Name: Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed: eggs, oil, water); 1/2 cup vanilla frosting (store-bought or homemade); 12 oz white chocolate or vanilla candy melts; Sprinkles; 24 lollipop sticks; Optional: pink food coloring

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Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are the perfect bite-sized treat—soft, sweet cake mixed with frosting, rolled into balls, and coated in smooth white chocolate with sprinkles on top. These homemade cake pops taste just like the ones from the coffee shop, but I love that I can make a whole batch at home for a fraction of the cost. They’re festive, fun, and always a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy, fun to make, and brings instant joy to any occasion. The cake is rich and moist, the frosting adds just the right amount of creaminess, and the chocolate coating gives each pop a satisfying snap. Whether I’m making them for a party, gifting them, or just treating myself, they’re always a hit—and the decorating possibilities are endless.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boxed vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
Vanilla frosting (store-bought or homemade)
White chocolate or vanilla candy melts
Sprinkles
Lollipop sticks
Optional: pink food coloring for tinted coating

directions

I bake the vanilla cake according to the box instructions and let it cool completely.
Once cool, I crumble the cake into a large bowl until it resembles fine crumbs.
I add a few spoonfuls of vanilla frosting and mix it in with my hands until the texture is like soft dough—moist enough to hold its shape but not too sticky.
I roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on a lined baking sheet.
I refrigerate the cake balls for at least 1 hour to firm up, or freeze them for 20–30 minutes if I’m short on time.
I melt the candy melts or white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
I dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it halfway into a cake ball. This helps it stay in place.
I dip the entire cake pop into the melted chocolate, turning gently to coat, then tap off the excess.
Before the coating sets, I add sprinkles or decorations on top.
I stick the pops upright into a foam block or place them on a tray to dry completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cake pops. It takes around 20 minutes to prep, 30–40 minutes for chilling, and about 20 minutes to dip and decorate, so they’re ready in about 1½ hours.

Variations

Sometimes I use strawberry or chocolate cake mix for a different flavor. I’ve tinted the coating with food coloring to match party themes, or swapped white chocolate for pink candy melts for a birthday-ready look. For a fun twist, I add a few drops of almond extract to the cake mix for a slightly nutty flavor.

storage/reheating

I store finished cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. If I’m making them ahead for a party, I freeze the undecorated cake balls and dip them in chocolate fresh. These don’t need reheating—just enjoy them as-is.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake and frosting?

Yes, I’ve used both homemade cake and frosting when I want a more from-scratch version. Just make sure the cake is fully cooled and the frosting is creamy but not too soft.

Why do my cake pops fall off the stick?

It usually means the cake balls are too warm or too soft. I make sure they’re well-chilled and dip the stick in melted chocolate before inserting to help them stay put.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of candy melts?

You can, but I’ve found that candy melts give a smoother, more even coating. If I use chocolate chips, I add a little coconut oil or shortening to thin it out.

How do I get a smooth coating?

I melt the chocolate slowly in short bursts and stir well to avoid clumps. Dipping the cake pop at an angle and turning gently helps create an even shell.

Can I make these without lollipop sticks?

Yes, I turn them into cake truffles instead—just roll, dip, and place them on a tray like little round bites. Same flavor, no sticks needed.

Conclusion

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are just as sweet and satisfying as the original, but even more fun to make at home. They’re festive, customizable, and perfect for celebrations or simple treats. Whether I’m sharing them with others or keeping a few for myself, these cake pops always bring smiles with every bite.