Save Whimsical cake pops infused with cinnamon and coated in sparkling sugar, decorated like playful monsters—perfect for parties and festive celebrations.
I first made these Cinnamon Sugar Monster Cake Pops for my niece's Halloween birthday party, and everyone loved both the taste and the cheerful, silly decorations. They became a yearly tradition thanks to the way they light up kids' faces.
Ingredients
- Cake: 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter (softened), 2 large eggs, ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Frosting: ¾ cup (170 g) cream cheese (softened), ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter (softened), 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Coating & Decoration: 2 cups (340 g) white or colored candy melts, ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, candy eyes, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips or colored sugar for monster effects, 24 lollipop sticks
Instructions
- Prepare Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan.
- Mix Batter:
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, adding one at a time, then vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
- Bake Cake:
- Pour batter into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cake cool completely.
- Make Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, beating until creamy.
- Form Cake Pop Mixture:
- Crumble cooled cake into fine crumbs and mix with frosting to form pliable dough.
- Shape Cake Pops:
- Roll mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls and place on lined baking sheet. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Coating:
- Melt candy melts as directed on package. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in shallow bowl.
- Attach Sticks:
- Dip tip of each lollipop stick in melted candy, then insert into cake balls.
- Dip and Decorate:
- Dip each pop in melted candy, let excess drip, then roll in cinnamon sugar and decorate with candy eyes and sprinkles to make monster faces.
- Set Pops:
- Stand pops upright in styrofoam block or cake pop stand until set.
Save Making these cake pops has turned into a family event: my kids help create monster faces, and everyone gets involved in the decorating, turning it into a playful afternoon together.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer, 8-inch (20 cm) cake pan, baking sheet, lollipop sticks, microwave-safe bowl, styrofoam block or cake pop stand
Nutritional Information
Each cake pop contains approximately 185 calories, 8 g total fat, 26 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Category & Yield
This dessert recipe is American cuisine, suitable for vegetarians, and yields about 24 cake pops.
Save Give your monsters unique personalities with creative decorations. Serve them on a festive platter to make your celebration memorable.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve bright monster colors?
Use gel food coloring in the candy melts to create vibrant shades for the monster finishes.
- → Can I prepare pops ahead of time?
Yes, you can store decorated pops in an airtight container for up to four days at room temperature.
- → What alternatives can I use for decorations?
Try sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, colored sugar, or different shapes of candy eyes for playful variety.
- → Is there a way to enhance flavor?
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cake mix for a deeper, aromatic touch alongside cinnamon.
- → What is the best way to set pops after coating?
Stand each pop upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand so decorations stay in place while candies set.