Easy Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops Recipe
Make the best homemade cake pops that taste just like the Starbucks birthday version. This simple recipe uses cake mix for moist, bite-sized desserts perfect for any party.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 95 min
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake (after initial cake baking)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
- Ingredients listed on cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
- 1 container (16 oz) store-bought vanilla frosting
- 1 bag (12 oz) vanilla or white candy coating wafers
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for thinning coating)
- Assorted sprinkles for decoration
- 1 package cake pop sticks
Instructions
- Bake the cake according to the package directions for a 9×13 inch pan. Let the cake cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. You want fine crumbs, removing any large, dry pieces.
- Add the entire container of frosting to the cake crumbs. Mix with your hands or a sturdy spoon until the mixture is fully combined and holds together when pressed. This is your cake pop dough.
- Roll the dough into uniform balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the cake balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or in the freezer for 15 minutes, until firm.
- While the balls chill, prepare the candy coating. Melt the candy wafers according to package directions, usually in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval. Stir in the coconut oil or shortening if the coating is too thick.
- Dip the tip of a cake pop stick into the melted coating, then insert the stick about halfway into a chilled cake ball. This helps secure the stick. Return the pops to the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set the coating around the stick.
- Dip each cake ball completely into the melted coating, tilting the bowl slightly. Gently tap the stick against the side of the bowl to let excess coating drip off.
- Immediately apply sprinkles or decorations before the coating sets.
- Place the finished cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to dry completely.
Notes
- For the best texture, do not overbake the cake. A slightly underbaked, moist cake works best for cake pops.
- If you want a chocolate version, use chocolate cake mix and dark chocolate candy coating.
- If the coating becomes too thick while dipping, reheat it briefly or add a few more drops of coconut oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 25