes to serving cake pops, presentation is key. Use a decorative stand or a block of Styrofoam to keep them upright. Not only does this help with display, but it also prevents them from sticking together. For an added touch, consider labeling your cake pops with fun names or themes to make them a focal point at your gathering.

Ingredients

For the Cake Pops

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

For the Coating

1 cup white chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sprinkles for decoration

Make sure to gather all the ingredients before starting the recipe!

Instructions

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and almond extract. Mix until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the Cake Crumbs

Once the cake is baked and cooled, crumble it into a large bowl. Use your hands or a fork to break it into fine crumbs.

Make the Cake Pops

Add a few tablespoons of frosting to the cake crumbs and mix until the mixture holds together. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 15 minutes.

Coat the Cake Pops

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and vegetable oil together until smooth. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it into the center of each cake ball. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.

Immediately sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

Let Set and Serve

Place the coated cake pops upright in a stand or a block of Styrofoam to set. Once the chocolate has hardened, they are ready to serve!

Enjoy your delicious cake pops!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're new to making cake pops, you might have questions about the process. One common query is whether you can use other types of cake mix. Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chocolate, red velvet, or even funfetti cake mixes. Just remember to adjust your flavorings accordingly to maintain a balanced taste.

Another frequent question is about the melting chocolate. If you find that your chocolate is too thick, adding a little more vegetable oil can help achieve a smoother consistency. Make sure to melt the chocolate in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between, to prevent burning.

Variations to Try

While the classic vanilla cake pop is a favorite, there are countless variations you can try. Consider adding flavor extracts like peppermint or coconut for a unique twist. You can also incorporate fillings like cream cheese or fruit preserves into the cake mixture for added flavor and texture.

For a more decadent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over your coated cake pops to create a marbled effect. You can also roll them in crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or crushed cookies for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cake pops turn out perfectly, make sure to let the baked cake cool completely before crumbling. This will help you achieve the right texture when mixing with frosting. Additionally, when rolling the cake balls, try to keep them uniform in size for even coating and a polished look.

Don't rush the cooling and setting process. Allow the chocolate coating to harden fully before serving to maintain their shape. If you're in a hurry, you can place them in the refrigerator for quicker setting. Following these tips will help you create cake pops that are not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes! You can substitute any cake mix flavor you prefer.

→ How do I store leftover cake pops?

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

→ Can I freeze cake pops?

Yes, you can freeze uncoated cake balls for up to a month. Just coat them in chocolate before serving.

→ What can I use instead of white chocolate?

You can use candy melts or dark chocolate as an alternative.