If your kid (or let’s be real—you) lights up every time you spot those cute little pink cake pops at Starbucks, this one’s for you. These Starbucks copycat birthday cake pops are sweet, fun, and super easy to make at home. They’re soft and buttery on the inside with that perfect candy coating and sprinkles on top.
Perfect for parties, lunchbox treats, or a sweet surprise just because.
Let’s make ‘em!
📋 What You’ll Need
Cake Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
Frosting Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Coating & Topping
- 1 ½ cups pink candy melts
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (for thinning)
- White sprinkles
- 12–15 lollipop sticks
Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer
- Baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Lollipop sticks
⭐ Pro Tips
- Let the cake cool completely before mixing with frosting.
- Don’t overdo the frosting—you want moist, not mushy cake balls.
- Chill before dipping—this helps them hold shape.
- Use coconut oil to thin the candy melts for smoother coating.
- Decorate fast! Add sprinkles before the coating sets.
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No candy melts? Use white chocolate with a few drops of pink food coloring.
- Want a different color? Swap candy melts to match your theme.
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and cream cheese.
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
- Make cake and frosting a day ahead and store separately.
- Cake balls can be frozen before coating—just thaw slightly before dipping.
- Finished pops last 4–5 days in the fridge.
👩🍳 How to Make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
1. Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs & Vanilla
Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients & Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this to the wet mix alternately with milk, and mix until just combined.
4. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Make the Frosting
In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
6. Crumble Cake & Mix with Frosting
Once the cake is completely cooled, crumble it into fine crumbs and mix with just enough frosting to hold it together.
7. Roll Into Balls & Chill
Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined tray. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
8. Dip in Candy Coating
Melt pink candy melts with a bit of coconut oil. Insert lollipop sticks into the chilled cake balls, then dip into the melted candy coating.
9. Add Sprinkles & Let Set
While the coating is still wet, top with white sprinkles and let cake pops stand upright to set.
🥡 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncoated cake balls for up to 1 month, then dip fresh.
💖 Time to Celebrate!
These Starbucks copycat birthday cake pops are soft, sweet, and seriously fun to make. Perfect for birthdays, school treats, or any day that needs a pop of pink. Try them out and don’t forget to share your creations! 🎂✨
