Pin it Fun, whimsical cake pops with a cinnamon-sugar twist decorated to look like playful monsters. These treats are perfect for parties and childrens snacks or anytime you want to add sweet creativity to dessert.
The first time I made these monster cake pops, the giggles were nonstop and children loved customizing their own edible creatures with wild decorations!
Ingredients
- Cake: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (110 g) unsalted butter (softened), 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Frosting (for binding): 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2 tbsp whole milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt
- Decoration: 12 oz (340 g) white or colored candy melts, candy eyes (store-bought), assorted sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, colored sugar, lollipop sticks
Instructions
- Make the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) square cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream Sugar and Butter:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine Batter:
- Add half the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mix, then add milk, and the remaining dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Bake and Cool:
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Cool cake completely.
- Prepare Frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Form Cake Balls:
- Crumble cooled cake into a large bowl. Add frosting, a spoonful at a time, mixing until cake holds together but is not too wet.
- Shape and Chill:
- Roll mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in freezer for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Candy Coating:
- Melt candy melts following package instructions.
- Insert Sticks:
- Dip a lollipop stick tip in melted candy, then insert halfway into each cake ball.
- Coat and Decorate:
- Dip cake pops into candy melt coating, tapping off excess. Immediately sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and attach candy eyes. Decorate with sprinkles or chocolate chips to create monster features.
- Set Cake Pops:
- Stick pops upright in a Styrofoam block or cake pop stand. Allow coating to harden before serving.
Pin it Making these together after school became a family favorite—everyone tried to design the silliest monster and competed for the best cake pop face!
Required Tools
You will need an 8-inch (20 cm) square cake pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, parchment paper, lollipop sticks, and a Styrofoam block or cake pop stand.
Allergen Information
This dessert contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter, milk). Candy eyes and decorations might contain soy or traces of nuts. Always check ingredient labels when allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each cinnamon sugar monster cake pop provides about 180 calories, 8 g total fat, 26 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein per serving.
Pin it Serve these cinnamon sugar monster cake pops with a big smile—the decorations invite laughter and the flavor wins every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get the cake balls to hold their shape?
Combine crumbled cake with frosting gradually until the mixture is moist and holds together without being wet. Chilling helps set the shape.
- → Can I use store-bought cake for this?
Yes, store-bought cake can work. Crumble and mix with homemade frosting as instructed. Flavor and texture may vary.
- → What’s the best way to decorate monster features?
Use candy eyes, sprinkles, and chocolate chips while the coating is still wet so decorations stick. Get creative with colors and shapes.
- → How do I prevent pops from falling off sticks?
Dip each stick end in melted candy before inserting into cake balls. This acts as glue and helps keep pops secure.
- → Can I make these pops ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store finished pops airtight at room temperature up to three days. Refrigerate if using dairy-heavy decoration.
- → Are there allergy concerns with decorations?
Check labels for candy eyes and sprinkles, as they sometimes contain soy, nuts, or other allergens. Adapt decorations if needed.