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Birthday Cake Pop (Starbucks Copycat)

This Starbucks Birthday Cake Pop Copycat Recipe tastes just like the real thing — sweet, soft vanilla cake coated in creamy pink chocolate and topped with sprinkles! The perfect treat for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want a bite-sized dessert. Easy to make with boxed cake mix and ready for dipping in less than 30 minutes!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 cake pops
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 85

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (27g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 oz light pink candy melts
  • 24 lollipop sticks
  • white nonpareil sprinkles (for topping)

Equipment

  • stand mixer with paddle attachment
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Lollipop sticks
  • Foam block or cake pop stand

Method
 

  1. Prepare and bake the vanilla cake according to the package directions. Do not overbake; the cake should be soft and moist.
  2. While the cake is still warm, transfer it to the bowl of a stand mixer. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix on low speed with the paddle attachment until a dough forms that can be easily pressed together.
  3. Roll portions of dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cake pop press. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm.
  4. Melt a small amount of candy melts. Dip one end of each lollipop stick into the melted coating, then insert it halfway into each cake ball. Chill again briefly to set.
  5. Melt the remaining pink candy melts in a tall, narrow glass or jar. Dip each chilled cake pop into the melted coating, gently tapping to remove excess. Quickly top with white nonpareil sprinkles.
  6. Place cake pops upright in a foam block or stand to dry completely. Serve as is, or wrap individually for gifting.

Notes

Storage: Store cake pops at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. You can also freeze for up to 2 months before dipping.
Pro Tip: Don’t overbake the cake — slightly underdone cake helps the texture stay moist for shaping.
Decoration Ideas: Change up the candy melt colors and sprinkles for different occasions!

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