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, parties, or just a sweet snack. With their moist cake center and sweet candy coating, they appeal to both kids and adults alike. Plus, making them at home saves you money while allowing you to customize flavors and decorations to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe uses a simple cake mix, making preparation quick and hassle-free.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual gathering, these cake pops are sure to impress.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different cake mixes and coatings for unique variations.
• Fun Activity: Rolling and decorating cake pops is an enjoyable activity for family or friends.
• Great Presentation: These colorful treats look stunning on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

To successfully create Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, you’ll need some essential tools. Proper equipment ensures that your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Lollipop sticks
• Styrofoam block (for drying)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes it easy to crumble the cake evenly and mix in the buttercream without much effort.
• Baking pan: A quality pan ensures even baking, which is crucial for the texture of your cake pops.
• Lollipop sticks: They provide stability when dipping the cake pops into the melted candy coating.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1-13.25 oz box of vanilla cake mix
• ⅓ cup neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, canola, etc.)
• 1 cup milk or water
• 4 large eggs

For the Buttercream Mixture

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch salt
• 1 tsp milk (add more if needed)

For 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 specific temperature on your cake mix box based on the size of your baking pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Combine all cake ingredients in a large bowl. Pour the batter into a greased or lined baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, checking 2-4 minutes before the end of bake time. Be cautious not to overbake.

Step 3: Crumble the Baked Cake

Once baked, transfer the hot cake into a large mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, crumble the cake on low speed until no large pieces remain. Alternatively, use a handheld mixer or crumble by hand after slightly cooling.

Step 4: Make the Buttercream Mixture

In a small mixing bowl, combine all buttercream ingredients. Stir well until fairly smooth; small lumps are normal. Mix this buttercream into the crumbled cake until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Shape the Cake Pops

Roll portions of the mixture into balls approximately 1¼-inch (3cm) in diameter or around 30g each. Chill them in the freezer for 15 minutes then let them sit at room temperature for another 10 minutes while melting your candy melts.

Step 6: Prepare for Dipping

Melt a small amount of pink candy melts in the microwave according to package instructions. Heat in increments of 15-30 seconds while stirring until thin and smooth. Dip one end of each lollipop stick into candy melts before inserting it halfway into each cake ball. Chill again in freezer for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Dip into Candy Coating

Remove chilled cake pops from freezer and let them warm up at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Melt remaining candy melts until they reach your desired consistency. Dip each cake pop fully into melted candy melt to ensure it adheres well.

Step 8: Remove Excess Coating

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

Step 9: Decorate Your Cake Pops

Quickly add sprinkles or nonpareils before the coating sets. Place finished cake pops upright in a styrofoam block while they dry completely before serving.

Enjoy these delicious Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops that are sure to delight everyone!

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are perfect for parties, celebrations, or a sweet treat at home. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your cake pop experience.

For a Festive Occasion

• Party Platters – Arrange the cake pops on colorful platters for a vibrant centerpiece at birthday parties or gatherings.
• Gift Boxes – Place individual cake pops in small, decorative boxes tied with ribbons for a charming gift.

With Coffee or Tea

• Coffee Pairing – Enjoy your cake pops alongside a hot cup of coffee for a delicious afternoon snack.
• Tea Time Treats – Serve them during tea time as a sweet complement to your favorite herbal or black tea.

At Home Movie Night

• Snack Bowls – Create a fun dessert station with cake pops along with popcorn and candy for an enjoyable movie night.
• Themed Decorations – Use themed decorations that match your movie choice to make the snack area more festive.

How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Creating perfect Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for optimal results.

• Bold Measurements – Always measure ingredients accurately to ensure consistent results in flavor and texture.
• Bold Crumbling Technique – Crumble the cake while it’s still warm for easier mixing and better binding.
• Bold Freezing Time – Don’t skip freezing the cake pops; it helps them hold their shape when dipping in melted candy.
• Bold Candy Melts Consistency – Make sure your melted candy melts are smooth and not too thick, which can cause clumping on the cake pops.
• Bold Tapping Off Excess – Gently tap off excess candy melt after dipping to avoid heavy coats that can lead to detachment from sticks.

Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

When serving Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes. Here are some delicious options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake pops.
2. Cheese Platter – An assortment of mild cheeses creates a savory contrast that enhances the overall snacking experience.
3. Mini Sandwiches – Bite-sized sandwiches offer a savory option that pairs well with sweet treats like cake pops.
4. Veggie Sticks with Dip – Crisp vegetable sticks served with hummus or ranch provide crunch and healthiness alongside sweets.
5. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels – These salty-sweet snacks bring an extra layer of flavor that complements the cake pops nicely.
6. Ice Cream Sundae Bar – Set up a DIY sundae bar where guests can create their own sundaes, making it interactive and fun!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can be fun, but there are some common mistakes to be aware of to ensure perfect pops every time.

• Overbaking the cake: If you leave the cake in the oven too long, it will dry out. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.
• Not crumbling the cake properly: You want fine crumbs for even mixing with frosting. Don’t skip this step or use large chunks, as they won’t bind well.
• Using too much coating: Excess melted candy can make your cake pops heavy and prone to falling off the stick. Dip once for an even coat and tap off excess.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling your cake pops helps set them. Don’t rush this process; it’s crucial for maintaining their shape when dipping in chocolate.
• Neglecting decoration timing: If you wait too long to add sprinkles, the coating will harden. Be quick to decorate right after dipping for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
• Ensure they are fully cooled before freezing to maintain texture.

Reheating Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in 10-15 second intervals until just warmed through.
• Stovetop: Not recommended as it may cause melting or loss of shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops that might help you in your baking journey.

Can I use a different cake flavor?

Yes! You can substitute vanilla cake mix with any flavor you prefer, such as chocolate or red velvet.

How do I prevent my cake pops from cracking?

Ensure that your candy coating is not too thick and that you chill your pops thoroughly before dipping. This helps them hold their shape.

What can I use instead of candy melts?

You can use chocolate chips melted down or almond bark if you prefer a different flavor or texture.

How long do these cake pops last?

Stored correctly, they should last about 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months when frozen.

Final Thoughts

These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are not only delightful but also customizable based on your favorite flavors and decorations. Try adding different sprinkles or incorporating flavors like lemon or chocolate into your cake mix. Enjoy making these treats for parties, celebrations, or just because!