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 delicious treats are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because. With their vibrant colors and delightful flavor, they are sure to impress friends and family. Easy to make and fun to decorate, these cake pops will become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, or holiday gatherings.
• Fun to Decorate: Let your creativity shine! Use different colors of candy melts and sprinkles for a personalized touch.
• Deliciously Moist: The cake pops stay moist and flavorful, ensuring each bite is a treat.
• Kid-Friendly: A great activity to do with children; they can help roll the pops and add decorations.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Essential for smoothly combining ingredients and crumbling the baked cake evenly.
• Baking pan: Provides the shape for your cake. Choose one that suits your desired size for cake pops.
• Styrofoam block: Keeps cake pops upright while they set, preventing any mess during decoration.

Ingredients

To create these mouthwatering Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, you’ll 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 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 and Decoration

• 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 mix box for specific temperature guidance based on your baking pan size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Combine all cake ingredients in a large mixing bowl:
1. Pour batter into a greased or lined baking pan.
2. Bake according to package instructions. Stick a toothpick in the center of the cake; it should come out clean 2-4 minutes before the suggested bake time. Avoid overbaking.

Step 3: Crumble the Baked Cake

Once baked, transfer the hot cake to a large mixing bowl:
1. Use a stand mixer on low speed with a paddle attachment to crumble until no large pieces remain.
2. Alternatively, crumble slightly cooled cake by hand if preferred.

Step 4: Make the Buttercream Filling

In a separate small mixing bowl:
1. Combine all buttercream ingredients.
2. Stir well until fairly smooth—small lumps are normal.
3. Add this buttercream mixture to crumbled cake and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Forming Cake Pops

Roll mixture into balls about 1¼-inch (3cm) in diameter or approximately 30g each:
1. Chill rolled cake pops in the freezer for 15 minutes.
2. Allow them to sit at room temperature for an additional 10 minutes as you prepare your candy melts.

Step 6: Insert Lollipop Sticks

Melt a small amount of pink candy melts in the microwave:
1. Heat in increments of 15-30 seconds until smooth.
2. Dip one end of each lollipop stick into melted candy before inserting halfway into each cake ball.
3. Chill again in freezer for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Coat with Candy Melts

Remove chilled cake pops from freezer:
1. Allow them to return to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
2. Melt remaining candy melts until desired thin consistency is reached.
3. Dip each pop into melted candy, fully submerging down to where the stick is inserted.

Step 8: Remove Excess Coating

While holding onto the stick:
1. Gently tap each pop until excess coating drips off.
2. Aim for an even coating without dunking again to prevent falling off.

Step 9: Decorate Your Cake Pops

Quickly sprinkle with nonpareils or other decorations after dipping:
1. Place finished pops into a styrofoam block while they dry upright.
2. Repeat until all cake pops are coated and decorated.

Enjoy creating these delightful Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops! They are bound to be a hit at any gathering or simply as an indulgent snack at home!

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Serving your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops is just as important as making them. These delightful treats can be presented in various creative ways, making them perfect for any occasion.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cake pops on a colorful dessert platter for an eye-catching display at parties or gatherings.

As Party Favors

• Individually wrap each cake pop in clear bags tied with ribbon to give guests a sweet takeaway from your celebration.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer chocolate sauce or fruit coulis on the side for an extra layer of flavor and fun when enjoying the cake pops.

Alongside Ice Cream

• Serve cake pops with scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a deliciously indulgent dessert combination.

At a Birthday Celebration

• Make these cake pops the centerpiece of your birthday dessert table to capture the festive spirit and delight guests.

How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Perfecting your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can take your baking skills to the next level. Here are some essential tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, especially eggs and dairy, are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining cake and frosting mixtures, mix just until incorporated to maintain a light texture.
• Chill Before Dipping: Chilling the cake pops before dipping helps prevent them from falling off the stick during coating.
• Use Quality Candy Melts: High-quality candy melts will melt smoother and provide a better coating for your cake pops.
• Tap Off Excess Coating: After dipping, gently tap off excess candy melt to avoid heavy coatings that may lead to detachment.
• Store Properly: Keep finished cake pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Pairing side dishes with your birthday cake pops can enhance the overall dessert experience. Here are some delightful options that complement their sweet flavors.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a light balance to the sweetness of cake pops.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs well, offering savory contrast while enhancing flavors when enjoyed together.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These classic treats align beautifully with cake pops, creating a decadent duo on any dessert table.
4. Mini Cupcakes: Offer bite-sized cupcakes in various flavors for variety without overwhelming sweetness alongside the cake pops.
5. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthier option that still satisfies sweet cravings.
6. Cookies: Provide an assortment of cookies like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin for additional textures and tastes alongside your cake pops.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can be a fun experience, but several common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch for:

• Overbaking the Cake: If you leave your cake in the oven too long, it can dry out. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.
• Not Crumbling the Cake Enough: Large pieces of cake will not hold together well. Crumble your cake until there are no more large chunks to ensure a smooth mix.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can affect how well your batter combines. Make sure they are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: Failing to chill your cake pops can lead to crumbling during dipping. Always chill before dipping into candy melts for better results.
• Dipping Too Quickly: If you dip your cake pop into the candy melt too fast, it may cause it to detach from the stick. Allow excess candy melt to drip off slowly for an even coating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep them away from strong odors to maintain flavor.

Freezing Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• They last up to 3 months when frozen.

Reheating Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes, ensuring they don’t dry out.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds; check frequently so they don’t melt too much.
• Stovetop: Use a double boiler method, placing them on a heatproof plate above simmering water for gentle warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are homemade versions of the popular store-bought treats, featuring moist vanilla cake mixed with frosting and coated in candy melts.

How do I make cake pops without gelatin?

This recipe uses buttercream and no gelatin, ensuring that your cake pops remain soft and delicious without any animal-derived ingredients.

Can I customize my Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?

Absolutely! Feel free to add flavors like almond or lemon extract, or incorporate different types of sprinkles for added visual appeal.

How long does it take to prepare these cake pops?

The total time is approximately 120 minutes, including preparation and cooling time.

Can I use different types of cake mix?

Yes! You can experiment with chocolate or other flavored cake mixes as alternatives to vanilla for variety.

Final Thoughts

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops offer a delightful treat that captures all the joy of celebration in every bite. Easy to customize with various flavors and toppings, this recipe is perfect for parties or just a fun afternoon baking session. Give it a try and enjoy creating these sweet bites!