Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Make the BEST Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops at home and you’ll think twice about buying one ever again! These delightful treats are perfect for any celebration, offering a sweet burst of flavor in every bite. With their fun appearance and easy preparation, these cake pops can brighten up gatherings, birthday parties, or even a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these cake pops.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of vanilla cake and creamy buttercream creates a delightful taste that rivals the original.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because, these cake pops are a hit!
• Customizable Decorations: Use your favorite sprinkles or color combinations to make them unique.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 30 pops, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To create these Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Baking pan
• Lollipop sticks
• Styrofoam block (for drying)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix your cake batter without spills.
• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Makes it easy to crumble the baked cake and combine it with buttercream smoothly.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1- 13.25 oz any store-bought box of vanilla cake mix
• ⅓ cup neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, canola, etc.)
• 1 cup milk or water
• 4 large eggs

For the Buttercream

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch salt
• 1 tsp milk (add more if needed)

For the Coating

• 12 oz candy melts
• White nonpareils or sprinkles

How to Make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325-350℉ (162-175℃). Check your cake box instructions for the exact temperature based on your chosen baking pan size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Combine all cake ingredients in a large bowl. Pour the batter into a greased or lined baking pan. Transfer it into the oven. Stick a toothpick in the center of the cake 2-4 minutes before the end of bake time to ensure it comes out clean. Avoid overbaking.

Step 3: Crumble the Baked Cake

Once baked, transfer the hot cake into a large stand mixing bowl. Use a paddle attachment on low speed to crumble the cake until there are no large pieces left. Alternatively, you can crumble slightly cooled cake by hand.

Step 4: Make the Buttercream

In a small mixing bowl, combine all buttercream ingredients. It’s not necessary to sift powdered sugar; just stir well until fairly smooth with some small lumps remaining. Add this buttercream mixture to the crumbled cake and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Shape Cake Pops

Roll the mixture into balls about 1¼-inch (3cm) in diameter or around 30g each. Chill these balls in the freezer for 15 minutes. After chilling, allow them to come back to room temperature for about 10 minutes while melting your candy melts.

Step 6: Insert Lollipop Sticks

Melt a small amount of pink candy melts in your microwave according to package instructions. Heat and stir in increments of 15-30 seconds until thin and smooth. Dip one tip of each lollipop stick into melted candy melt before gently inserting it halfway into each cake ball. Chill again in freezer for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Coat with Candy Melts

Remove cake pops from freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Melt remaining candy melts until they reach your desired consistency. Dip each cake pop into melted candy melt, ensuring it’s submerged all the way up to where the stick is inserted.

Step 8: Remove Excess Candy Melt

While holding onto one stick, gently tap each coated pop until excess candy melt drips off. Aim for an even coating; do not dunk again as it may cause detachment from the stick.

Step 9: Decorate

Quickly decorate your cake pops with sprinkles or nonpareils while still wet. Place finished pops into a styrofoam block to keep them upright while they dry. Repeat this process until all cake pops are dipped and decorated.

Enjoy these delightful Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops with friends and family—they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Serving your homemade Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can turn any gathering into a festive celebration. These delightful treats are perfect for birthdays, parties, or just a sweet indulgence during the day. Here are some creative ways to present them.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cake pops on a colorful platter with other desserts for an eye-catching display. Add some fresh fruit or cookies for variety.

Individual Treat Bags

• Package each cake pop in clear treat bags tied with colorful ribbons. This makes for great party favors that guests can take home.

Cake Pop Stand

• Use a tiered cake pop stand to elevate their presentation at parties. A stand allows easy access and showcases the cake pops beautifully.

Themed Decorations

• Match the decorations with the occasion (e.g., birthday balloons or holiday colors) around the cake pops to create a cohesive look.

Pair with Beverages

• Serve alongside refreshing drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or coffee. The flavors complement the sweetness of the cake pops perfectly.

How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Creating flawless Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops requires attention to detail and a few handy tricks. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out as delicious as possible:

• Chill properly: Ensure to chill the rolled cake balls before dipping in candy melts; this helps them maintain their shape during coating.

• Use quality ingredients: High-quality candy melts not only taste better but also provide a smoother finish when melted.

• Dip technique: Dip quickly but gently; avoid excessive dunking which might cause the cake pop to detach from the stick.

• Consistent size: Roll your cake pops to uniform size for even baking and coating; this ensures they look appealing when served.

• Decorate immediately: Add sprinkles right after dipping while the coating is still wet; this helps them stick better without falling off.

Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

To complement your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, consider these delightful side dishes that pair well with their sweet flavor profile.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing blend of seasonal fruits adds a healthy contrast and balances out the sweetness of the cake pops.

2. Mini Cupcakes: Offer an assortment of mini cupcakes in various flavors for guests who want more dessert options.

3. Cheese Platter: Provide a selection of mild cheeses paired with crackers; this savory option contrasts nicely with sweet treats.

4. Veggie Sticks with Dip: Crisp vegetables like carrots and celery served with hummus or ranch dip offer a crunchy and healthy side.

5. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Sweet and salty snacks that add variety, making them an irresistible munchie alongside your cake pops.

6. Popcorn Bar: Set up a popcorn station with different seasonings and toppings, letting guests customize their own snack mix.

7. Smoothie Bowls: Healthy smoothie bowls topped with granola and fruits provide a nutritious option that pairs well with sweet desserts.

8. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: A fun interactive dessert option where guests can create their own sundaes, perfectly complementing your cake pops!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can be fun, but there are a few common mistakes you should avoid for the best results.

• Overbaking the Cake: Leaving the cake in the oven too long can lead to dry pops. Check for doneness a few minutes early to prevent this.
• Not Crumbling the Cake Enough: Large pieces can lead to uneven cake pops. Ensure that your cake is finely crumbled before mixing with buttercream.
• Using Too Much Candy Melt: Dunking the cake pops again can cause them to detach from the stick. Aim for one even coating and let excess melt drip off.
• Skipping Cooling Times: If you skip chilling your cake pops, they may not hold their shape. Always chill after rolling and dipping.
• Ignoring Consistency of Candy Melt: If the candy melt is too thick, it won’t coat well. Adjust with small amounts of oil if needed for smoothness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Wrap each pop individually in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C), place on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in 10-second intervals until slightly warm. Be cautious not to melt the chocolate coating.
• Stovetop: Use a double boiler method but avoid direct heat; warm gently until desired temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops.

How Do I Make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?

To make these delicious cake pops, follow the recipe steps closely, ensuring proper mixing and chilling times for best results.

Can I Use Other Flavors Instead of Vanilla?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cake mixes such as chocolate or lemon for unique flavors in your birthday cake pops.

What Can I Substitute for Candy Melts?

You can use chocolate chips or colored chocolate bars if candy melts aren’t available. Just melt them carefully and dip your cake pops.

How Long Do Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops Last?

When stored properly, they last about 3-5 days in the refrigerator and up to 2 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are a delightful treat that brings joy to any celebration. Their versatility allows for endless customization—try different flavors or toppings! We encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Makes approximately 30 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the joy of homemade Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, perfect for any celebration! These delightful treats combine moist vanilla cake with creamy buttercream, coated in colorful candy melts, making them as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party or enjoying a cozy night in, these cake pops are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Customize them with your favorite sprinkles and enjoy sharing these fun, festive desserts with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box (13.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
• ⅓ cup neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, or canola)
• 1 cup milk or water
• 4 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 12 oz candy melts
• White nonpareils or sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, milk (or water), and eggs. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake according to box instructions. Check doneness with a toothpick.
4. Once cooled, crumble the cake in a mixing bowl.
5. In another bowl, mix butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and milk until smooth. Combine with crumbled cake.
6. Roll into balls about 1¼-inch in diameter and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
7. Insert lollipop sticks dipped in melted candy melts into each ball and chill again for another 15 minutes.
8. Dip each pop into melted candy melts and decorate immediately with sprinkles.
9. Place in a styrofoam block to dry.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg