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 birthday celebrations, parties, or just a sweet indulgence. With their moist cake center and colorful candy coating, these cake pops bring the joy of birthdays to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the process of creating delicious cake pops right in your kitchen.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla cake and rich buttercream makes each bite a heavenly experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or just a fun treat, these cake pops fit right in.
• Customizable Decorations: Use your favorite sprinkles or nonpareils to make these cake pops uniquely yours.
• Great for Sharing: With 30 servings, they’re ideal for gatherings and celebrations with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: These tools save time and effort when crumbling the baked cake and mixing in the buttercream.
• Baking pan: Ensures even baking of the vanilla cake mix, leading to a moist texture.
• Styrofoam block: Keeps your completed cake pops upright while they set, preventing any messy accidents.

Ingredients

• 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)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch salt
• 1 tsp milk (add more if needed)
• 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 the instructions on your cake mix box for specific temperature recommendations based on your baking pan size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Combine all cake ingredients in a large bowl:
1. Pour batter into a greased or lined baking pan.
2. Transfer to the oven.
3. Stick a toothpick in the center of the cake to check doneness—if it comes out clean 2-4 minutes before bake time ends, it’s done. DO NOT OVER BAKE.

Step 3: Crumble the Baked Cake

Once baked, transfer the hot cake immediately into a large mixing bowl:
1. Crumble the cake using low speed with a paddle attachment until no large pieces remain.
2. Alternatively, you can use a handheld mixer or crumble by hand if preferred.

Step 4: Make Buttercream and Combine

In a small mixing bowl, combine all buttercream ingredients:
1. Sifting powdered sugar is not necessary; mix well until fairly smooth—some lumps are okay.
2. Add this buttercream mixture to the crumbled cake; mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Shape Cake Pops

Roll mixture into balls approximately 1¼-inch (3cm) in diameter:
1. Chill shaped cake pops in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
2. Allow them to come back to room temperature for another 10 minutes while you melt your candy melts.

Step 6: Insert Lollipop Sticks

Melt a small amount of pink candy melts according to package instructions:
1. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into melted candy melts.
2. Gently insert dipped tip halfway into each cake ball; repeat with all.

Step 7: Prepare for Dipping

Chill inserted sticks with cake balls again in the freezer for another 15 minutes:
1. Bring them back to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
2. Melt remaining candy melts until they reach desired consistency.

Step 8: Dip Cake Pops

Dip each pop into melted candy melts:
1. Ensure it’s submerged all the way up to where it meets the stick.
2. Hold stick with one hand while tapping gently with your other hand until excess drips off—aim for an even coating.

Step 9: Decorate and Dry

Quickly decorate your dipped pops with sprinkles or nonpareils:
1. Place finished pops upright in a styrofoam block as they dry.
2. Repeat until all cake pops are dipped and decorated.

Enjoy making these delightful Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops that will surely impress everyone!

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a birthday party, a casual gathering, or just a sweet snack at home, these cake pops are sure to impress.

At Parties

• Party Favors: Place individual cake pops in clear bags tied with ribbons for guests to take home.
• Dessert Table: Arrange them on a decorative stand as part of your dessert display for birthdays or celebrations.

As Snacks

• With Coffee: Pair these cake pops with your favorite coffee for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
• Kids’ Treats: Serve them at playdates or after school for a fun and tasty snack that kids will love.

For Special Occasions

• Celebration Centerpiece: Use colorful sprinkles to match party themes and display them as a centerpiece.
• Gifts: Box up a selection of cake pops as a delicious homemade gift for friends and family.

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How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

To achieve the best results with your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, follow these simple tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake texture light and fluffy.
• Cool Completely Before Crumbling: Allow the cake to cool fully before crumbling; this helps maintain moisture.
• Chill Between Steps: Chilling the cake balls helps them hold their shape when dipping in candy melts.
• Tap Off Excess Coating: After dipping, gently tap the stick to remove excess candy melt for an even finish.

Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Serving side dishes alongside your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can enhance your dessert experience. Consider these delectable options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that balances sweetness with natural flavors.
2. Cheese Platter: Provide a selection of cheeses that complement the sweetness of cake pops, such as brie and cheddar.
3. Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini cupcakes in various flavors for those who want more than one sweet treat.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Serve warm chocolate sauce with fruits and marshmallows for dipping alongside the cake pops.
5. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Create an ice cream station where guests can build their own sundaes with toppings galore.
6. Coffee Variations: Offer different types of coffee drinks—like lattes or cold brews—to pair perfectly with the sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, avoiding common pitfalls can lead to perfect results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not Following the Cake Mix Instructions: Skipping the specific instructions on the cake mix box can lead to inconsistent results. Always refer to the package for baking times and temperatures.

• Overbaking the Cake: Leaving the cake in the oven too long can dry it out. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time to avoid this mistake.

• Skipping the Freezing Step: Not chilling the cake pops before dipping them in candy melts can cause them to fall off the stick. Always freeze them for a bit after rolling.

• Using Too Much Candy Melt: Dipping the cake pop too heavily can lead to excess weight and detachment from the stick. Use just enough candy melt for an even coating without overloading.

• Ignoring Consistency of Candy Melts: If candy melts aren’t smooth, they won’t coat properly. Make sure to heat them gradually and stir until they reach a thin consistency.

• Not Decorating Quickly Enough: Once dipped in candy melts, you need to decorate quickly before they set. Make sure your sprinkles are ready to go!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place cake pops on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds on low power to soften slightly.
• Stovetop: Not recommended as it may ruin their shape or coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are homemade versions of the popular treats sold at Starbucks, featuring moist cake covered in colorful candy melts and sprinkles.

How do I make cake pops without a stand mixer?

You can easily crumble your cake by hand or use a handheld mixer. Just ensure you break it down into fine crumbs before mixing with frosting.

Can I customize my Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?

Absolutely! You can add different flavors of extracts, color your candy melts, or use various types of sprinkles for unique designs.

How long does it take to make these cake pops?

The total time is approximately 2 hours, including preparation, baking, cooling, and decorating time.

Final Thoughts

These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize flavors and decorations according to your preference. Treat yourself and your loved ones by trying this recipe; it’s sure to bring joy at any celebration!