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, whether a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a sweet indulgence. With their moist cake center covered in a smooth candy coating, these cake pops are sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, they’re customizable with various sprinkles and colors to match any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the cake pop process, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla cake and buttercream creates a rich and satisfying taste that rivals Starbucks.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because; you can customize the decorations as you like.
• Fun Activity: Rolling and decorating cake pops is not only enjoyable but also a great way to involve kids in the kitchen.
• Impressive Presentation: These cute little pops look fantastic on dessert tables or as party favors.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making these Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, you’ll want to gather some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and ensures your cake pops turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pan (9×13 inch recommended)
• Toothpicks
• Lollipop sticks
• Styrofoam block (for drying)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: These mixers make it easy to crumble the baked cake smoothly and mix in buttercream without much effort.
• Baking pan: A good-quality pan ensures even baking, which is crucial for achieving that perfect cake texture.
• Styrofoam block: This tool is essential for keeping your finished cake pops upright while they dry, preventing any smudges or mess.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops:

• 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 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 the batter into a greased or lined baking pan.
• Bake according to the package instructions. Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake to check for doneness; it should come out clean about 2–4 minutes before the end of bake time. Avoid overbaking!

Step 3: Crumble the Baked Cake

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

Step 4: Make Buttercream Filling

In a separate small bowl:
Combine all buttercream ingredients.
Stir until fairly smooth; some lumps are normal.
Then add this mixture to the crumbled cake and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Form Cake Balls

Roll approximately 1¼-inch (3cm) balls from the mixture, weighing about 30g each.
Chill them in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
Allow them to return to room temperature for about 10 minutes while you melt your candy melts.

Step 6: Prepare Candy Melts

Melt a small quantity of pink candy melts in the microwave according to package instructions:
Heat and stir in increments of 15–30 seconds until thin and smooth.

Step 7: Insert Lollipop Sticks

Dip one end of each lollipop stick into melted candy melts:
Gently insert this dipped tip into each cake ball halfway.
Repeat with all cake balls, then chill again in the freezer for another 15 minutes.

Step 8: Dip Cake Pops

Take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for another 10 minutes.
Melt remaining candy melts until desired consistency:
Dip each cake pop into melted candy melts, ensuring it’s submerged all the way up to where the stick meets.

Step 9: Finish with Sprinkles

Hold each stick gently while tapping off excess coating:
Quickly decorate with sprinkles or nonpareils before they set.
Place finished pops into a styrofoam block upright as they dry. Repeat this step until all are complete!

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Serving Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can elevate any celebration or casual gathering. These delightful treats are perfect for sharing and can be enjoyed in various ways.

Individual Treats

• On a Stick: Serve cake pops on lollipop sticks for easy handling. They’re great for kids’ parties!

Dessert Table

• Display on a Platter: Arrange the pops on a decorative platter for an eye-catching centerpiece at your dessert table.

Party Favors

• In Gift Bags: Package cake pops in clear bags tied with colorful ribbons as sweet thank-you gifts for guests.

Themed Arrangements

• Color-Coded Displays: Match the cake pops’ colors to your party theme for a cohesive look.

With Beverages

• Pair with Milk or Coffee: Offer these treats alongside milk, coffee, or hot chocolate for an indulgent experience.

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How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

To ensure your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops turn out perfectly, follow these essential tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cake while baking; overbaking can lead to dry cake pops.
• Chill Properly: Don’t skip chilling the cake balls before dipping. This helps them hold their shape.
• Melt Candy Melts Carefully: Heat in small increments to prevent burning; stir well between heats for smooth consistency.
• Decorate Quickly: Add sprinkles immediately after dipping while the coating is still wet for better adhesion.
• Store Correctly: Keep leftover cake pops in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Pairing side dishes with your delightful Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can enhance the overall experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a healthy balance to your dessert spread.
2. Mini Sandwiches – Bite-sized sandwiches make a savory addition that complements the sweetness of cake pops.
3. Cheese Platter – Offer a selection of cheeses that provide a savory contrast to the sugary treats.
4. Veggie Sticks with Dip – Fresh vegetables paired with hummus or ranch dressing create a crunchy, healthy option.
5. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – These rich berries pair beautifully with birthday cake flavors and add elegance to your table.
6. Ice Cream Sundae Bar – Let guests create their own sundaes, which can be fun and interactive alongside cake pops.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always refer to the cake mix package for the exact temperature. Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to dry or undercooked cake.
• Overmixing the Cake Batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense. Stir just until combined for light and fluffy cake pops.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Not chilling the cake pops before dipping can cause them to fall off the stick. Always chill after rolling and before dipping!
• Too Thick Candy Melt: If your candy melt is too thick, it won’t coat well. Make sure it’s melted to a smooth consistency for an even dip.
• Neglecting Decoration Timing: Adding sprinkles after the coating hardens means they won’t stick. Decorate while the candy melt is still wet for best results.
• Using Old Ingredients: Ensure your baking ingredients are fresh, especially eggs and baking powder, as stale products affect texture and flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops in an airtight container.
• They can last in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Wrap each cake pop in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Oven: Preheat to 350℉ (175℃), place on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 10-15 second intervals until slightly warm; avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place on low heat in a pan covered with a lid for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Make A Cake Pop?

To make a cake pop, bake a cake, crumble it, mix with frosting, roll into balls, chill, dip in melted chocolate, and decorate.

How To Make Starbucks Cake Pops?

Follow this recipe closely! Use vanilla cake mix, buttercream frosting, and candy melts for authentic flavors similar to Starbucks.

What Are The Ingredients For Starbucks Cake Pops?

The main ingredients include vanilla cake mix, eggs, butter, powdered sugar for frosting, and candy melts for coating.

Can I Customize My Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?

Absolutely! You can add different flavorings like almond extract or use various colored candy melts for unique designs.

How Long Do These Cake Pops Last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator or freezer, these cake pops last up to one week or three months respectively.

Final Thoughts

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various flavors and decorations according to your taste. Try making these delightful treats for your next celebration or simply as a sweet snack!