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 bring the joy of birthday celebrations to your kitchen. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence, these cake pops are easy to make and incredibly delicious. With their moist cake center and sweet candy coating, they offer a perfect bite-sized dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a treat for yourself, these cake pops fit right in.
- Customizable Decorations: Use your favorite colors of candy melts and sprinkles to match any theme or personal preference.
- Fun Activity: Making cake pops can be a fun activity to do with family or friends, creating lasting memories in the kitchen.
- Delicious Flavor: With a rich vanilla flavor paired with creamy buttercream, these cake pops are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and help ensure success.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer
- Baking pan
- Lollipop sticks
- Styrofoam block (for drying)
- Microwave-safe bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand Mixer: This tool makes crumbling the baked cake effortless and ensures an even mix with the buttercream.
- Lollipop Sticks: Essential for transforming your cake balls into delightful pops that are easy to hold and eat.
- Styrofoam Block: Keeps your decorated cake pops upright while they dry, preventing any mishaps with falling decorations.
Ingredients
Make the BEST Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops at home and you’ll think twice about buying one ever again!
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 Coating:
- 12 oz candy melts
- white nonpareils or sprinkles
How to Make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 325-350℉ (162-175℃). Refer to the recipe on your cake box for exact temperature depending on your baking pan size.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
Combine all cake ingredients in a large bowl. Pour batter into greased or lined baking pan and transfer into oven. Stick a toothpick in the center of the cake to check if it comes out clean 2-4 minutes prior to the end of bake time. DO NOT OVER BAKE.
Step 3: Crumble the Baked Cake
Transfer baked cake into a large stand mixing bowl immediately while it’s still hot. Crumble the cake on low speed using a paddle attachment until no large pieces remain. You can also use a handheld mixer or crumble slightly cooled cake by hand.
Step 4: Make the Buttercream
In a small mixing bowl, combine all buttercream ingredients. Sifting powdered sugar is not necessary. Stir well until fairly smooth; small lumps are common. Add all buttercream to crumbled cake and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Form Cake Balls
Roll cake pops approximately 1¼-inch (3cm) in diameter or about 30g each. Chill cake pops in the freezer for 15 minutes, then bring them back to room temperature for 10 minutes as you melt your candy melts.
Step 6: Attach Lollipop Sticks
Melt a small amount of pink candy melts in the microwave according to package instructions. Heat and stir in 15-30 second increments until thin and smooth. Dip tip of lollipop stick into melted candy melt, then gently insert dipped tip into each cake ball halfway. Repeat for all cake balls, then chill again in freezer for another 15 minutes.
Step 7: Coat with Candy Melts
Take cake pops out of the freezer and bring them back to room temperature for 10 minutes. Melt remaining candy melts until desired thin consistency is reached. Dip each cake pop into melted candy melt, ensuring it is submerged all the way to where it meets the stick.
Step 8: Remove Excess Coating
Holding the stick with one hand, use your other hand to gently tap each cake pop until all excess candy melt has dripped off. Aim for one even coating without dunking again; this prevents detachment from the stick.
Step 9: Decorate Your Cake Pops
Quickly decorate with sprinkles or nonpareils before they harden. Place finished cake pops into a styrofoam block for drying upright. Repeat until all cake pops are dipped and sprinkled.
Enjoy crafting these delectable Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops!
How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Serving your homemade Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can elevate any occasion, from birthday celebrations to casual get-togethers. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your cake pops even more delightful.
On a Dessert Table
- Display your cake pops on a tiered stand for a visually appealing presentation that invites guests to indulge.
As Party Favors
- Wrap each cake pop in clear cellophane and tie with a colorful ribbon. This makes for a charming and edible party favor that guests will love.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair these sweet treats with a cup of coffee or tea. The flavors complement each other perfectly, making for a cozy snack time.
At Kids’ Parties
- Place the cake pops in colorful holders or cups to make them fun and accessible for children. Kids will enjoy picking their favorite flavor!
For Celebrations
- Use themed decorations like sprinkles or colored sticks based on the occasion (e.g., pastel colors for Easter or red and green for Christmas).
As an After-School Snack
- Offer these cake pops as a sweet treat after school. They are perfect for kids and will give them a little sugar boost after a long day.
How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
To achieve the ultimate Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips that will help you get them just right.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures that your batter mixes evenly, resulting in a better texture.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined when incorporating the buttercream into the crumbled cake. Overmixing can lead to dense cake pops.
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Chill Properly: Chilling your rolled cake balls before dipping helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling off the stick.
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Thin Candy Melts: If your candy melts are too thick, add a small amount of vegetable oil to achieve a smoother consistency for easier dipping.
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Work Quickly: Decorate with sprinkles immediately after dipping while the coating is still wet to ensure they stick well.
Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some great ideas:
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Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake pops.
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Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses can provide savory options that contrast nicely with the sugary treats.
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Mini Sandwiches: Bite-sized sandwiches make for a hearty addition, perfect for balancing out dessert items.
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Veggie Sticks with Dip: Crunchy vegetables paired with hummus or ranch dip offer a healthy crunch alongside your sweet treats.
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Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: These salty-sweet snacks complement the flavors of your cake pops beautifully.
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Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream bar where guests can create their sundaes, providing endless combinations alongside your cake pops.
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Cookies Variety Tray: Offering different types of cookies allows guests to mix and match desserts, creating a fun tasting experience!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you avoid these pitfalls:
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Overbaking the Cake: Always check the cake for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry cake pops.
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Not Crumbling Cake Properly: Ensure you crumble the cake thoroughly before mixing in the frosting. Large chunks can make it difficult to form smooth cake pops.
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Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the cake pops is essential for helping them hold their shape. Don’t skip this step, or they may fall apart when dipped in candy melts.
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Using Too Much Candy Melt: When dipping your cake pops, avoid overloading them with candy melt. This extra weight can cause them to detach from the stick.
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Not Decorating Quickly: Once you’ve dipped your cake pops in candy melt, decorate them immediately. The coating hardens quickly, making it harder for sprinkles to stick.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
- Wrap each cake pop individually in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet and warm for about 5–10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each pop individually on low power for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to melt the coating.
- Stovetop: Use a double boiler method to gently warm without melting completely.
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 provided above carefully, ensuring you pay attention to each step for best results.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like chocolate or red velvet for unique variations of Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops.
What is the best way to dip cake pops?
The best way is to dip them straight down into melted candy melts and then gently tap off any excess while holding onto the stick.
How can I customize my Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?
You can customize by using different colored candy melts, various sprinkles, or even adding flavor extracts into your buttercream mixture.
How long do Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops last?
These tasty treats last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen properly.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are not only delightful but also versatile treats perfect for any occasion. Customize them with different flavors and decorations for a personal touch. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is to create these joyful snacks at home!
Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the joy of homemade Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, a delightful treat that brings the festive spirit right to your kitchen! These cake pops feature a moist vanilla cake center enveloped in a colorful candy coating, perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat. With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you can impress family and friends with these charming snacks that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Customize them with your favorite sprinkles and colors for an extra festive touch. Enjoy the fun of creating these bite-sized delights that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 box (13.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- ⅓ cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 cup milk or water
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 12 oz candy melts
- Sprinkles or nonpareils for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325-350°F (162-175°C).
- Prepare the cake batter by mixing all cake ingredients in a bowl and bake in a greased pan until done.
- Once baked, crumble the cake into a mixing bowl while warm.
- Combine crumbled cake with buttercream ingredients until fully mixed.
- Roll into 1¼-inch balls and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Attach lollipop sticks dipped in melted candy melts to each ball and chill again.
- Dip each pop into melted candy melts, tap off excess, and decorate with sprinkles before they harden.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
