Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in these delightful Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops that bring the joy of birthday celebrations to any day of the year.
These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are perfect for any celebration. With a moist cake center and a smooth chocolate coating, they make a great treat for both kids and adults!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich vanilla flavor with a hint of almond extract
- Fun and festive appearance for any occasion
- Easy to make and perfect for sharing
The Joy of Cake Pops
Cake pops have taken the dessert world by storm, transforming the beloved cake into a portable treat that is perfect for any gathering. Their bite-sized nature makes them an ideal choice for parties, celebrations, or even a simple afternoon snack. With the right recipe, you can capture the essence of a full cake in a single pop, delighting both kids and adults alike. The Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are no exception, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone craving more.
These cake pops are not just about taste; they are also about presentation. The vibrant colors and festive sprinkles make them a visual treat, enhancing any table setting or dessert display. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday gathering, or just want to add a touch of sweetness to your day, these cake pops will bring smiles and joy to all who indulge. Plus, they are a fun activity to make with family and friends, creating lasting memories in the kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Cake Pops
To achieve the best results with your cake pops, it’s essential to ensure your cake is blended well with the frosting. The right consistency will help the cake balls hold their shape while being dipped in chocolate. If your mixture feels too dry, add a bit more frosting to achieve a moist and sticky texture. Conversely, if it’s too wet, a little extra crumbled cake can help balance it out. This attention to detail will ensure your cake pops come out perfectly every time.
Another important tip is to let your cake pops chill properly before dipping. Refrigerating them for at least 30 minutes allows them to firm up, making the dipping process much easier and ensuring that they maintain their shape. When dipping, use a fork or a dipping tool to help coat the cake pops evenly while allowing excess chocolate to drip off. This will create a smooth, professional-looking finish that is sure to impress your guests.
Serving and Storing Cake Pops
Ingredients
For the Cake Pops
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- 24 lollipop sticks
For the Coating
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- Sprinkles for decoration
Make sure to gather all ingredients before starting your cake pops!
Instructions
Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, butter, and almond extract. Mix until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Crumble the Cake
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely. Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl. Mix in the frosting until evenly combined.
Form the Cake Balls
Using your hands, form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the cake mixture. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until completely smooth.
Dip and Decorate
Once the cake pops are set, dip each one into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat it evenly. Allow excess chocolate to drip off. Immediately sprinkle with decorations before the chocolate hardens. Place back on the parchment paper to set.
Once set, your cake pops are ready to serve!
Customizing Your Cake Pops
One of the best things about cake pops is their versatility. You can easily customize the flavors, colors, and decorations to suit any occasion or personal preference. For instance, if you want a chocolate variation, simply substitute the vanilla cake mix with a chocolate cake mix and adjust the frosting accordingly. You can also experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla bean or coconut, to create unique flavor profiles.
When it comes to decorating, the possibilities are endless. Instead of traditional sprinkles, consider using crushed nuts, edible glitter, or themed decorations to match your event. For holidays, you might opt for colored chocolate melts to make your cake pops pop with festive cheer. Let your creativity shine through, and have fun creating cake pops that are not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Serving Suggestions
These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are perfect for a variety of occasions. They make excellent party favors, dessert table additions, or even sweet surprises for lunchboxes. Pair them with a glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or serve them alongside other desserts for a delightful treat. Their portable size makes them perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just enjoying at home while binge-watching your favorite shows.
For a themed party, consider coordinating your cake pop decorations with the event. For instance, pastel colors for a spring gathering, spooky designs for Halloween, or vibrant hues for a summer celebration. Using cake pops as part of a dessert buffet can elevate your event, providing guests with a variety of sweet options to choose from. Their unique presentation and delightful taste will surely leave a lasting impression.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer.
→ How do I store leftover cake pops?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze cake pops?
Yes, you can freeze cake pops for up to a month. Just make sure they are fully set and wrapped properly.
→ What can I use instead of white chocolate for coating?
You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even candy melts if you prefer.
Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops
Indulge in these delightful Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops that bring the joy of birthday celebrations to any day of the year.
Created by: Charity Bowen
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 pops
What You'll Need
For the Cake Pops
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- 24 lollipop sticks
For the Coating
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- Sprinkles for decoration
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, butter, and almond extract. Mix until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely. Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl. Mix in the frosting until evenly combined.
Using your hands, form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the cake mixture. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until completely smooth.
Once the cake pops are set, dip each one into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat it evenly. Allow excess chocolate to drip off. Immediately sprinkle with decorations before the chocolate hardens. Place back on the parchment paper to set.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g