Birthday Cake Pop (Starbucks)

Birthday Cake Pops are a delightful treat that brings joy to any celebration. Inspired by the popular version from Starbucks, these sweet bites are loved for their fun, festive appearance and rich, vanilla flavor. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a family gathering, or simply want to brighten your day, these cake pops fit the bill perfectly. Their portable size makes them a fantastic dessert choice for any occasion, and the colorful presentation is sure to impress your guests. Let’s dive into how you can create these delightful desserts at home!

Why make this recipe

Creating Birthday Cake Pops at home is easier than you might think! This recipe is perfect for beginners, as it requires simple steps and common ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, making these cake pops at home is usually more fun, fresh, and flavorful than buying them from a store. You can customize them to your liking and save some money in the process. They also work well for family activities, turning baking into a wonderful bonding experience.

How to make Birthday Cake Pop

Making Birthday Cake Pops is a straightforward process. With just a few simple steps, you will turn a box of cake mix into delicious pops that everyone will love. The entire process involves baking the cake, mixing it with sweet ingredients, and shaping it into fun little bites. It should take about 30 minutes to prep and an hour to chill and set, allowing you to enjoy delicious cake pops in no time.

Ingredients

For these delightful treats, you will need:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus the ingredients on the back)
• 1/4 cup (27g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 12 oz light pink color melts
• White nonpareils sprinkles
• 24 lollipop sticks

Directions

1. Prepare and bake the cake mix according to the instructions on the box.
2. Once the cake is out of the oven, pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer while it’s still hot. Be careful not to overcook the cake, as this could affect the texture.
3. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the bowl. Using the paddle attachment, mix on low speed until a soft dough forms that can be easily shaped.
4. Take portions of the dough and roll them into balls in your hands or with a cake pop press.
5. Place the cake balls on a cookie sheet and set them in the freezer to chill for about 30 minutes.
6. While they chill, melt the color melts in a microwave-safe bowl.
7. When the chocolate is melted, remove the cake balls from the freezer. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted candy and press it into the center of each cake ball. This will help keep them from falling off.
8. Return the cake pops to the fridge or freezer briefly to help the chocolate set.
9. Once the chocolate on the sticks has set, pour the remaining melted candy into a tall, skinny jar or glass.
10. Dip each cake pop into the melted candy and gently shake off any excess. Stand each pop right side up and sprinkle with nonpareils if you wish.
11. Let the candy melt set while the cake pops are standing. You can use a cardboard box or foam block with holes to help them stay upright while they dry.
12. Serve the pops as they are or individually wrap them if desired. Enjoy! They can be stored at room temperature for up to three days.

How to serve Birthday Cake Pop

Birthday Cake Pops are versatile treats that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They are perfect as a sweet breakfast treat alongside coffee or tea, a delightful afternoon snack, or a fun dessert option for lunch or dinner. You can also package them up with ribbons for party favors at celebrations. Their cute appearance makes them a hit at holiday gatherings and children’s parties as well.

How to store Birthday Cake Pop

To keep your Birthday Cake Pops fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to wrap each pop well in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

Tips to make Birthday Cake Pop

• Be sure not to over-bake the cake; this can lead to dry cake balls.
• Allow the cake to cool slightly before mixing; this helps with texture.
• If the mixture is too crumbly, add a touch of water or milk to moisten it.
• Use a cake pop press for perfectly shaped balls every time.
• Sprinkle decorations on while the chocolate is still wet for better adherence.

Print

Variation

Feel free to get creative with your Birthday Cake Pops! You can use different flavored cake mixes, like chocolate or strawberry, to change the taste. For a fun twist, substitute the light pink color melts with dark chocolate or white chocolate for varied flavors and appearances. Additionally, consider using themed sprinkles to align with your party or event. If you’re looking for healthier options, you can make a gluten-free cake mix or substitute some ingredients to cater to dietary needs.

FAQs

Can I make Birthday Cake Pops ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of cake mix?

You can make your batter from scratch if you prefer, using flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder for a homemade version of vanilla cake.

What should I do if my cake pops fall off the stick?

Make sure you dip the stick in melted candy before inserting it into the cake ball. This helps the stick stay in place while the pops set.

Creating Birthday Cake Pops at home is a fun and rewarding experience that adds a special touch to any occasion. Enjoy the process and the delightful treats!