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 parties, celebrations, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. With their vibrant colors, delectable flavors, and fun presentation, they stand out at any event.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the cake pop process using a store-bought cake mix. You can whip them up in no time!
• Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s a birthday party or a special occasion, these cake pops add a festive touch to your dessert table.
• Customizable: Feel free to play with different colors of candy melts and toppings for various themes and tastes.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Making cake pops is an enjoyable activity for kids. They’ll love rolling the balls and decorating them!
• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of vanilla cake and creamy coating makes these cake pops irresistibly tasty.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer or Handheld Mixer: Ensures that your cake is crumbled evenly and mixes well with buttercream for a smooth consistency.
• Baking Pan: A properly greased or lined pan helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking.
• Styrofoam Block: Keeps your decorated cake pops upright while the candy melt hardens, ensuring a perfect finish.

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Ingredients

For these delicious Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, gather the following 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 the 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 bowl.
• Pour the batter into a greased/lined baking pan.
• Bake according to package instructions. About 2-4 minutes before the end of bake time, check with a toothpick—remove when it comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake!

Step 3: Crumble the Baked Cake

• Once baked, immediately transfer the hot cake into a large mixing bowl.
• Use a stand mixer on low speed with a paddle attachment to crumble the cake until there are no large pieces left. Alternatively, crumble by hand after letting it cool slightly.

Step 4: Make the Buttercream

• In a small mixing bowl, combine all buttercream ingredients.
• Stir well until fairly smooth; some small lumps are normal.
• Add this mixture to the crumbled cake and mix until fully combined.

Step 5: Form the Cake Pops

• Roll about 30g (1¼-inch) balls of the mixture.
• Chill these cake pops in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
• After chilling, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you prepare your candy melts.

Step 6: Attach Lollipop Sticks

• Melt a small amount of pink candy melts in the microwave according to package instructions. Stir in increments until smooth.
• Dip one end of each lollipop stick into candy melts and gently insert it halfway into each ball. Repeat this step until all balls have sticks attached. Chill again for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Coat in Candy Melts

Take your chilled cake pops out of the freezer and let them come back to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Melt remaining candy melts until they reach your desired consistency. Dip each pop in melted candy melts until fully submerged up to the stick.

Step 8: Remove Excess Candy Melt

While holding onto the stick with one hand, gently tap each coated cake pop with your other hand until excess melted candy drips off. Aim for an even coating without dunking again.

Step 9: Decorate Your Cake Pops

Quickly decorate with sprinkles or nonpareils before they set! Place finished pops in a styrofoam block to keep them upright as they dry. Repeat this process until all pops are coated and decorated.

Enjoy making these delightful Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on various occasions. Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual get-together, these cake pops are sure to impress your guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

For Birthday Parties

• Colorful Platters: Arrange the cake pops on a vibrant platter to match the party theme, creating a festive atmosphere.
• Individual Wrapping: Wrap each cake pop in clear cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a cute party favor.

As Dessert Table Treats

• Mix and Match: Pair your birthday cake pops with other desserts like cupcakes or cookies for a diverse dessert table.
• Themed Display: Create a themed display by decorating the table with balloons and confetti that complement the colors of your cake pops.

For Kid-Friendly Events

• Fun Shapes: Use different food-safe molds to create fun shapes while making the cake pops, appealing to younger children.
• Interactive Stations: Set up a DIY cake pop decorating station where kids can add their own sprinkles and toppings.

At Coffee Breaks

• Coffee Pairing: Serve these cake pops alongside coffee or hot chocolate for an enjoyable afternoon treat.
• Mini Tasting Portions: Cut the cake pops into smaller pieces to offer as bite-sized treats during meetings or gatherings.

How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Creating perfect Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results:

• Bold Flavors: Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or lemon for added depth in your cake mix.
• Chill Properly: Ensure you chill the cake pops adequately before dipping; this helps maintain their shape during coating.
• Heat Consistency: Melt candy melts slowly and stir frequently to achieve a smooth dipping consistency without overheating.
• Even Coating: When dipping, ensure you fully submerge each cake pop to avoid uneven coatings that may lead to breaking.
• Quick Decoration: Add sprinkles immediately after dipping while the chocolate is still wet for better adherence.

Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops make for an excellent dessert option, but pairing them with complementary side dishes enhances the overall experience. Here are some great side dish ideas:

1. Bold Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cake pops.
2. Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light and refreshing side that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the cake pops.
3. Savory Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses and crackers for guests who may prefer savory options alongside sweet treats.
4. Crunchy Veggie Sticks: Provide an assortment of fresh vegetable sticks with hummus as a healthy contrast to the sugary dessert.
5. Mini Sandwiches: Create small sandwiches filled with various fillings; they provide substance and variety on your snack table.
6. Refreshing Lemonade: Serve chilled lemonade or flavored iced teas as complementary beverages that pair well with sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops at home can be fun, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect treats. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results.

• Boldly overbaking: Overbaking the cake can dry it out. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.
• Boldly neglecting temperature control: Not letting the cake pops come to room temperature after freezing can cause the coating to crack. Let them sit for about 10 minutes outside the freezer.
• Boldly dipping too heavy: Dunking the cake pops multiple times can add too much weight, causing them to fall off the stick. Aim for one even dip.
• Boldly skipping chilling time: If you skip chilling your shaped cake pops, they may lose their form when dipped in candy melts. Always chill before and after shaping.
• Boldly rushing decoration: Adding sprinkles too late can result in them not sticking well. Decorate immediately after dipping while the coating is still wet.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Wrap each cake pop individually in plastic wrap.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Oven: Preheat to 300℉ (150℃). Place on a baking tray until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a double boiler method, being careful not to let water touch the cake pops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common inquiries about making Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops.

How To Make A Cake Pop?

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

What Are The Best Cake Pop Ingredients?

The best ingredients include a moist vanilla cake mix, quality candy melts, and fun sprinkles for decoration.

Can I Use Any Flavor Of Cake Mix For Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?

Yes! You can substitute any flavor of cake mix you like to customize your birthday cake pops.

How To Make Starbucks Cake Pops Step By Step?

Follow simple steps: bake the cake, crumble it with frosting, roll into balls, chill, dip in melted candy melts, and add sprinkles.

Final Thoughts

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are delightful treats that bring joy to any celebration. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and decorations according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family at your next gathering!