Description
These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops offer a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of a classic vanilla birthday cake in fun, bite-sized pops. Made from a moist vanilla cake mixed with a smooth buttercream filling, dipped in colorful candy melts, and finished with festive sprinkles, these cake pops are perfect for parties, celebrations, or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box (13.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- ⅓ cup neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 cup milk or water
- 4 large eggs
Buttercream Filling
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Coating & Decoration
- 12 oz candy melts
- Sprinkles or nonpareils for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven temperature to between 325-350°F (162-175°C) according to the cake mix package instructions to ensure proper baking.
- Prepare Cake Batter: Combine the vanilla cake mix, neutral oil, milk or water, and eggs in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and homogeneous. Pour the batter into a greased or lined baking pan and bake as directed on the package, usually about 25-30 minutes.
- Crumble the Cake: After the cake has fully cooled, crumble it into fine crumbs using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or your hands to ensure a smooth texture for rolling.
- Make Buttercream Filling: In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Then mix this filling into the cake crumbs until the mixture holds together well.
- Form Cake Balls: Roll the cake mixture into balls approximately 1¼ inches in diameter. Place them on a tray and chill in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up.
- Melt Candy Coating: Melt the candy melts in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure a smooth coating.
- Dip and Decorate: Insert lollipop sticks into each chilled cake ball, dip them into the melted candy coating, allowing excess to drip off. Sprinkle with sprinkles or nonpareils immediately before the coating sets. Place on parchment paper to dry completely.
Notes
- Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil as it does not alter the flavor of the cake.
- Adjust the oven temperature within the recommended range depending on your oven’s behavior and the cake mix instructions.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before crumbling to avoid a soggy mixture.
- If the cake balls feel too sticky to roll, chilling them longer can help.
- For a thinner candy coating, add a small amount of vegetable oil to the candy melts while melting.
- Store cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
