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 birthdays, celebrations, or simply when you want to indulge in something sweet. With a soft cake center coated in colorful candy melts, they are sure to impress kids and adults alike. The best part? You can customize them with your favorite sprinkles to make them uniquely yours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you don’t need to be a baking expert.
• Flavorful Delight: The combination of moist vanilla cake and sweet icing creates a flavor explosion with every bite.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for birthday parties, holidays, or just a fun treat at home.
• Customizable Toppings: Use different colored candy melts and sprinkles to match any theme or personal preference.
• Great for Sharing: With 30 servings, these cake pops are perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking pan
• Lollipop sticks
• Styrofoam block (for drying)
• Microwave-safe bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: This tool helps you achieve a perfectly crumbled cake mix without tiring out your arms.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking, preventing burnt edges while keeping the cake moist inside.

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Ingredients

For the Cake Pop Mixture

• 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
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)

For the Buttercream

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

For Coating the Cake Pops

• 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℃). Refer to the recipe on your cake box for exact temperatures based on your baking pan size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Combine all cake ingredients in a large bowl. Pour this mixture into a greased or lined baking pan. Bake according to package instructions. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean just before the end of bake time. Be careful not to overbake.

Step 3: Crumble the Baked Cake

Once baked, transfer the hot cake immediately into a stand mixing bowl. Crumble it on low speed using a paddle attachment until no large pieces remain. Alternatively, you can crumble it by hand once slightly cooled.

Step 4: Make the Buttercream

In a small mixing bowl, combine all buttercream ingredients. Stir until fairly smooth; small lumps are normal. Mix this buttercream into the crumbled cake until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Forming Cake Pops

Roll the mixture into balls approximately 1¼ inch (3cm) in diameter or about 30g each. Chill these cake pops in the freezer for 15 minutes then allow them to sit at room temperature for another 10 minutes while melting your candy melts.

Step 6: Insert Lollipop Sticks

Melt a small amount of pink candy melts according to package instructions in the microwave. Dip one end of each lollipop stick into the melted candy then gently insert it halfway into each cake ball. Repeat this process with all cake balls before chilling them again for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Coat Cake Pops

Once chilled, bring them back to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Melt remaining candy melts until they reach your desired consistency. Dip each cake pop fully into this melted candy melt ensuring it’s submerged down to where the stick is inserted; this helps secure it properly.

Step 8: Remove Excess Candy Melt

Holding onto the stick with one hand, use your other hand to gently tap off excess melted candy until you achieve an even coating. Avoid dunking again as it may cause detachment from the stick.

Step 9: Decorate Your Cake Pops

Quickly decorate with sprinkles or nonpareils before they set. Place each finished cake pop upright in a styrofoam block until completely dry. Repeat until all pops are dipped and decorated.

With these easy steps, you’ll have delicious Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops perfect for any occasion! Enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats!

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Serving Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops is both fun and versatile. These delightful treats are perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home. Here are some creative ways to serve them.

At a Birthday Party

• Set up a colorful dessert table showcasing the cake pops alongside other treats. This creates a festive atmosphere and draws attention to your delicious creations.

In Gift Boxes

• Package cake pops in decorative boxes or clear bags tied with ribbons. They make excellent party favors that guests will love to take home!

As a Snack for Kids

• Serve these cake pops as an after-school snack. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy for children to enjoy without a mess.

During Movie Nights

• Pair the cake pops with popcorn and drinks for an ultimate movie night treat. The sweetness of the cake pops balances perfectly with savory snacks.

At Coffee Breaks

• Offer these cake pops alongside coffee or tea during breaks at work or gatherings. They provide a delightful sweet contrast to your favorite beverages.

How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

To achieve the best results with your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, follow these essential tips that ensure they turn out just right.

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your eggs and dairy are fresh for optimal flavor and texture in your cake mixture.
• Avoid overbaking: Check your cake regularly as it bakes, pulling it out once a toothpick inserted comes out clean to maintain moisture.
• Chill between steps: Don’t skip chilling the cake pops after shaping them; this helps keep their form when dipping in candy melts.
• Melt candy melts properly: Heat candy melts slowly in short increments, stirring in between, until smooth to prevent overheating.
• Work quickly when decorating: Add sprinkles immediately after dipping while the coating is still wet for better adhesion.
• Store properly: Keep any leftover cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Pairing side dishes with Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can create a balanced and enjoyable dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit on skewers adds color and healthiness to your dessert spread. Consider using berries, melon, and pineapple for variety.

2. Mini Cupcakes: These bite-sized treats complement cake pops nicely, allowing guests to enjoy different flavors without overindulging.

3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses balances the sweetness of the cake pops. Include crackers and nuts for added texture.

4. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a lighter option that still feels indulgent but offers nutritional value.

5. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels covered in chocolate adds a satisfying contrast to the sweetness of the cake pops.

6. Homemade Ice Cream: Serve small scoops of ice cream alongside the cake pops for an extra creamy treat that everyone will love.

7. Vegetable Crudités: Fresh veggies with dip provide a refreshing balance to the sweet treats, ensuring there’s something savory on the table too.

8. Brownie Bites: Rich and fudgy brownie bites can be a great addition, creating a chocolatey twist alongside your birthday cake pops.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly overbaking: Baking the cake for too long can lead to dry pops. Always check doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.
• Ignoring cake crumbling: Not crumbling the cake finely enough can result in uneven pops. Make sure there are no large pieces left when mixing with frosting.
• Skipping chilling time: Failing to chill the cake pops before dipping can cause them to fall off the sticks. Always chill them for at least 15 minutes.
• Dipping too quickly: Rushing the dipping process can lead to uneven coatings. Take your time and ensure each pop is fully submerged.
• Not using enough coating: Insufficient candy melt can make pops look sparse. Ensure that you cover the entire cake pop, including the stick base.
• Using old ingredients: Fresh ingredients yield better flavor and texture. Always check the freshness of your cake mix and other ingredients.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Wrap each pop individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place pops on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one pop at a time on medium power for 10-15 seconds until slightly warm.
• Stovetop: Not recommended as it may melt the coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How To Make A Cake Pop?

To make a cake pop, bake a vanilla cake, crumble it, mix with frosting, roll into balls, chill, dip in candy melts, and decorate!

How To Make Cake Pops Step By Step?

Follow these steps: bake the cake, crumble it, mix with buttercream, form balls, chill again, dip in melted candy melts, and sprinkle.

Can I Customize My Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?

Absolutely! You can add flavors like chocolate or lemon zest to the cake mixture or use different colors of candy melts for decoration.

What Are The Best Sprinkles For Decorating?

Nonpareils or themed sprinkles work great! Choose according to your occasion for a fun touch.

How Long Do Cake Pops Last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to one week in the fridge or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are not only fun to make but also customizable for any celebration. Whether you choose vibrant sprinkles or unique flavors, these treats will impress family and friends. Give this recipe a try and unleash your creativity!