Make the BEST Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops at home and you’ll think twice about buying one ever again! These delightful treats are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet snack when you’re craving something special. With their rich flavor and fun appearance, these cake pops will impress your friends and family.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple to Make: You don’t need advanced baking skills to whip up these delicious cake pops.
Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of vanilla cake and creamy buttercream creates a mouthwatering treat.
Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress guests.
Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite sprinkles or nonpareils for a personal touch that makes each pop unique.
Fun for Everyone: Kids and adults alike love the fun, bite-sized nature of cake pops.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or handheld mixer
Mixing bowls
Baking pan
Lollipop sticks
Styrofoam block (for drying)

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Makes crumbling the cake easier and allows for thorough mixing of ingredients.
Baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect cake base for your pops.
Lollipop sticks: Provide stability and make it easy to enjoy your cake pops on-the-go.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Buttercream

¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch salt
1 tsp milk (add more if needed)

For Coating

12 oz candy melts
white nonpareils or sprinkles

How to Make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 325-350℉ (162-175℃). Refer to recipe on cake box for exact temperature depending on your baking pan size.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Combine all cake ingredients in a large bowl. Pour batter into greased/lined pan and transfer into oven. Stick a toothpick in the center of cake to see if it comes out clean 2–4 minutes PRIOR to the end of bake time. DO NOT OVER BAKE.

Step 3: Crumble the Cake

Transfer baked cake into a large stand mixing bowl immediately while it’s still hot. Crumble cake on low speed using a paddle attachment until no large pieces remain. You can also use a handheld mixer or crumble slightly cooled cake by hand.

Step 4: Prepare Buttercream

In a small mixing bowl, combine all buttercream ingredients. Sifting powdered sugar is not necessary. Stir well until fairly smooth; small lumps are common. Add all the buttercream to the crumbled cake and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Form Cake Pops

Roll cake pops approximately 1¼-inch (3cm) in diameter or 30g each. Chill cake pops in freezer for 15 minutes, then bring them back to room temperature for 10 minutes as you melt your candy melt.

Step 6: Attach Sticks

Melt a small amount of pink candy melts in microwave according to package instructions. Heat and stir in 15–30 second increments until thin and smooth. Dip tip of lollipop stick into candy melt, then gently insert dipped tip into the cake balls halfway in. Repeat with all cake balls, then chill again in freezer for 15 minutes.

Step 7: Coat Cake Pops

Take cake pops out of the freezer and bring them back to room temperature for 10 minutes. Melt remaining candy melts until desired thin consistency. Dip each cake pop into melted candy melt, ensuring it’s submerged all the way to the stick.

Step 8: Remove Excess Candy Melt

Holding the stick with one hand, use your other hand to gently tap the cake pop until all excess candy melt has dripped off. Aim for one even coating; avoid dunking again as this may cause your pop to detach from the stick.

Step 9: Decorate

Quickly decorate with sprinkles or nonpareils. Place finished cake pops into a styrofoam block to keep them upright as they dry. Repeat until all are dipped and sprinkled.

Enjoy making these Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops! They’ll be a hit at any occasion!

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are delightful treats perfect for any occasion. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your cake pop experience.

For a Birthday Party

Display them on a colorful cake stand: Arrange your cake pops on a festive cake stand for an attractive centerpiece.
Add themed decorations: Use balloons, streamers, or tablecloths that match the party theme to create a cohesive look.

As Party Favors

Wrap individually in clear bags: Tie with ribbons and include a thank-you tag for guests to take home.
Present in decorated boxes: Use small boxes adorned with birthday-themed designs for a charming gift.

With Coffee or Tea

Pair with your favorite brew: Enjoy your cake pops alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delicious afternoon treat.
Serve with flavored creamers: Enhance the experience by offering various creamers that complement the sweet flavors of the cake pops.

At Holiday Gatherings

Create festive displays: Arrange cake pops in themed colors that celebrate the holiday spirit, such as red and green for Christmas.
Include seasonal flavors: Experiment with different candy melts or sprinkles that match each holiday’s color palette.

As a Sweet Snack

Pack them in lunchboxes: Include cake pops as a fun dessert option for kids’ lunches or your own snacks during the day.
Enjoy after workouts: These bite-sized treats can serve as a quick energy boost post-exercise.

How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

To make sure your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops turn out just right, consider these helpful tips.

Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your cake pops depends significantly on the quality of your vanilla cake mix and other ingredients.
Chill between steps: Keep the cake pops chilled when working with melted candy to prevent them from becoming too soft and difficult to handle.
Achieve smooth coatings: Stir melted candy slowly until it reaches a thin consistency for easier dipping and even coverage.
Tap off excess candy melt: Gently tapping helps avoid clumping and ensures a neat finish on each pop.
Decorate quickly: Apply sprinkles before the coating hardens to ensure they stick well to the candy shell.
Store properly: Keep uneaten cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some great options that pair well with these sweet treats.

Fruit Platter: A refreshing assortment of seasonal fruits adds color and balances sweetness with natural flavors.
Mini Sandwiches: Finger sandwiches filled with meats, cheeses, or veggies provide savory contrast to the sugary goodness of cake pops.
Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, crackers, and nuts pairs beautifully, offering guests both sweet and savory options.
Veggie Sticks and Dip: Crisp vegetables like carrots and cucumbers served with hummus or ranch dressing create a healthy side option.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination makes chocolate-covered pretzels an irresistible snack alongside cake pops.
Cookies Variety Tray: Offer different types of cookies like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin to keep dessert lovers satisfied.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream station where guests can top their scoops with various toppings, including crumbled cake pop pieces!
Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing drink option that complements the sweetness of birthday cake pops while adding a fizzy touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops at home can be fun, but avoiding common mistakes is key to success.

Overbaking the cake: Many bakers leave the cake in the oven for too long. Always check a few minutes before the recommended bake time to ensure it stays moist.
Not chilling properly: Skipping the chilling step can cause cake pops to fall off their sticks. Always chill them for the recommended time to firm up.
Using too much candy melt: If you dip your cake pops too many times, they may become heavy and detach from the stick. Aim for one smooth coating to keep them secure.
Ignoring measurements: Precision is crucial in baking. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
Neglecting decorations: Sprinkles should be added quickly after dipping while the candy melt is still wet. This ensures they stick properly and look festive.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops in an airtight container.
They can last up to 1 week in the fridge.

Freezing Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Freeze them individually on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm them for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Microwave: Heat on low power in short intervals (10-15 seconds) until just warm.
Stovetop: Place them in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about making Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops.

How To Make A Cake Pop?

To make a cake pop, start by baking a cake, crumbling it, mixing with frosting, rolling into balls, and coating with melted chocolate or candy melts.

What Ingredients Are Needed For Starbucks Cake Pops?

You’ll need vanilla cake mix, eggs, oil, milk or water, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, candy melts, and sprinkles for decoration.

How To Make Starbucks Cake Pops Step By Step?

Follow these steps: bake the cake, crumble it and mix with frosting, shape into balls, chill them, coat with candy melts, and add sprinkles.

Can I Customize My Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops?

Absolutely! You can use different flavors of cake mix or candy melts and vary the toppings like nuts or colored sugars.

How Long Do Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops Last?

When properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they last about 1 week; frozen ones can last up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize flavors and decorations to suit any occasion. Try this recipe today for a delightful treat that captures the joy of birthdays!

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Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Make delicious Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops at home and delight your friends and family with these charming treats! Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a sweet snack, these cake pops are easy to make and can be customized to suit any occasion. The combination of moist vanilla cake and creamy buttercream, topped with colorful sprinkles, creates an irresistible dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box (13.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
⅓ cup neutral oil
1 cup milk or water
4 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
12 oz candy melts
Sprinkles or nonpareils for decoration

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325-350°F (162-175°C). Prepare a baking pan according to the cake mix instructions.
In a large bowl, mix together the cake ingredients until well combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
Bake according to package instructions until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool.
Crumble the cooled cake in a mixing bowl and combine with buttercream made from butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
Roll the mixture into balls (about 1¼-inch in diameter) and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Insert lollipop sticks into chilled balls, then freeze again for another 15 minutes.
Melt candy melts and dip each cake pop in the melted coating, tapping off excess before decorating with sprinkles.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American