Caramel Apple Cinnamon Monster (Printer View)
Apple-cinnamon treats dipped in caramel and candy, styled as spooky monsters—ideal for parties and autumn fun.
# Components:
→ Cake Base
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
08 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup peeled, grated apple (about 1 medium apple)
12 - 1/4 cup whole milk
→ Filling and Assembly
13 - 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
14 - 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
15 - 2 cups white or colored candy melts
16 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for thinning candy melts, if needed)
17 - 24 lollipop sticks
→ Decoration
18 - Candy eyes
19 - Colored sprinkles, mini candies, or edible glitter
20 - Food coloring gels (optional, for monster colors)
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8-inch square cake pan with parchment.
02 - In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
03 - Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla extract.
04 - Fold in grated apple. Add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with milk, until just combined.
05 - Transfer batter to prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cake cool completely in the pan.
06 - Crumble cooled cake into a large bowl. Add caramel sauce and softened cream cheese. Mix until well-combined and dough-like.
07 - Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray. Insert lollipop sticks. Freeze balls for 30 minutes.
08 - Melt candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl according to package instructions, adding vegetable oil if needed for a smooth consistency.
09 - Dip chilled cake balls in melted candy coating, letting excess drip off. Decorate immediately with candy eyes, sprinkles, and colored candies to create monster faces.
10 - Stand cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to set for about 30 minutes. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Fun and customizable monster decorations for Halloween or parties
- Cake pops combine caramel, apple, and cinnamon flavors for a seasonal twist
02 -
- Vivid monster colors work best with oil-based coloring for candy melts
- Store cake pops refrigerated for up to one day ahead
03 -
- Chill cake balls thoroughly before dipping for less crumbling
- Make decorations stick by quickly adding candies and eyes to wet coating