Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops Recipe

Introduction

These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are a delightful treat that captures the fun and sweetness of the classic birthday cake flavor in bite-sized form. Perfect for parties or a special snack, they combine moist vanilla cake with creamy buttercream and a festive coating.

Ingredients

• 1 (13.25 oz) box 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon milk (add more if needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the vanilla cake according to the package instructions, using the oil, milk or water, and eggs as listed. Bake the cake and allow it to cool completely.
2. Step 2: While the cake cools, make the vanilla buttercream. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and milk, beating until smooth. Adjust milk quantity to get spreading consistency.
3. Step 3: Once the cake is cooled, crumble it into fine crumbs in a large bowl. Add a few spoonfuls of the buttercream to the cake crumbs and mix until the mixture holds together when pressed.
4. Step 4: Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
5. Step 5: Melt your choice of candy melts or chocolate coating. Dip each cake ball into the melted coating to cover completely, and gently tap off excess. Place back onto the tray.
6. Step 6: Decorate with sprinkles immediately before the coating sets. Allow the cake pops to set fully at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality vanilla extract for a richer buttercream flavor.
• Substitute half of the milk with buttermilk for a tangier cake base.
• Add colorful sprinkles inside the cake mixture for extra birthday fun.
• Use white chocolate candy melts for a classic look or colored melts to match party themes.

Storage

Store birthday cake pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours. Avoid storing cake pops at room temperature for extended periods to maintain freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cake from scratch instead of using a box mix?

Yes, you can use your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe. Just ensure it’s moist enough to hold together when mixed with the buttercream.

What can I use instead of candy melts for coating?

If you don’t have candy melts, you can use white chocolate or chocolate chips combined with a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to create a smooth, dipable coating.

Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops Recipe

Print Recipe

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Recreate the fun and festive Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops with this easy recipe featuring a moist vanilla cake base blended with creamy vanilla buttercream, shaped into pops, and adorned with sprinkles for a delightful treat perfect for any celebration.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 20 cake pops 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 1 box (13.25 oz) store-bought 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)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, neutral oil, milk or water, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and uniform.
2. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased or lined cake pan and bake according to the instructions on the cake mix box, usually around 25–30 minutes at 350°F (175°C), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
3. Make the Vanilla Buttercream: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and milk. Mix until smooth and adjust milk quantity to achieve a spreadable consistency.
4. Crumble the Cake: Once cooled, crumble the cake into a fine texture using your hands or a food processor.
5. Combine Cake and Buttercream: Add a few spoonfuls of the vanilla buttercream to the crumbled cake and mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together easily when formed into balls.
6. Shape the Cake Pops: Roll the cake and buttercream mixture into small, evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
7. Chill the Cake Pops: Place the shaped cake balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
8. Decorate: Once firm, insert lollipop sticks into each cake ball and dip them into melted candy melts or chocolate coating. Immediately decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar before the coating hardens.
9. Set the Cake Pops: Stand the cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or stand and allow the coating to fully set at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Notes

• Use a neutral oil to avoid overpowering flavors in the cake.
• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before crumbling to prevent a greasy mixture.
• Adjust the amount of buttercream added to the crumbled cake to achieve the right consistency for shaping.
• For best results, chill the cake pops before dipping.
• Store cake pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Starbucks copycat, birthday cake pops, vanilla cake pops, party dessert, cake balls, festive treats