Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
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Whether you’re a Starbucks devotee or have decided to skip their lines altogether, there’s no reason to miss out on your favorite birthday cake pops when you can whip them up at home. Trust me, these Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops not only taste better (sorry, Starbucks!), but they also allow you to make over 30 pops for the price of just two from the store. Plus, there’s a unique satisfaction in crafting these delightful treats yourself. Don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through it!
Why Make Cake Pops at Home?
Currently, a Starbucks Birthday Cake Pop costs about $3.25 each in my neck of the woods. How about in yours? Imagine the savings when you make these at home—30 cake pops for under a fraction of the cost! Beyond the financial perks, making these at home means you can avoid missing out on your favorite treats if you’re boycotting Starbucks. Kids adore them, and they’re perfect for any occasion with their delightful flavor and convenient stick presentation.
This recipe will teach you the essential steps for making cake pops successfully, paving the way for you to explore a variety of flavors with ease.
Optional, But Highly Recommended Tips
To create these popular Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops, we’ll use a store-bought cake mix with a twist—adding an extra egg and using milk instead of water. This hack enhances flavor and moisture, making the cake pops richer and easier to shape.
Don’t skip the quick vanilla buttercream addition to your baked cake. It’s the secret to achieving that authentic Starbucks taste. While some people use store-bought frosting, I find homemade buttercream offers the best flavor balance without being overly sweet.
Key Ingredient Insights
- Cake Mix: Use any brand of vanilla cake mix—Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, Pillsbury, etc.
- Oil vs. Butter: I recommend oil for keeping the cake moist, which is crucial for cake pops.
- Candy Melts: Opt for pink candy melts for ease and consistency. My favorites are from Michael’s Arts & Crafts for their perfect color match and smooth melting.
Suzy’s Tips for Success
- Baking Pan: Feel free to use a single 9×13-inch pan instead of multiple rounds.
- Check Cake Early: Always check your cake a few minutes before the suggested bake time to avoid dryness.
- Crumble While Hot: Crumble the cake while it’s hot to retain moisture.
- No Sifting Needed: For buttercream, sifting powdered sugar isn’t necessary since it will blend well with the cake.
- Perfect Size: Keep cake pops around 30 grams or 1¼-inch in diameter to ensure they stay on the sticks.
- Chill at Every Stage: Chill cake pops after rolling and after inserting sticks to ensure they hold together.
How to Make Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box (13.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- ⅓ cup neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, canola, etc.)
- 1 cup milk or water
- 4 large eggs
Vanilla Buttercream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon milk (add more if needed)
Coating
- 12 oz pink candy melts
- White nonpareils or sprinkles
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 325-350℉ (162-175℃). Mix cake ingredients and pour into a greased/lined pan. Bake, checking a few minutes before the end time.
- Crumble the Cake: Transfer the hot cake to a mixing bowl and crumble using a mixer or by hand.
- Make the Buttercream: Blend butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk until smooth. Mix into the crumbled cake.
- Form Cake Pops: Roll into balls about 1¼-inch in diameter. Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Candy Melts: Melt a small amount of candy melts and dip stick tips before inserting into cake balls. Chill again.
- Coat the Cake Pops: Melt remaining candy melts and dip each cake pop, ensuring full coverage. Let excess drip off.
- Decorate and Dry: Quickly add sprinkles and place cake pops upright in a styrofoam block to dry.
Storage Tips
Keep cake pops at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap individually and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQ
Where can I find pink candy melts?
- Check Michael’s Arts & Crafts, Walmart, Target, or Amazon for the best options.
Why is my cake pop crumbly?
- Over-baking is often the culprit. Be sure to check your cake early to prevent dryness.
Why are my cake pops cracking?
- Cracks occur due to temperature differences. Allow pops to come to room temperature before dipping.
How do I keep cake pops from falling off the stick?
- Ensure they’re properly chilled and sized, and dip only once to avoid adding excess weight.
What if I don’t have a styrofoam block?
- Use a cardboard box with holes or a loaf pan filled with rice to hold them upright.
Conclusion
There you have it—Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops that are not only budget-friendly but also a delightful treat to make at home. With their perfect sweetness and charming presentation, these cake pops are sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as a fun treat for yourself. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
