Moana Cake Pops
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These whimsical Moana Cake Pops are the perfect way to add touch of island magic to your next Moana party or movie night!
Moana Inspired Cake Pops
The first time we ever saw the Moana movie, we were totally hooked. From the story to the music, I knew it was an instant classic and it’s still one of our favorite Disney movies to this day!
Now there’s a new movie on the way (two actually) and we’re totally here for it! So much so, that I’ve been working on some fun treats, including some cute Moana cupcakes and now these adorable cake pops.
Each one features a Funfetti cake center mixed with frosting, shaped into a ball, and dipped in colorful candy melts. Decorated with tropical sugar flowers and the iconic Heart of Te Fiti swirl, it’s the perfect whimsical touch for Moana themed parties, birthdays, or movie nights.
Looking for more Moana birthday party ideas? Check out these adorable DIY Moana invitations and free printable Moana thank you cards.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Island vibe: Their fun design is ideal for a Hawaiian, beach or tropical themed party.
- Family fun: Rolling, dipping, and decorating these treats is a fun and simple activity that everyone loves.
- Easy recipe: All you need is a boxed cake mix and just a few other simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- Freshly baked Funfetti cake (crumbled)
- Vanilla frosting
- Light green candy melts
- Dark green candy melts
- Wilton mini daisy icing flowers
Recommended Tools
- Lollipop sticks
- Cookie dough scoop
- Piping bag
- Mixer
- Parchment paper
How To Make Moana Cake Pops
Step 1. Start by combining your crumbled Funfetti cake and icing in a stand mixer. Mix well, then knead the mixture into a large ball by hand. You’ll want to be sure the ingredients are well combined and packed tightly.
Step 2. Using a cookie dough scoop, remove even amounts of dough and roll each one into a ball. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Step 3. Freeze for one hour so that the cake balls are easier to dip.
Tip: For a great time-saving tip, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Don’t crumble until you’re ready to make the recipe.
To Decorate
Step 4. Melt the light green melts in a microwave safe dish. Microwave in one minute intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
Step 5. Dip the end of a cake pop stick into your melted chocolate, then gently push down into the ball. I push mine nearly to the bottom, so I know I have a good hold for dipping. Allow it to set.
Step 6. Once set, dip each pop into the melted chocolate, tapping the stick on the side of the bowl to remove any access.
Tip: If you can’t find green melts, you can use white ones with a little green gel food coloring.
Step 7. While still wet, add the flowers, then place the cake pop gently on the parchment paper. Let harden before moving on to the next step.
Step 8. Next, use the same process to melt the dark green melts. Once they’re melted and smooth, pour into a piping bag and cut a small tip off the end of your bag.
Step 9. Holding the pop horizontal and level, pipe a swirl on the front, as shown. Repeat with easy one and allow the swirl to harden. Serve and enjoy!
Tip: The best way to let the coating set, and also for transporting these, is to use a cake pop holder or push the sticks into a large styrofoam block. Be sure to leave a little room between each one so they don’t stick to each other.
Storage Instructions
Store these in a covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If wrapped in plastic wrap, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. You’ll want to leave them out at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Variations and Add-ins
- Cake flavor: These can make these with any type of mix you like. Red velvet, lemon, or strawberry are all great options.
- Frosting: Try changing up the flavor with different types of frosting. Try cream cheese icing for a tangy twist, chocolate for a rich, more decadent flavor or strawberry for a fruity twist.
- Decorative toppings: You can always have fun trying different toppings. Dip the bottoms in crushed cookies or graham crackers (for sand), sprinkle on some nuts or coconut, or decorate with ocean themed sprinkles.
FAQs
If the chocolate is too thick, try thinning it with up to a tablespoon of vegetable oil or shortening. I also love this Wilton EZ Thin Dipping Aid. If it’s too thin, let it cool slightly before dipping again.
Yes, you can freeze these for later! After they’ve fully hardened, place them in an airtight container, separating the layers with parchment paper. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
This can happen if the cake balls are too soft or the coating isn’t set properly. This is why chilling the cake balls before dipping them can really help. Also, be sure the sticks are firmly inserted.
Cracks can happen if the coating is too thick or too cold. To fix this, reheat the candy coating and add a small amount of vegetable oil to thin it out. This will help create a smoother, more even coating.
More Fun Treats For Kids
Moana Cake Pops
Equipment
- Piping bag
Ingredients
- 1 9×13 Funfetti Cake crumbled
- 2 tablespoons vanilla frosting
- 8 ounces light green candy melts
- 12 ounces dark green candy melts
- 32 Wilton Mini Daisy Icing Flowers
Instructions
- Combine crumbled Funfetti cake and frosting in a stand mixer. Mix on high until well combined, then knead the mixture into a large ball. You'll want to be sure the ingredients are well combined and packed tightly.1 9×13 Funfetti Cake, 2 tablespoons vanilla frosting
- Using a cookie dough scoop, remove even amounts of dough and roll each one into a ball. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for one hour so that the cake balls are easier to dip.
- Melt the light green candy melts in a microwave safe dish. Microwave in one minute intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.8 ounces light green candy melts
- Dip the end of a cake pop stick into your melted chocolate, then gently push down into the ball. I push mine nearly to the bottom, so I know I have a good hold for dipping. Allow it to set.
- Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, tapping the stick on the side of the bowl to remove any access.
- While still wet, add the flowers, then place the cake pop gently on the parchment paper. Allow your chocolate to harden before moving on to the next step.32 Wilton Mini Daisy Icing Flowers
- Next, use the same process to melt the dark green candy melts. Once melted and smooth, pour into a piping bag and cut a small tip off the end of your bag.12 ounces dark green candy melts
- Holding the pop horizontal and level, pipe a swirl on the front, as shown. Allow it to set, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can save a little time by baking the cake a day or two in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Don’t crumble until you’re ready to make the recipe.
- If you can’t find green candy melts, you can use white ones with a little green gel food coloring.
Nutrition
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