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 indulgence. Their moist cake and creamy frosting center, coated in colorful candy melts, create an irresistible combination that is sure to impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cake pops without any hassle.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla cake mix and rich buttercream makes these cake pops incredibly tasty.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday celebration, or just a fun treat for yourself, these cake pops fit right in.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite sprinkles or nonpareils to make them even more festive and personalized.
• Fun Activity for Kids: Making cake pops can be an enjoyable family activity that kids will love to help with!

Tools and Preparation

To create your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

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 or handheld mixer: These tools make it easy to crumble the baked cake and blend in the frosting smoothly.
• Baking pan: A quality baking pan ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect cake texture.

Ingredients

For the 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)

For the Buttercream Filling

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

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Combine all cake ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Pour the batter into a greased or lined baking pan and transfer it into the oven. Stick a toothpick in the center of the cake to check for doneness 2-4 minutes before the end of bake time. DO NOT OVER BAKE.

Step 3: Crumble the Baked Cake

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

Step 4: Mix Buttercream with Cake Crumbs

In a small mixing bowl, combine all buttercream ingredients. There’s no need to sift powdered sugar; just stir well until fairly smooth—small lumps are normal. Then add this buttercream mixture to the crumbled cake and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Shape Your Cake Pops

Roll the mixture into balls about 1¼-inch (3cm) in diameter or approximately 30g each. Chill these balls in the freezer for 15 minutes before bringing them back to room temperature for another 10 minutes while you melt your candy melts.

Step 6: Prepare Lollipop Sticks

Melt a small amount of pink candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl according to package instructions. Heat in increments of 15-30 seconds until thin and smooth. Dip one end of each lollipop stick into melted candy melts, then gently insert it halfway into each cake ball. Chill again in the freezer for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Coat with Candy Melts

Remove from freezer and allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Melt remaining candy melts until they reach your desired consistency. Dip each cake pop into melted candy melts fully submerging it up to where it meets the stick.

Step 8: Remove Excess Coating

While holding onto the lollipop stick with one hand, gently tap each cake pop with your other hand until excess coating drips off. Aim for an even coating; do not dunk again as this may cause them to detach from sticks.

Step 9: Decorate Your Cake Pops

Quickly sprinkle nonpareils or decorative sprinkles over each coated pop before they set. Place finished pops upright into a styrofoam block so they stay standing as they dry. Repeat this process until all pops are dipped and decorated.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops!

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are delightful treats that can be enjoyed on various occasions. Here are some fun and creative ways to serve them.

For Birthdays

• Festive Platter: Arrange the cake pops on a colorful platter, adding balloons or confetti for a party feel.
• Party Favors: Wrap each cake pop in clear cellophane and tie with a ribbon for guests to take home.

At Coffee Breaks

• Coffee Pairing: Serve with a cup of coffee or espresso to enhance the sweet flavor of the cake pops.
• Tea Time Treat: Offer alongside a selection of teas for a delightful afternoon snack.

For Celebrations

• Graduation Parties: Customize the cake pops with school colors or themed decorations to celebrate achievements.
• Holiday Gatherings: Decorate with seasonal sprinkles to fit into Christmas, Halloween, or other festive themes.

As Gifts

• Gift Baskets: Include in homemade gift baskets as a sweet surprise for friends or family.
• Personal Touch: Attach a personalized note or tag for special occasions like anniversaries or thank-you gifts.

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How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Making perfect Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve cake pop perfection.

• Rolling Technique: Ensure each cake ball is rolled tightly; this helps them maintain their shape during dipping.
• Chill Properly: Always chill the cake pops between steps; this keeps them firm and easier to dip.
• Proper Candy Melt Consistency: Melt your candy until it’s smooth but not too thin. This ensures even coating without losing shape.
• Gentle Tapping: After dipping, gently tap off excess candy melt; this helps create a smooth finish and prevents clumping.
• Quick Decoration: Add sprinkles immediately after dipping while the candy coating is still wet for better adhesion.
• Store Correctly: Keep any leftover cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Pairing side dishes with Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tasty suggestions:

1. Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit skewers provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of cake pops.
2. Creamy Dips: Serve with chocolate or caramel dips for those who want an extra layer of flavor.
3. Savory Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses balances out the sweetness, making it an elegant pairing.
4. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix complements the soft texture of cake pops and adds variety.
5. Mini Muffins: Offer mini muffins in different flavors as a light side that pairs well with desserts.
6. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a health-conscious option alongside your sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can be a fun adventure, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring the Baking Time – Overbaking can dry out your cake. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the end of the suggested baking time.
• Skipping the Cooling Step – Attempting to crumble hot cake can lead to a messy mixture. Let the cake cool slightly before crumbling.
• Not Chilling Cake Pops Properly – Failing to chill your cake pops can cause them to fall apart when dipped in candy melts. Ensure they’re firm enough before dipping.
• Using Too Much Candy Melt – Dipping too much candy melt can weigh down the cake pop and cause it to detach. Aim for an even coating without excess.
• Neglecting Decorations – Waiting too long to add sprinkles means 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.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Wrap each pop in plastic wrap for extra protection against freezer burn.

Reheating Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pops on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals of 10-15 seconds, checking frequently until just warm.
• Stovetop – Not recommended; may alter texture and appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making these delightful treats, here are some frequently asked questions.

What ingredients do I need for Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?

You will need vanilla cake mix, eggs, oil, milk, butter, powdered sugar, candy melts, and sprinkles or nonpareils.

How do I prevent my cake pops from falling off the stick?

To ensure your cake pops stay on the stick, dip the stick into melted candy first before inserting it into the cake ball.

Can I customize Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?

Absolutely! You can change flavors by using different cake mixes or adding flavor extracts like almond or lemon.

Why are my cake pops too soft?

If your mixture is too soft, it could be due to not chilling them long enough or having too much moisture in the batter. Adjust by chilling longer or adding more cake crumbs.

Final Thoughts

Making Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops at home is not only rewarding but also allows you to customize flavors and decorations. These delightful treats are perfect for celebrations or just a sweet snack. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different colors and toppings!