Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Make over 30 cake pops for the price of just a few store-bought ones.
- Moist & Flavorful: Uses a cake mix hack for the perfect texture.
- Customizable: Switch up flavors, colors, and toppings.
- Great for Parties: A hit with kids and adults alike.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make them ahead of time for convenience.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, etc.)
- 3 eggs (instead of the 2 usually called for)
- 1 cup milk (instead of water)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating & Decorations:
- 1 bag pink candy melts
- 30 lollipop sticks
- ¼ cup sprinkles
- Styrofoam block (to hold cake pops while drying)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Mix cake ingredients and bake according to the box instructions.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then crumble it into a bowl while still warm.
- Make the Buttercream:
- Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Form the Cake Balls:
- Add the buttercream to crumbled cake and mix until the dough holds together.
- Roll into 1¼-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Insert Sticks & Chill:
- Melt a few candy melts and dip the tip of each lollipop stick in before inserting halfway into each cake ball.
- Freeze for another 15 minutes to secure the sticks.
- Coat the Cake Pops:
- Melt the remaining candy melts.
- Dip each cake pop fully, letting excess drip off.
- Quickly add sprinkles before the coating sets.
- Let Them Set:
- Stick cake pops upright in a Styrofoam block to dry completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 30 cake pops
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Different Flavors: Use chocolate, red velvet, or funfetti cake mix.
- Alternative Frosting: Try cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
- Color Variations: Use different candy melt colors for themed cake pops.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncoated cake balls for up to 2 months; coat after thawing.
- Reheating Candy Melts: If the coating hardens while dipping, reheat in short bursts in the microwave.
FAQs
1. Why do I need to chill the cake pops before dipping?
Chilling helps keep the cake pops firm and prevents them from falling apart when dipped.
2. Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix?
Yes! Any vanilla cake recipe will work.
3. Can I use white chocolate instead of candy melts?
Yes, but mix in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to help with melting.
4. Why do my cake pops crack?
They may be too cold when dipped into the hot candy melts. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before coating.
5. How do I prevent cake pops from sliding off the sticks?
Make sure the candy melt "glue" fully sets before dipping.
6. Can I make mini cake pops?
Yes! Just roll smaller balls and use shorter sticks.
7. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of homemade buttercream?
Yes, but use sparingly to avoid making the mixture too soft.
8. How do I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cake mix, margarine for buttercream, and dairy-free candy melts.
9. How can I make my cake pops extra smooth?
Tap the stick gently after dipping to remove excess coating.
10. What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Arrange them in a decorative stand or place in mini cupcake liners.
Conclusion
Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are fun, delicious, and easy to make at home. Whether for a party, a special treat, or just because, these cake pops will satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, you’ll save money and get the satisfaction of making them from scratch. Try them today!
Cake Pops
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 30 cake pops
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are an easy homemade version of the popular treat! Made with moist vanilla cake, creamy buttercream, and coated in pink candy melts, they’re the perfect bite-sized dessert for birthdays, parties, or just because. Fun, delicious, and budget-friendly!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, etc.)
- 3 eggs (instead of the 2 usually called for)
- 1 cup milk (instead of water)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating & Decorations:
- 1 bag pink candy melts
- 30 lollipop sticks
- ¼ cup sprinkles
- Styrofoam block (to hold cake pops while drying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Mix cake ingredients and bake according to box instructions.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then crumble it into a bowl while still warm.
- Make the Buttercream:
- Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Form the Cake Balls:
- Add buttercream to crumbled cake and mix until the dough holds together.
- Roll into 1¼-inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Insert Sticks & Chill:
- Melt a few candy melts and dip the tip of each lollipop stick before inserting halfway into each cake ball.
- Freeze for another 15 minutes to secure the sticks.
- Coat the Cake Pops:
- Melt the remaining candy melts.
- Dip each cake pop fully, letting excess drip off.
- Quickly add sprinkles before the coating sets.
- Let Them Set:
- Stick cake pops upright in a Styrofoam block to dry completely.
Notes
- Variations: Try chocolate, red velvet, or gluten-free cake mix. Use different colored candy melts for themes.
- Storage/Reheating: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze uncoated cake balls for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Candy Melts: If the coating hardens, microwave in short bursts until smooth.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
