Why Make This Recipe
Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are a delightful treat that can bring the joy of celebrating any special occasion right to your kitchen. These small, cake-filled bites on a stick are not only fun to eat but also incredibly easy to make. With a sweet vanilla flavor and colorful sprinkles, they become a perfect addition to birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or simply an indulgent snack. Plus, making them at home means you can personalize the flavors and decorations just the way you like!
How to Make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Ingredients:
- 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:
- Preheat the oven to 325-350℉ (162-175℃). Check the cake box recipe for the exact temperature based on your baking pan size.
- In a large bowl, combine all cake ingredients. Pour the batter into a greased or lined pan and transfer it to the oven. Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done 2-4 minutes before the end of the baking time. Avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, transfer the hot cake into a large stand mixing bowl. Use a paddle attachment to crumble the cake on low speed until no large pieces remain. You can also use a handheld mixer or crumble it by hand when it’s slightly cooled.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine all buttercream ingredients. It’s not necessary to sift the powdered sugar. Stir until smooth, though some small lumps are okay. Mix this buttercream into the crumbled cake until combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls approximately 1¼ inches (3 cm) in diameter or about 30g each. Chill the cake pops in the freezer for 15 minutes, then let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes as you melt the candy melts.
- In the microwave, melt a small amount of pink candy melts as per package instructions, stirring every 15-30 seconds until it’s smooth. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy and then insert it into the cake balls halfway through. Repeat for all cake balls, then chill them again in the freezer for another 15 minutes.
- Once chilled, bring them back 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, making sure to coat it all the way to the stick.
- Hold the stick with one hand and use the other to gently tap the cake pop until the excess candy melts drip off, aiming for an even coating. Avoid dipping again to prevent the cake pops from falling off the stick.
- Quickly decorate with your choice of sprinkles or nonpareils and place the finished cake pops into a styrofoam block to keep them steady while drying. Repeat until all cake pops are dipped and decorated.
How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
To serve your birthday cake pops, simply arrange them on a decorative platter or in a jar for a fun display. They make a charming addition to any dessert table. You can also serve them individually wrapped as party favors. Either way, they’re sure to bring smiles!
How to Store Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Store your cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them, though they may lose some of their smooth candy shell texture when chilled. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Tips to Make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
- Make sure your cake is completely cooled before crumbling it to achieve the best texture.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cake pops to ensure even cooking and decoration.
- Feel free to experiment with different flavored cake mixes or candy melts to create your favorite cake pop combinations.
Variations
You can try customizing your cake pops with different flavors. For instance, use chocolate cake mix for a rich chocolate version or try a funfetti mix for a colorful surprise inside. Additionally, changing the coat to dark or milk chocolate candy melts can add varied flavors and visuals.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade cake instead of a box mix?
Yes, you can use your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe. Just ensure it’s crumbled well.
What if my cake pops are too soft?
If the mixture feels too soft to roll into balls, consider adding more cake crumbs or chilling the mixture for a bit longer before shaping.
Can I freeze the cake pops?
Yes! You can freeze the uncoated cake balls before dipping them in candy melts. Just make sure to let them thaw slightly before you dip them.
Birthday Cake Pops
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325-350°F (162-175°C). Check the cake box recipe for the exact temperature based on your baking pan size.
- In a large bowl, combine all cake ingredients. Pour the batter into a greased or lined pan and transfer it to the oven.
- Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done 2-4 minutes before the end of the baking time. Avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, transfer the hot cake into a large stand mixing bowl. Use a paddle attachment to crumble the cake on low speed until no large pieces remain.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine all buttercream ingredients. Stir until smooth with some small lumps being okay.
- Mix this buttercream into the crumbled cake until combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls approximately 1¼ inches (3 cm) in diameter or about 30g each.
- Chill the cake pops in the freezer for 15 minutes, then let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes as you melt the candy melts.
- In the microwave, melt a small amount of pink candy melts as per package instructions, stirring every 15-30 seconds until it’s smooth.
- Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy and then insert it into the cake balls halfway through. Repeat for all cake balls, then chill them again in the freezer for another 15 minutes.
- Once chilled, bring them back 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, making sure to coat it all the way to the stick.
- Hold the stick with one hand and use the other to gently tap the cake pop until the excess candy melts drip off.
- Quickly decorate with your choice of sprinkles or nonpareils and place the finished cake pops into a styrofoam block to keep them steady while drying.
Notes
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]