Save Moist apple-cinnamon cake blended with creamy caramel, dipped in candy coating, and decorated as cute Halloween monsters makes these cake pops a festive, crowd-pleasing treat for parties and fall celebrations. Each bite is perfectly spiced and sweet for the season.
I first made these monster cake pops for my kids' classroom Halloween party, and they quickly became the most-requested treat for autumn gatherings. Decorating them together turned prep time into a creative family event & everyone loves adding their own monster faces!
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (190 g)
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: ¼ tsp
- Salt: ¼ tsp
- Unsalted butter (softened): ½ cup (115 g)
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup (150 g)
- Large eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Peeled, grated apple: 1 cup (120 g) (about 1 medium apple)
- Whole milk: ¼ cup (60 ml)
- Caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling): ½ cup (120 g)
- Cream cheese (softened): 3 tbsp (45 g)
- White or colored candy melts: 2 cups (340 g)
- Vegetable oil (for thinning candy melts): 2 tbsp (30 ml) if needed
- Lollipop sticks: 24
- Candy eyes, sprinkles, mini candies, edible glitter: For decoration
- Food coloring gels (optional): For monster colors
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) square cake pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Mix Batter:
- Fold in grated apple. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, mixing just until combined.
- Bake Cake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make Cake Pop Dough:
- Crumble cooled cake into a large bowl. Add caramel sauce and cream cheese. Mix until a dough-like consistency forms.
- Form Cake Balls:
- Scoop 1 ½-tbsp portions and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball. Freeze for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Candy Coating:
- Melt candy melts according to package directions, adding oil if needed for smoothness.
- Dip & Decorate Pops:
- Dip each cake pop into the melted candy, tapping off excess. While still wet, decorate with candy eyes, sprinkles, and colored candies to create monster faces.
- Set & Serve:
- Stand cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to set, about 30 minutes. Drizzle with extra caramel if desired.
Save My daughter always requests the green monster cake pop with extra caramel drizzle & we all laugh watching everyone choose their favorite face. Decorating brings playful magic to our autumn celebrations.
Required Tools
To make these cake pops, gather an 8-inch (20 cm) square cake pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer, baking parchment, scoop or spoon, lollipop sticks, microwave-safe bowl, and a styrofoam block or cake pop stand.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (dairy). Candy melts may include soy. Decorations might have additional allergens, so check product labels before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Each cake pop gives about 180 calories, 8 g total fat, 26 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Save These adorable monster cake pops are a hit at festive gatherings and double as edible party favors. Have fun with decorating and let everyone choose their own monster combination!
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I get vibrant monster colors?
Use colored candy melts or tint white melts with oil-based food coloring for bold, vivid monster shades.
- → Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apple?
Yes, well-drained store-bought applesauce works as a substitute for grated apple in this treat.
- → How do I prevent cake pops from falling apart?
Chill shaped balls before dipping, and ensure thorough mixing with caramel and cream cheese for proper binding.
- → How long can these treat pops be stored?
Keep the pops refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a day ahead, preserving freshness and shape.
- → Which candy decorations work best?
Candy eyes, sprinkles, colored mini candies, and edible glitter all contribute to fun monster faces and creative designs.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these pops are vegetarian-friendly. Always check candy coating labels for any animal-derived ingredients.