Why Make This Recipe
Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are a fun and tasty dessert that you can easily make at home. These little treats are perfect for celebrating birthdays or any special occasion. They offer a delightful combination of flavors, and making them yourself means you can customize them to your liking. Plus, who doesn’t love cake on a stick?
How to Make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Ingredients:
- 1 box (13.25 oz) of any store-bought vanilla cake mix
- ⅓ cup neutral oil (like vegetable, avocado, or canola)
- 1 cup milk or water
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp milk (add more if needed)
- 12 oz candy melts
- White nonpareils or sprinkles
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325-350℉ (162-175℃). Check the cake box for the exact temperature based on your baking pan size.
- In a large bowl, mix all cake ingredients together.
- Pour the batter into a greased or lined cake pan and place it in the oven. Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done by inserting it into the center; it should come out clean a few minutes before the end of baking time. Be careful not to overbake!
- As soon as the cake is baked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl while it’s still hot. Use a paddle attachment to crumble the cake on low speed until there are no large pieces left. You can also crumble the cake by hand or with a handheld mixer.
- In a small bowl, mix all the buttercream ingredients together. No need to sift the powdered sugar; just stir until it’s fairly smooth. Small lumps are okay.
- Add the buttercream to the crumbled cake and mix until everything is combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls about 1¼-inch (3 cm) in diameter or around 30g each. Chill these cake pops in the freezer for 15 minutes, then bring them back to room temperature for 10 minutes while you melt your candy melts.
- Melt a small amount of pink candy melts in the microwave using package instructions. Heat in 15-30 second increments, stirring each time until it’s smooth.
- Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted candy, then gently insert it halfway into each cake ball. Chill the cake pops again in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- After chilling, bring the cake pops to room temperature for 10 minutes. Melt the remaining candy melts until they reach your desired consistency.
- Dip each cake pop into the melted candy, ensuring it covers the ball all the way to the stick. This helps the cake pop stay on the stick.
- Hold the stick with one hand and lightly tap the cake pop to let any excess candy melt drip off. Aim for an even coat. Do not dunk again, as this could cause the cake pop to fall off the stick.
- Quickly decorate your cake pops with sprinkles or nonpareils. Then place them in a styrofoam block to dry upright. Repeat this for all cake pops.
How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Serve these birthday cake pops on a platter or in a decorative container. They make great party favors and are easy for guests to grab and enjoy. Pair them with milk or coffee for a delightful treat.
How to Store Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
You can store cake pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure they are properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- To create even cake balls, use a cookie scoop.
- Experiment with different colors of candy melts for various occasions.
- Keep your melted candy warm to prevent it from thickening while dipping.
Variation
You can add different flavors or ingredients to the cake mix, such as almond extract or chocolate chips. For a tropical twist, use coconut instead of vanilla.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix?
Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s a vanilla cake and follows a similar texture.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Use a toothpick; if it comes out clean or with few crumbs, it’s done.
Can I use different toppings besides sprinkles?
Absolutely! Try crushed nuts, chocolate shavings, or even drizzled white chocolate for variety.
Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
These cake pops are a fun and delicious dessert, perfect for birthdays and special occasions. With a delightful combination of flavors, they're easily customizable and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 box 1 box (13.25 oz) of any store-bought vanilla cake mix
- ⅓ cup ⅓ cup neutral oil (like vegetable, avocado, or canola)
- 1 cup 1 cup milk or water
- 4 large 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch Pinch of salt
For the buttercream and decoration
- 1 tsp 1 tsp milk (add more if needed)
- 12 oz 12 oz candy melts Use pink or any preferred color.
- to taste White nonpareils or sprinkles For decoration.
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325-350℉ (162-175℃) according to the cake box instructions.
- In a large bowl, mix all cake ingredients together until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased or lined cake pan and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once the cake is baked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl while still hot.
- Crumble the cake using a paddle attachment on low speed or by hand.
Make the buttercream
- In a small bowl, mix the buttercream ingredients until smooth.
- Add the buttercream to the crumbled cake and mix until well combined.
Form the cake pops
- Roll the mixture into balls about 1¼-inch (3 cm) in diameter or around 30g each.
- Chill the cake pops in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Bring cake pops to room temperature for 10 minutes while melting candy melts.
- Melt a small amount of candy melts in the microwave and dip the tip of a lollipop stick into it before inserting it halfway into each cake ball.
- Chill cake pops in the freezer for another 15 minutes.
- Melt the remaining candy melts until desired consistency is reached, then dip each cake pop ensuring it's fully coated.
- Gently tap to remove excess candy melt and decorate quickly with sprinkles.
- Place each cake pop in a styrofoam block to dry upright.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 100mgSugar: 12g
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. Use a cookie scoop for even cake balls. Experiment with different candy melt colors for various occasions. Keep melted candy warm to prevent thickening while dipping.
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