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 just a sweet snack. Their moist, flavorful cake combined with a smooth candy coating will leave everyone wanting more. Plus, they are simple to make, allowing you to impress your friends and family with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, these cake pops can be made by bakers of all skill levels.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different cake mixes or coatings for a unique twist on this classic treat!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon treat, these cake pops are sure to be a hit.
• Fun Activity: Making cake pops is not just about eating; it’s a fun activity you can do with family and friends.
• Presentation Matters: Dressed up in colorful sprinkles, they look as good as they taste!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready will help streamline your process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking pan (9×13-inch)
• Lollipop sticks
• Styrofoam block or tray (for cooling)
• Microwave-safe bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: This tool makes crumbling the cake easy and ensures even mixing of the buttercream.
• Lollipop sticks: Essential for forming the cake pops; these provide stability during dipping.
• Styrofoam block or tray: Keeps your finished cake pops upright while they set, preventing any smudges or falls.

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Ingredients

To create your delicious Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, you will need the following 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 the box instructions for specific temperatures based on your baking pan size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Combine all cake ingredients in a large bowl. Pour this batter into a greased or lined baking pan. Transfer it into the oven and bake until done; use a toothpick inserted in the center to check if it comes out clean 2-4 minutes before the suggested bake time to avoid over-baking.

Step 3: Crumble the Baked Cake

Once baked, transfer the hot cake into a large mixing bowl immediately. Use low speed with a paddle attachment of your mixer to crumble until no large pieces remain. Alternatively, you can crumble by hand if preferred.

Step 4: Make the Buttercream

In a separate small mixing bowl, combine all buttercream ingredients. Stir well until fairly smooth; small lumps are normal. Add this mixture into your crumbled cake and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Shape Your Cake Pops

Roll portions of the mixture into balls about 1¼ inches (3cm) in diameter or approximately 30g each. Place them in the freezer for 15 minutes; then 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. The best method is heating in increments of 15-30 seconds until thin and smooth. Dip one end of lollipop sticks into this melted candy before inserting them halfway into each cake ball. Chill again in freezer for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Dip Your Cake Pops

After chilling, 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 coating ensuring it’s submerged all the way up to the stick for better adhesion.

Step 8: Remove Excess Coating

Holding onto each stick with one hand, gently tap each cake pop with your other hand until excess coating drips off. Aim for an even layer without dunking again as it may cause detachment from sticks.

Step 9: Decorate Your Cake Pops

Quickly decorate with sprinkles or nonpareils before they harden. Place finished pops into a styrofoam block while they dry upright. Repeat until all pops are dipped and decorated!

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are a delightful treat that can add joy to any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your cake pops even more special.

For Celebratory Events

• Birthday Parties: Place these cake pops on a decorative stand for an eye-catching dessert display.
• Baby Showers: Use pastel colors and themed decorations to match the party’s theme.
• Weddings: Offer cake pops as a sweet favor for guests, elegantly packaged in clear bags.

As Dessert Options

• Coffee Pairing: Serve alongside your favorite coffee or tea for a delicious afternoon snack.
• Picnic Treats: Individually wrap each cake pop for easy transport and enjoyment outdoors.
• Dessert Table Addition: Include them on a dessert table with other sweets, enhancing the variety.

For Everyday Snacks

• Family Movie Night: Enjoy these cake pops while watching a movie together as a fun treat.
• Lunchbox Surprise: Include them in children’s lunchboxes for a delightful surprise at school.

How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Creating the perfect Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cake pops turn out beautifully.

• Boldly crumble the cake: Make sure to crumble the cake thoroughly while it’s still warm for better binding.
• Boldly chill before dipping: Chilling the cake pops helps them hold their shape when you dip them in melted candy melts.
• Boldly tap off excess melt: After dipping, gently tap the stick to remove excess coating for a smooth finish.
• Boldly use quality candy melts: Invest in good quality candy melts for better flavor and smooth texture.
• Boldly decorate quickly: Add sprinkles immediately after dipping while the candy melt is still wet to ensure they adhere properly.

Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Bold Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balance to the sweet cake pops.
2. Bold Veggie Platter: Crisp vegetables served with hummus provide a crunchy contrast and are healthy too.
3. Bold Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses paired with crackers offers a savory option that pairs well with sweets.
4. Bold Mini Sandwiches: Small sandwiches filled with turkey or chicken are perfect finger foods alongside cake pops.
5. Bold Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Allow guests to create their own sundaes, making it interactive and fun.
6. Bold Chocolate Fondue: Offer melted chocolate with skewers of fruits and marshmallows for dipping, creating an indulgent experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Boldly Overbaking: If you leave the cake in the oven too long, it dries out. Always check a few minutes before the recommended bake time.
• Boldly Ignoring Crumbling: Not crumbling the cake enough can lead to uneven pops. Ensure there are no large pieces when mixing with the buttercream.
• Boldly Skipping Chill Time: Failing to chill your cake pops can cause them to fall off the stick when dipped. Don’t skip this step!
• Boldly Using Too Much Candy Melt: Dunking your pops can make them heavy and prone to detachment. Instead, dip just until submerged and tap off excess.
• Boldly Forgetting Decoration Timing: If you wait too long to add sprinkles, they won’t stick. Decorate immediately after dipping for best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep them separated with parchment paper if stacked to avoid sticking.

Freezing Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Freeze uncoated cake pops for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Wrap each pop individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.

Reheating Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and warm the cake pops on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 5-10 seconds at a time until slightly warmed; do not overheat as this may melt the coating.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered pan on low heat for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Make A Cake Pop?

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

What Are Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?

These are homemade versions of Starbucks’ popular birthday cake pops made using vanilla cake mix, buttercream, and candy melts.

Can I Use Different Flavors For The Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors such as chocolate or red velvet for unique variations of these cake pops.

What Is The Best Way To Decorate Cake Pops?

Using colored sprinkles or nonpareils immediately after dipping is best. This ensures they adhere properly before the coating sets.

How Long Do Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops Last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, these cake pops will last up to 5 days, and they can be frozen for about three months.

Final Thoughts

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are delightful treats perfect for any celebration. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and decorations to suit any occasion. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with these homemade goodies!