Why Make This Recipe
Starbucks’ Birthday Cake Pops are a favorite treat for many, combining delightful cake with a sweet coating and fun sprinkles. They are perfect for celebrations, parties, or just an afternoon snack with coffee. Making these cake pops at home allows you to customize flavors and decorations while saving a bit of money. Plus, you can enjoy the satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious!
How to Make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Creating these cake pops may seem complicated, but with the right ingredients and directions, you can craft a batch that rivals the original. Follow these steps to ensure that your cake pops turn out perfectly every time!
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
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Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325-350℉ (162-175℃). Check the cake mix box for the exact temperature based on your baking pan size.
Mix the Cake Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, milk or water, eggs, and the softened butter. Blend everything well until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased or lined baking pan. Place it in the oven and bake according to the instructions on the cake mix box. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean 2-4 minutes before the suggested baking time, it’s ready!
Crumble the Cake: Once the cake is baked, transfer it to a large stand mixing bowl immediately while it’s still hot. Use the paddle attachment to crumble the cake on low speed until no large pieces remain. If you prefer, you can also crumble the cake by hand or by using a handheld mixer with care.
Make the Buttercream: In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is fairly smooth. Small lumps are okay.
Combine Cake and Buttercream: Add the buttercream mixture to the crumbled cake. Mix until well incorporated. You want a consistent dough-like texture that holds together when formed into balls.
Shape the Cake Pops: Roll the mixture into balls about 1¼ inches (3 cm) in diameter, or around 30g each. Place these cake balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill them in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
Prepare for Dipping: After chilling, allow the cake pops to come back to room temperature for about 10 minutes as you melt the candy melts. Melt a small amount of pink candy melts in the microwave according to package instructions, stirring in 15-30 second increments until smooth.
Insert the Sticks: Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy melt and then gently insert the dipped tip into the center of the cake balls halfway. Repeat this for all cake balls, then chill them again in the freezer for another 15 minutes.
Dip the Cake Pops: Remove the cake pops from the freezer again and let them sit for 10 minutes to reach room temperature. Melt the remaining candy melts until you achieve the desired consistency. Dip each cake pop into the melted candy melts until it is fully submerged to just above the stick.
Remove Excess Chocolate: Hold the cake pop by the stick and gently tap it with your other hand to allow any excess melted candy to drip off. Aim for an even coat, but avoid dunking it again, as it might cause the cake pop to detach from the stick.
Decorate: Before the candy melts set, quickly add your white nonpareils or sprinkles for decoration. Place the finished cake pops in a styrofoam block to keep them upright while they dry.
Repeat: Repeat the process until all cake pops are coated and sprinkled.
How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
These cake pops are perfect for any occasion. Serve them on a fun platter or individual treat bags at birthday parties, gatherings, or as a sweet surprise for friends and family. Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or a refreshing beverage for a delightful snack experience. You could even use them as a fun centerpiece on a dessert table!
How to Store Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Storing your cake pops properly will help retain their freshness. Here’s how:
Room Temperature: If you plan to eat them within a couple of days, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they are properly set and not sticking together.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, you may want to keep them in the refrigerator. Place the cake pops in an airtight container with a paper towel at the bottom to absorb any moisture. They can last up to a week in the fridge.
Freezing: For extended storage, freeze the cake pops. Wrap each individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips to Make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Quality ingredients will yield better flavor and texture. Opt for good-quality cake mixes and candy melts.
Don’t Overbake the Cake: Keep a close eye on your cake while it bakes. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake, which won’t hold well when crumbled.
Uniform Size: To ensure even baking and perfect presentation, try to roll your cake pops into uniform sizes.
Chill Regularly: Chilling the cake balls before inserting sticks and before dipping helps the pops hold their shape and not fall apart.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to tweak the recipe by adding extracts like almond or coconut or mix in chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Variations
There are plenty of ways to customize your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops. Here are a few fun ideas:
- Different Cake Flavors: Instead of vanilla cake mix, use chocolate, red velvet, or lemon cake for a different flavor profile.
- Filling Options: Mix in some mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of frosting for extra flavor in the cake balls.
- Dipping Chocolate: Instead of candy melts, try using chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored candy melts available in different colors.
- Festive Sprinkles: For holiday or themed parties, use colored sprinkles that match the occasion (like red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter).
FAQs
What can I substitute if I don’t have candy melts?
You can use chocolate chips or chocolate bars. Just melt them gently in the microwave or over a double boiler, adding a small amount of shortening to achieve a smoother consistency.How can I prevent cake pops from cracking?
Make sure your cake pops are chilled slightly before dipping. A thicker layer of candy melts will also help prevent cracks.Can I make these cake pops gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure that any other ingredients you use are gluten-free as well.How can I make cake pops without a stick?
You can serve the cake balls on their own as cake bites or place them in mini cupcake liners for easy serving.What size stick should be used for the cake pops?
A standard lollipop stick, which is around 6 inches long, is ideal for cake pops. This length allows for easy handling and serving.
With this thorough guide, you’re all set to recreate the joy of Starbucks’ Birthday Cake Pops right in your kitchen. Enjoy the process and the delicious treats that come from it!
Print
Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious homemade cake pops inspired by Starbucks’ famous birthday cake pops, perfect for celebrations and snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 – 13.25 oz box 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
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
- 1 tsp milk (add more if needed)
- 12 oz candy melts
- White nonpareils or sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325-350℉ (162-175℃).
- Mix the Cake Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, milk or water, eggs, and softened butter. Blend until smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased or lined pan and bake according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
- Crumble the Cake: Transfer the baked cake to a mixing bowl and crumble it until no large pieces remain.
- Make the Buttercream: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Combine Cake and Buttercream: Add buttercream to crumbled cake and mix until a dough-like texture forms.
- Shape the Cake Pops: Roll the mixture into balls about 1¼ inches in diameter and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Prepare for Dipping: Allow cake pops to reach room temperature while melting candy melts.
- Insert the Sticks: Dip the tips of lollipop sticks into melted candy and insert them into the cake balls.
- Dip the Cake Pops: Coat each pop in melted candy until submerged and tap off excess.
- Decorate: Before the candy sets, add sprinkles for decoration.
- Repeat: Continue the process until all cake pops are coated.
Notes
Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Chill regularly to maintain shape while working.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake pop
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cake pops, birthday cake, dessert, homemade, Starbucks, party treat