Birthday Cake Frappuccino: What It Is, How to Order It, and Why It’s a Cult Classic 🎂

What Is the Birthday Cake Frappuccino? ✨

The Birthday Cake Frappuccino is a community-created Starbucks secret menu drink that first gained traction on Tumblr and Reddit before blowing up on Instagram and TikTok. Despite its fame, you won’t see it listed in the Starbucks app. That’s because it’s a secret menu recipe, not an official Starbucks item.

So what makes it special? It’s basically a creamy, cake-like spin on a classic vanilla Frappuccino, boosted with hazelnut flavor and a pop of strawberry for a festive finish.

“We still get asked about the Birthday Cake Frap all the time. It’s one of those forever cult classics.” — Jake, a 3-year Starbucks shift lead in Virginia

How to Order It at Starbucks (Without Confusing Your Barista) 👀

Baristas don’t have instructions for the “Birthday Cake Frappuccino.” You’ll need to order it by ingredients. Here’s the official SSMP recipe:

• Order a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino

• Add 2 Pumps Hazelnut Syrup

• Toppings: Whipped Cream + Strawberry Inclusion

That’s it—the real deal. No guesswork, no confusion.

⭐ Pro tip: Not all stores will have hazelnut syrup in stock. If that’s the case, caramel syrup makes a good backup.

“Please don’t just say ‘birthday cake’ and expect us to know what you want. Give us the recipe—it makes everyone’s life easier.” — Sophie, a barista in Dublin

Healthier Hacks + Low-Sugar Tweaks 💡

The Birthday Cake Frappuccino is indulgent by design, but you can still lighten it up without losing the cake-like vibe:

• Swap to almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of whole milk

• Skip hazelnut syrup

• Skip the whip—or go for light whipped cream 🎂

“My go-to is almond milk and no whip—it still tastes like cake, just lighter.” — Jake, Starbucks shift lead

Barista Notes on the OG Drink 📝

We asked real baristas what they think about the Birthday Cake Frappuccino:

Q: Do you still get asked to make the Birthday Cake Frappuccino?
A: “Yes! It’s like the PSL of secret menu drinks.” — Sophie, a Dublin barista

Q: Any creative or weird tweaks customers have asked for?
A: “Someone once asked for caramel drizzle inside the cup—it wasn’t bad, but I don’t think it goes well with the hazelnut syrup” — Jake, shift lead in Virginia

Q: Overhyped or worth it?
A: “I think it’s nostalgic. And people like the idea of ordering something ‘secret.’” — Sophie, a Dublin barista

Try the Remix in the SSMP App 🪩

The official Birthday Cake Frappuccino recipe lives inside the SSMP app. You won’t find it on the Starbucks app—but with SSMP, you can:

• Unlock the recipe anytime

• Remix it with custom swaps

• Share your version and have a chance of getting your own version displayed in the app!

🎉 Download the app and build your own Birthday Cake Frappuccino remix

TL;DR ✍️

• The Birthday Cake Frappuccino = Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino + 2 pumps hazelnut syrup + whip + strawberry inclusion.

• It’s not on the official Starbucks menu—you’ll need to order it by recipe.

• Healthier hacks: no syrups, alternative milks, no or light whip.

• The one and only official recipe is available inside the SSMP app. Pull it up to show your barista!

FAQs ❓

Q: Is the Birthday Cake Frappuccino on the Starbucks menu?
A: No, it’s a secret menu drink.

Q: How do you order a Birthday Cake Frappuccino at Starbucks?
A: Ask for a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino with 2 pumps hazelnut syrup, whipped cream, and strawberry inclusion. Show your barista the recipe from the app to avoid any confusion or awkwardness. 

Q: Can I make it at home?
A: The real deal is a Starbucks secret menu recipe—you’ll need to order it in-store.

Q: Where can I find the official recipe?
A: Inside the SSMP app—the only place with the verified recipe and remixes. 

👉 Download the SSMP App now to unlock the Birthday Cake Frappuccino recipe and get access to 400+ of the best secret menu drinks!