# Ingredients:
→ 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 & Assembly
13 - 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus additional 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
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, then blend in vanilla extract.
04 - Fold in grated apple, then gradually add dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with milk, mixing only until incorporated.
05 - Transfer batter to prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
06 - Crumble cooled cake into a large bowl. Add caramel sauce and cream cheese. Mix until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.
07 - Portion out 1 1/2-tablespoon scoops and roll each into a ball. Arrange on a parchment-lined tray. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball. Freeze for 30 minutes.
08 - Melt candy melts according to package instructions. Add vegetable oil if necessary to achieve a smooth consistency.
09 - Dip each cake ball into melted candy coating, tap off excess, then decorate immediately with candy eyes, sprinkles, and colored candies to create festive monster faces.
10 - Secure pops upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand. Allow to set for approximately 30 minutes. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce if desired.
