Copycat Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops

why make this recipe

Creating Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. These delightful treats are perfect for celebrations, parties, or just as a sweet snack to enjoy with friends or family. They not only look beautiful but also taste fantastic, allowing you to enjoy the familiar flavors of your favorite coffee shop in the comfort of your own kitchen.

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how to make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

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

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 325-350℉ (162-175℃). Check the cake box for the exact temperature based on your baking pan size.
2. In a large bowl, combine all cake ingredients. Mix well until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into a greased or lined pan. Transfer it to the oven. Stick a toothpick in the center of the cake to check if it comes out clean 2-4 minutes before the bake time ends. Be careful not to overbake.
4. Once baked, transfer the hot cake into a large stand mixing bowl. Use a paddle attachment on low speed to crumble the cake until no large pieces remain. Alternatively, you can crumble it by hand.
5. In a small mixing bowl, mix all buttercream ingredients until well combined. You don’t need to sift the powdered sugar. It’s normal if it has small lumps.
6. Add the buttercream to the crumbled cake and mix until fully combined.
7. Roll the mixture into balls measuring approximately 1¼-inch (3cm) in diameter. Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
8. After chilling, let the cake balls warm up at room temperature for 10 minutes while melting the candy melts.
9. Melt a small amount of pink candy melts in the microwave according to the package instructions. Heat in 15-30 second increments, stirring until smooth.
10. Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted candy melt, then gently insert it halfway into the cake balls. Repeat for all cake balls and chill them again in the freezer for 15 minutes.
11. Bring the chilled cake pops to room temperature for 10 minutes. Melt the remaining candy melts to your desired consistency.
12. Dip each cake pop into the melted candy melt until fully covered. This helps the cake pop stick to the lollipop stick.
13. Tap the cake pop gently with one hand while holding the stick with the other hand to let excess candy melt drip off. Aim for an even coating. Avoid dunking again.
14. Quickly decorate with sprinkles or nonpareils before the candy melt hardens. Place finished cake pops in a styrofoam block to keep them upright while they dry. Repeat until all cake pops are dipped and decorated.

how to serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Serve these cake pops on a colorful platter or a decorative cake stand. They make great party favors or can be enjoyed as a sweet treat alongside beverages. Pair them with coffee or milk for a delightful treat.

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how to store Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Store any leftover cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

tips to make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

• Make sure your cake is completely cooled before crumbling it to avoid a soggy mixture.
• Use high-quality candy melts for better flavor and smooth dipping.
• Feel free to mix in different types of sprinkles or chocolate chips to customize your cake pops.

variation

You can experiment with different flavors by using chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla. Additionally, try adding different flavor extracts, like almond or lemon, to the buttercream for a unique twist.

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FAQs

Q: Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix?
A: Yes, you can use homemade cake. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before crumbling.

Q: How can I prevent my cake pops from falling off the stick?
A: Ensure you dip the stick in melted candy melts before inserting it into the cake ball. Also, use a good coating of melted candy melts to secure it in place.

Q: What should I do if my candy melts are too thick?
A: If your candy melts become too thick during the melting process, simply add a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Delightful cake pops that replicate Starbucks' birthday cake flavor, perfect for celebrations or sweet snacking.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the cake

• 1 box 13.25 oz any store-bought box of vanilla cake mix Choose your preferred brand.
• ⅓ cup neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, canola, etc.) Oil helps keep the cake moist.
• 1 cup milk or water Milk gives richer flavor.
• 4 large eggs Eggs help bind the cake.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened) Make sure it's softened for easy mixing.
• 1 cup powdered sugar For the buttercream.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds flavor to buttercream.
• 1 pinch salt Enhances flavors.
• 1 tsp milk (add more if needed) Adjust for desired buttercream consistency.

For coating

• 12 oz candy melts Pink or your choice of color.
• as needed White nonpareils or sprinkles For decorating.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 325-350°F (162-175°C). Check the cake box for the exact temperature based on your baking pan size.
2. In a large bowl, combine all cake ingredients. Mix well until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into a greased or lined pan and transfer it to the oven.
4. Stick a toothpick in the center of the cake to check if it comes out clean 2-4 minutes before the bake time ends. Be careful not to overbake.

Crumbing and Mixing

1. Once baked, transfer the hot cake into a large stand mixing bowl. Use a paddle attachment on low speed to crumble the cake until no large pieces remain, or crumble it by hand.
2. In a small mixing bowl, mix all buttercream ingredients until well combined.
3. Add the buttercream to the crumbled cake and mix until fully combined.

Shaping and Chilling

1. Roll the mixture into balls measuring approximately 1¼-inch (3cm) in diameter. Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
2. After chilling, let the cake balls warm up at room temperature for 10 minutes while melting the candy melts.

Dipping and Decorating

1. Melt a small amount of pink candy melts in the microwave according to the package instructions, heating in 15-30 second increments, stirring until smooth.
2. Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted candy melt, then gently insert it halfway into each cake ball.
3. Repeat for all cake balls and chill them again in the freezer for 15 minutes.
4. Bring the chilled cake pops to room temperature for 10 minutes.
5. Melt the remaining candy melts to your desired consistency and dip each cake pop into the melted candy melt until fully covered.
6. Tap the cake pop gently to let excess candy melt drip off. Decorate with sprinkles before the candy melt hardens.
7. Place finished cake pops in a styrofoam block to keep them upright while they dry.

Notes

Carefully cool your cake before crumbling to avoid a soggy mixture. Use high-quality candy melts for best results. Customize with various sprinkles or chocolate chips.

Yumi

Name: Yumi HwagByline: Founder & Recipe Developer, YumimealsBio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]