There’s something magical about a bite-sized dessert on a stick—especially when it’s pink, festive, and reminds you of your favorite coffee shop. These birthday cake pops are soft, sweet, and dipped in creamy candy coating, making them a perfect dessert recipe for parties, gifts, or a cozy afternoon treat. And the best part? They’re super easy to make, even if you’ve never made cake pops before.
Recipe Info
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 12 cake pops |
| Calories | ~180 per pop |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box – usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 cup vanilla frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 lollipop sticks
- 12 oz pink candy melts (or white melts + pink food coloring)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for smoother coating)
- Rainbow sprinkles for decorating
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Bake the cake
Prepare the cake according to the box instructions. Let it cool completely before moving to the next step. - Crumble the cake
Use clean hands or a fork to crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl. - Mix with frosting
Add the frosting to the cake crumbs and mix until it forms a soft, dough-like texture that holds together when pressed. - Shape into balls
Scoop out small portions (about 1½ tablespoons) and roll into smooth balls. Place them on a lined baking tray. - Insert sticks
Melt a little bit of the candy coating, dip each lollipop stick tip into the melted coating, and insert it halfway into each cake ball. This helps secure the stick. - Chill
Freeze the cake pops for about 20 minutes, or refrigerate for 1 hour, until firm but not frozen. - Dip and decorate
Melt the pink candy melts with vegetable oil until smooth. Dip each chilled cake ball into the coating, let the excess drip off, and sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles before the coating sets. - Set and enjoy
Stick the pops upright into a foam block or stand until the coating hardens. Then serve and enjoy your homemade Starbucks-style treat!
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Smooth coating: Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil to the candy melts for a silky finish.
- No cracks: Make sure your cake pops aren’t too cold when dipping to avoid cracks in the coating.
- Storage: Store cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Use chocolate cake and frosting with pink candy coating for a double-flavor treat.
- Sprinkle Fun: Roll the cake pops in themed sprinkles for holidays or parties.
- Healthier Option: Swap frosting for Greek yogurt mixed with a touch of honey for a lighter filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these birthday cake pops with a warm mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or a fun iced tea spritzer. They’re perfect for birthdays, baby showers, holiday dessert tables, or just an afternoon snack with friends and family.
Conclusion
Making Starbucks birthday cake pops at home is easier than you think—and even more satisfying when you share them with loved ones. Whip up a batch this weekend, and watch these sweet, pink bites disappear in no time.