1. Bake the cake or cupcakes

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a cake pan or cupcake tray.
• In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, milk, vanilla, and lemon zest.
• Combine dry and wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
• Pour into the pan or cupcake molds and bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let cool completely before proceeding.

2. Prepare the frosting

• Beat the butter until smooth and fluffy.
• Gradually add icing sugar and vanilla extract.
• Mix in milk as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Tint the frosting with blue coloring until desired shade is achieved.

3. Shape the birdies (for cake pop or molded version)

• Crumble the cooled cake into a bowl and mix in 3–4 tbsp of frosting.
• Shape into small round balls or egg-shaped ovals. Chill for 30 minutes.

4. Coat and decorate

• Roll each birdie in frosting or dip in melted white chocolate tinted blue.
• Immediately roll in shredded coconut or blue sprinkles for feather effect.
• Attach candy eyes and orange beaks while coating is still tacky.
• Add wings, tail feathers, or decorative accents as desired.

5. Assemble and serve

• For cake pops, insert sticks before chilling. For cupcakes, frost with a birdie on top.
• Let set completely before serving. Store in a cool area until ready to display.