Description
A beginner-friendly recipe to make Starbucks-inspired birthday cake pops at home. Fun, budget-friendly, and perfect for parties or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients on the box: eggs, oil, water)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 12 oz light pink candy melts
- White nonpareils sprinkles (optional)
- 24 lollipop sticks
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the cake according to the package instructions.
- While still warm, transfer the cake into a mixing bowl and crumble it completely.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the warm cake and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into evenly sized balls using your hands or a cake pop mold.
- Place the balls on a lined tray and freeze for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, adding a bit of oil if too thick.
- Dip each stick into melted candy, then insert halfway into each cake ball. Chill again for 10 minutes.
- Dip the cake pops fully into melted candy, gently tap to remove excess, and add sprinkles.
- Let the pops stand upright to set completely. Use a foam block or box for support.
- Store at room temperature or refrigerate before serving.
Notes
- If the dough is too dry, add a bit of frosting or more vanilla extract.
- Use high-quality candy melts for a smooth coating.
- No stand mixer? Hand mixing works fine with a fork or spoon.
- To freeze, store in an airtight container and thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing and Dipping
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake pop
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 149mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg