Description
These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are an easy homemade version of the popular treat! Made with moist vanilla cake, creamy buttercream, and coated in pink candy melts, they’re the perfect bite-sized dessert for birthdays, parties, or just because. Fun, delicious, and budget-friendly!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, etc.)
- 3 eggs (instead of the 2 usually called for)
- 1 cup milk (instead of water)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating & Decorations:
- 1 bag pink candy melts
- 30 lollipop sticks
- ¼ cup sprinkles
- Styrofoam block (to hold cake pops while drying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Mix cake ingredients and bake according to box instructions.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then crumble it into a bowl while still warm.
- Make the Buttercream:
- Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Form the Cake Balls:
- Add buttercream to crumbled cake and mix until the dough holds together.
- Roll into 1¼-inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Insert Sticks & Chill:
- Melt a few candy melts and dip the tip of each lollipop stick before inserting halfway into each cake ball.
- Freeze for another 15 minutes to secure the sticks.
- Coat the Cake Pops:
- Melt the remaining candy melts.
- Dip each cake pop fully, letting excess drip off.
- Quickly add sprinkles before the coating sets.
- Let Them Set:
- Stick cake pops upright in a Styrofoam block to dry completely.
Notes
- Variations: Try chocolate, red velvet, or gluten-free cake mix. Use different colored candy melts for themes.
- Storage/Reheating: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze uncoated cake balls for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Candy Melts: If the coating hardens, microwave in short bursts until smooth.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
