Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the delightful taste of cake pops inspired by Starbucks! Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat.

Phoebe Turner

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2025-12-22T21:54:34.161Z

These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are the perfect way to celebrate any occasion. With a moist cake center and a delicious coating, they're a treat the whole family will love!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich vanilla flavor with colorful sprinkles
  • Easy to customize for any celebration
  • Fun and interactive to make with kids

The Joy of Cake Pops

Cake pops are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration in every bite! These delightful treats combine the moistness of cake with the sweetness of chocolate, making them irresistible to both kids and adults. They are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion where a little sweetness is needed.

One of the best things about cake pops is their versatility. You can customize them to fit any theme or flavor preference. From vibrant sprinkles for a birthday bash to elegant drizzles of chocolate for a wedding, the possibilities are endless. They also make great party favors or gifts, packaged beautifully and presented with love.

Making Memories in the Kitchen

Baking is not just about the end product; it's about the memories created along the way. Making cake pops is a fun and interactive activity that you can enjoy with family and friends. Gather the kids and let them help with mixing, rolling, and decorating. Not only will they learn valuable kitchen skills, but they'll also cherish the time spent together.

This recipe offers a fantastic opportunity to teach children about measuring ingredients and following instructions. As they watch the transformation from simple cake to beautifully decorated pops, they'll experience the joy and satisfaction of creating something delicious. Plus, the excitement of tasting their creations is a reward in itself!

Storage and Serving Tips

Once your cake pops are coated and decorated, it's essential to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to make them ahead of time, consider freezing the uncoated cake balls. Just thaw them before dipping into chocolate for a last-minute treat.

When it comes to serving, presentation is key. Consider using decorative stands or placing them in a cupcake box for gifting. You can also create a fun dessert table by incorporating other treats alongside your cake pops. This not only elevates the overall aesthetic but also gives guests a variety of options to enjoy.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delightful cake pops:

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp of baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp of salt

Coating Ingredients

  • 1 cup of white chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp of shortening
  • Sprinkles for decoration
  • Lollipop sticks

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you're set to start making your cake pops!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious cake pops:

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Prepare the Cake Pops

Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl. Mix in a few tablespoons of frosting until the mixture holds together. Form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and insert a lollipop stick into each ball.

Place the cake pops in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Coat the Cake Pops

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips with the shortening until smooth. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Immediately sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.

Stand the pops upright in a styrofoam block or a cake pop stand to set.

Let the cake pops set for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Starbucks-inspired treats!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch? Absolutely! Using a cake mix can save time and still yield delicious results. Just follow the package instructions and proceed with the rest of the recipe as directed.

What type of chocolate should I use for coating? While white chocolate is traditional, you can also use milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that you melt it properly to achieve a smooth coating.

Variations to Try

For a fun twist, consider adding different flavors to your cake mix. Almond extract, lemon zest, or even cocoa powder can give your cake pops a unique taste. Experimenting with flavors can make your cake pops stand out at any gathering.

You might also try different toppings such as crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or even edible glitter for a festive touch. Mixing up the decorations not only adds visual appeal but also introduces new textures and flavors to enjoy.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch?

Absolutely! Using a box cake mix can save time and still yield delicious results.

→ How do I store leftover cake pops?

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

→ Can I freeze cake pops?

Yes! Wrap them in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

→ What can I use instead of white chocolate for coating?

You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate, just make sure to adjust the melting method as needed.

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Indulge in the delightful taste of cake pops inspired by Starbucks! Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Phoebe Turner

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 pops

What You'll Need

Cake Ingredients

  1. 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup of sugar
  3. 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1/2 cup of milk
  6. 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  7. 1 tsp of baking powder
  8. 1/4 tsp of salt

Coating Ingredients

  1. 1 cup of white chocolate chips
  2. 1 tbsp of shortening
  3. Sprinkles for decoration
  4. Lollipop sticks

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Step 02

Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl. Mix in a few tablespoons of frosting until the mixture holds together. Form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and insert a lollipop stick into each ball. Place the cake pops in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 03

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips with the shortening until smooth. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Immediately sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before the chocolate hardens. Stand the pops upright in a styrofoam block or a cake pop stand to set.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 2g