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 simply a sweet snack. With their rich flavor and fun presentation, they are a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, making them at home allows you to customize flavors and decorations to suit any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – This recipe uses store-bought cake mix, making it simple for bakers of all levels.
- Customizable Flavors – Experiment with different cake mixes and candy melts for unique variations.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday or a casual gathering, these cake pops add a festive touch.
- Fun for Kids – Involve the little ones in decorating; it’s a great activity for family bonding.
- Deliciously Indulgent – The combination of moist cake and rich candy coating makes every bite irresistible.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the process. Gathering these items beforehand ensures a smooth baking experience.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer
- Lollipop sticks
- Baking pan
- Styrofoam block (for drying)
- Microwave-safe bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls – Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without mess.
- Stand mixer – Makes crumbling the cake easier and faster than doing it by hand.
- Lollipop sticks – Crucial for assembling the cake pops and providing an easy way to hold them while eating.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make your delicious Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops:
For the Cake Pop Base
- 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 Filling
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 1 tsp milk (add more if needed)
For Coating the Cake Pops
- 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 cake box recipe for the exact temperature 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 pan. Bake according to the package directions. Use a toothpick about 2-4 minutes before bake time ends to check if it comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake!
Step 3: Crumble the Baked Cake
Once baked, transfer the hot cake into a large mixing bowl immediately. Crumble it using a stand mixer on low speed until no large pieces remain. Alternatively, you can crumble slightly cooled cake by hand or use a handheld mixer.
Step 4: Make Buttercream Filling
In a small mixing bowl, combine all buttercream ingredients without needing to sift powdered sugar. Stir until fairly smooth; small lumps are normal. Add this buttercream mixture into the crumbled cake and mix well until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Form Cake Balls
Roll approximately 1¼-inch (3cm) balls from the mixture, weighing about 30g each. Chill these in the freezer for 15 minutes before bringing them back to room temperature for another 10 minutes while melting your candy melts.
Step 6: Prepare Lollipop Sticks
Melt a small amount of pink candy melts in the microwave following package instructions. Heat in increments of 15-30 seconds until thin and smooth. Dip one end of each lollipop stick into this melted candy and insert it halfway into each cake ball. Repeat with all cake balls then chill again in the freezer for another 15 minutes.
Step 7: Coat with Candy Melt
After chilling, bring cake pops back to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Melt remaining candy melts until desired consistency is achieved. Dip each cake pop into melted candy melt ensuring it is submerged completely up to the stick; this helps prevent detachment.
Step 8: Remove Excess Coating
Hold each stick with one hand and gently tap until excess coating drips off. Ensure there’s an even coating without dunking again as extra weight may cause detachment from the stick.
Step 9: Decorate Your Cake Pops
Quickly decorate with sprinkles or nonpareils before coating hardens. Place finished pops into a styrofoam block as they dry upright. Repeat this process until all pops are dipped and decorated.
Now you have your very own Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops! Enjoy sharing these delightful treats at your next celebration!
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 you’re hosting a party or enjoying them as a sweet snack, these cake pops can be served in creative styles.
For Birthdays
- Party Platters: Arrange the cake pops on colorful platters for a festive look.
- Cake Pop Bouquets: Insert sticks into a styrofoam block and decorate with ribbons for an eye-catching centerpiece.
As Snacks
- On-the-Go Treats: Individually wrap each cake pop in clear wrap for easy snacking.
- Dessert Stations: Set up a dessert table with cake pops alongside other sweets for variety.
With Beverages
- Coffee Pairing: Enjoy your cake pops with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
- Milkshakes: Serve alongside milkshakes for a fun dessert experience.
At Events
- Wedding Favors: Package cake pops in elegant boxes to offer guests as sweet take-home gifts.
- Holiday Gatherings: Decorate them according to the season and serve during holiday parties.
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: This helps the batter mix better and ensures even baking.
- Avoid Overbaking: Check your cake 2-4 minutes before the suggested bake time to keep it moist.
- Chill Thoroughly: Let the cake pops chill after rolling; this helps maintain their shape when dipping.
- Thin Candy Melts Properly: Melt candy melts gradually to avoid burning; aim for a smooth consistency.
- Tap Gently: After dipping, tap off excess candy melts carefully to prevent drips and ensure a neat finish.
Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can be complemented by various side dishes that elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing option that balances the sweetness of the cake pops.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add an extra layer of indulgence and are always a crowd favorite.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer assorted flavors to provide variety alongside your cake pops.
- Cheese Platter: A combination of savory cheeses can enhance the sweet taste of the cake pops.
- Trail Mix: A crunchy snack that provides texture contrast and is perfect for munching.
- Ice Cream Sundaes: Create an interactive dessert bar where guests can customize their sundaes with toppings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can be fun, but there are several common mistakes that can ruin your experience. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Chilling Step: Many people forget to chill their cake pops before dipping. This step helps firm up the cake balls so they hold their shape during coating.
- Overbaking the Cake: Overbaking can dry out your cake, making it hard to crumble. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.
- Not Using Enough Candy Melts: If you don’t have enough melted candy melts, it can be difficult to coat the cake pops evenly. Make sure to melt extra for smooth coverage.
- Dipping Too Quickly: Dipping the cake pops too fast can lead to excess candy melt dripping off. Take your time to ensure an even coat, tapping gently afterward.
- Inconsistent Cake Pop Size: If your cake pops are uneven in size, they won’t cook or set uniformly. Use a kitchen scale or measuring tool for consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
- Freeze for up to 3 months, best in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a container.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers for long-term storage.
Reheating Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until slightly softened.
- Microwave: Heat on low power in 10-15 second intervals until warm; be careful not to melt.
- Stovetop: Not recommended as it may overheat and ruin the coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?
To make these delightful treats, start by baking the vanilla cake according to package instructions. Once cooled, crumble it and mix with buttercream before rolling into balls and dipping in melted candy melts.
Can I Customize Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?
Absolutely! You can change the flavor of the cake mix or use different colors of candy melts and sprinkles for seasonal or themed variations.
What Can I Use Instead of Cake Mix?
You can make a homemade vanilla cake from scratch using flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract if you prefer not to use a store-bought mix.
How Long Do These Cake Pops Last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.
Are Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops Gluten-Free?
No, as made with traditional cake mix which contains gluten. However, you can find gluten-free cake mixes and follow the same process if needed.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are not only fun to make but also customizable for any occasion. With their delightful taste and charming presentation, these treats are sure to impress at any gathering. Don’t hesitate to try different flavors or decorations!
Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Make your celebrations unforgettable with these Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops! These delightful treats are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 1 box (13.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- ⅓ cup neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, 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℉.
- Prepare cake mix according to package directions and bake.
- Once cooled, crumble the cake into a bowl and mix with buttercream ingredients.
- Roll mixture into 1¼-inch balls and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Insert lollipop sticks into each ball and chill again for another 15 minutes.
- Dip each pop into melted candy melts, allowing excess to drip off.
- Decorate with sprinkles before the coating hardens.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
