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Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops Recipe

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These Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops are a delightful treat loved for their moist vanilla cake center coated in a smooth candy shell and topped with festive sprinkles. Perfect for celebrations or anytime you crave a sweet, bite-sized indulgence, these cake pops combine a simple homemade vanilla cake with a creamy vanilla buttercream and a crunchy candy coating for that signature birthday look.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 box (13.25 oz) vanilla cake mix (store-bought)
  • 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)

Coating

  • 12 oz candy melts
  • White nonpareils or sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix with the neutral oil, milk (or water), and eggs. Mix according to the cake mix package instructions until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  2. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased or lined baking pan and bake as directed on the cake mix box, generally around 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C), until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
  3. Make the Vanilla Buttercream: In a medium bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of milk. Continue to beat until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
  4. Crumble and Mix Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, crumble it into fine crumbs using your hands or a fork. In a large bowl, combine the cake crumbs with the vanilla buttercream a little at a time, mixing until the mixture holds together and can be formed into balls.
  5. Form Cake Balls: Scoop out portions of the cake mixture and roll into uniform balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
  6. Melt Candy Coating: While the cake balls chill, melt the candy melts according to the package instructions, usually by microwaving in short bursts and stirring until smooth.
  7. Dip the Cake Pops: Use a fork or a dipping tool to dip each chilled cake ball into the melted candy coating, ensuring it is fully covered. Shake off excess coating gently.
  8. Add Sprinkles: Before the coating sets, immediately decorate with white nonpareils or your choice of birthday-themed sprinkles to mimic the classic birthday cake pop look.
  9. Set and Serve: Place the coated cake pops back on parchment paper or a styrofoam block to set completely at room temperature or in the fridge. Once set, serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute any neutral oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
  • Milk or water can be used interchangeably but milk adds extra moisture and richness.
  • Ensure the cake is fully cooled before crumbling to prevent a soggy mixture.
  • Chilling the cake balls is essential for easier coating and neater cake pops.
  • Candy melts can be found in most baking aisles or online; white chocolate can be substituted but may require tempering.
  • Store cake pops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Keywords: birthday cake pops, Starbucks copycat, vanilla cake pops, cake balls, party treats, candy coated cake pops

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/starbucks-copycat-birthday-cake-pops-recipe/