why make this recipe
If you love the sweet and fun flavor of birthday cake pops from Starbucks, this recipe is for you! Making your own cake pops at home is not only a fun activity, but you can also customize them to your taste. You can enjoy these delightful treats during celebrations, as gifts, or just for a sweet snack. Plus, they are perfect for kids and adults alike!
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 (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 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℃). Follow the instructions on the cake box for the exact temperature based on your baking pan size.
- In a large bowl, combine all the cake ingredients. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased or lined baking pan and place it in the oven. Check the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center about 2-4 minutes before the baking time is finished. It should come out clean. Be careful not to over bake it.
- Once baked, transfer the cake to a large mixing bowl while it’s still hot. Crumble the cake on low speed with a paddle attachment until there are no large pieces left. You can also use a handheld mixer or crumble it by hand after letting it cool slightly.
- In another small mixing bowl, combine all the buttercream ingredients. You don’t need to sift the powdered sugar. Stir until the mixture is mostly smooth; some small lumps are normal.
- Add this buttercream to the crumbled cake and mix until everything is well mixed together.
- Roll the mixture into balls about 1¼-inch (3cm) in diameter, or around 30g each. Place the cake pops in the freezer for 15 minutes, then let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you melt your candy melts.
- Melt a small amount of pink candy melts in the microwave following the package instructions. Heat and stir in 15-30 second increments until smooth.
- Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted candy, then gently insert that tip into the cake balls halfway. Do this for all the cake balls, and chill them again in the freezer for another 15 minutes.
- After chilling, take the cake pops out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Melt the rest of the candy melts until they reach a thin consistency.
- Dip each cake pop into the melted candy until it is fully covered, ensuring it’s submerged all the way to the stick to help keep it secure.
- While holding the stick, gently tap the cake pop until any excess candy melts drip off. You want a smooth coating, so don’t dunk them again.
- Quickly decorate with sprinkles or nonpareils before the candy melts harden. Place each finished cake pop into a styrofoam block to keep them upright as they dry. Repeat for all cake pops.
how to serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Serve these delightful cake pops on a pretty plate or in a fun container. They make perfect treats for birthday parties, celebrations, or just a sweet snack at home. You can also pack them up as gifts for friends or family!
how to store Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
To store your cake pops, place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
tips to make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t over bake your cake; it should be moist for easy crumbling.
- Chill the cake pops as needed to help them hold their shape when coating with candy melts.
- Use a variety of sprinkles to make your cake pops even more festive!
variation
You can customize the flavor of these cake pops by using different cake mixes, like chocolate or funfetti. Additionally, try different colors of candy melts or flavored candy melts for a unique twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use different flavors of cake mix?
Yes! Feel free to use any flavor you like, such as chocolate, red velvet, or even lemon.
2. What can I do if my cake pops are falling off the stick?
Make sure you dip the stick in melted candy melts before inserting it into the cake ball. Also, ensure your cake pops are well chilled before coating.
3. How do I make these gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free cake mix to make sure your cake pops are gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and fun cake pops inspired by the sweet flavor of Starbucks birthday cake pops, perfect for celebrations or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 1 box (13.25 oz) of store-bought 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 of salt
- 1 tsp milk (add more if needed)
- 12 oz candy melts
- White nonpareils or sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325-350℉ (162-175℃) as instructed on the cake box.
- In a large bowl, mix all cake ingredients until well combined.
- Pour batter into a greased or lined baking pan and bake, checking with a toothpick a few minutes before baking time ends.
- Once baked, crumble the cake in a large bowl while it’s still hot.
- In another bowl, mix all buttercream ingredients until mostly smooth.
- Add buttercream to crumbled cake and mix well.
- Roll mixture into 1¼-inch balls and freeze for 15 minutes.
- While chilled, melt a small amount of pink candy melts in the microwave.
- Dip lollipop sticks into melted candy and insert into cake balls.
- Chill again in the freezer for another 15 minutes.
- Dip each cake pop into melted candy until fully covered and tap off excess.
- Quickly decorate with sprinkles or nonpareils and let dry in a styrofoam block.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. Don’t overbake the cake for better crumbling. Use a variety of sprinkles for a festive appearance.