Pin Moist apple-cinnamon cake blended with creamy caramel, dipped in candy coating, and decorated as cute Halloween monsters. These festive cake pops are perfect for parties and fall celebrations, delighting kids and adults alike.
I made these cake pops for a Halloween party last year and the fun monster designs had everyone giggling and reaching for seconds. Decorating them with family turned the process into a creative afternoon we’ll always remember.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (190 g), for the cake base
- Baking powder: 1 tsp, helps cake rise
- Baking soda: ½ tsp, provides extra lift
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp, adds warm spice
- Ground nutmeg: ¼ tsp, complements apple flavor
- Salt: ¼ tsp, balances sweetness
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (115 g), softened
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup (150 g), sweetness
- Eggs: 2 large, binding agent
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, flavor enhancer
- Peeled, grated apple: 1 cup (120 g), about 1 medium apple
- Whole milk: ¼ cup (60 ml), moistens batter
- Caramel sauce: ½ cup (120 g) plus extra for drizzling, adds creamy filling
- Cream cheese: 3 tbsp (45 g), softened, blends with caramel
- Candy melts: 2 cups (340 g), white or colored, for coating
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml), thins candy melts if needed
- Lollipop sticks: 24, for assembly
- Candy eyes: for decoration
- Colored sprinkles, mini candies, edible glitter: for adding monster details
- Food coloring gels: optional, for vibrant monster colors
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) square cake pan.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- Beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla extract.
- Add apples and combine:
- Fold in grated apple. Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing just until combined.
- Bake the 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 bowl. Add caramel sauce and cream cheese. Mix until dough forms.
- Shape cake pops:
- Scoop 1 ½-tbsp portions, roll into balls, and place on a tray. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball. Freeze for 30 minutes.
- Melt candy coating:
- Melt candy melts according to package. Add oil if needed for a smooth consistency.
- Dip and decorate:
- Dip each cake pop into melted candy, tapping off excess. While wet, decorate with eyes, sprinkles, and candies for monster designs.
- Set and finish:
- Stand cake pops upright in a styrofoam block to set (about 30 minutes). Drizzle with extra caramel if desired.
Pin My kids love helping me decorate these cake pops, each one coming out with a unique monster face. Sharing the treats at family gatherings has become a fun fall tradition that everyone looks forward to.
Required Tools
8-inch (20 cm) square cake pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer, parchment paper, scoop or spoon, lollipop sticks, microwave-safe bowl, styrofoam block or cake pop stand
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy), and possible soy (in candy melts). Decorations may contain additional allergens, so always read product labels carefully.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Each cake pop contains about 180 calories, 8 g total fat, 26 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Pin Serve these monster cake pops at your next party and watch them disappear lightning fast. The caramel apple flavor and cheerful decorations make every bite memorable.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I shape the cake pops?
Once the cake is crumbled and mixed with caramel and cream cheese, roll the mixture into balls with your hands or a scoop, then insert a lollipop stick.
- → Can I use store-bought applesauce instead of fresh apples?
Yes, well-drained store-bought applesauce can be substituted for fresh grated apples if needed.
- → How can I make vibrant monster colors?
Use colored candy melts or add oil-based food coloring gels to white melts for bold, festive shades.
- → What is the best way to set decorated cake pops?
Place dipped pops vertically in a styrofoam block or stand so decorations set smoothly and coating dries evenly.
- → How should I store the finished pops?
Store in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to a day to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Are the pops suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dessert is vegetarian, but always check decoration ingredients for potential animal-based additives.