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I love turning a party cake into a story, and this collection shows you simple ways to bring Moana’s island world to life. You’ll find clear ideas that fit different skill levels and themes, so you can pick a design that matches your time, tools, and the overall feel you want for the celebration.
Flip through creative toppers, tropical decorations, and ocean-inspired finishes that help you craft a memorable centerpiece. I focus on practical, fun options—from easy buttercream waves to playful figurine scenes—so you can make a cake that looks great and feels right for the occasion.
1. Moana and Maui Figurine Cake Topper
I place Moana and Maui figurines on the cake for a bold centerpiece. They add instant character and make photos simple and fun.
2. Te Fiti Island Landscape Cake
I craft a lush green island cake inspired by Te Fiti using fondant and edible moss for texture.
I add a floral crown and a small heart-shaped stone to echo the movie’s key elements.
3. Ocean Wave Buttercream Design
I create layered blue buttercream waves with a spatula for a textured sea effect.
I add white highlights and a glossy finish to mimic foam and movement.
I often top the cake with a small Moana figurine or edible seashells.
4. Edible Tropical Flowers Decoration
I use edible flowers like hibiscus and plumeria to add color and island charm.
I place petals gently on frosting or make sugar flowers for a longer-lasting, safe decoration.
5. Chocolate Rocks and Sand Detail
I use crushed chocolate candies and cocoa-dusted almonds to mimic island rocks.
I grind graham crackers for sand, then sprinkle around the cake base for a natural beach look.
6. Rice Paper Ocean Waves
I craft thin, translucent waves from rice paper to top cakes.
They bend and curl for a realistic ocean look without heavy sugar work.
I tint them blue and add shimmer for a fresh, beachy finish.
7. Baby Moana Figurines on Shoreline
I place small Baby Moana figures near the cake edge to create a shoreline scene.
I add blue buttercream waves and edible sand for texture.
I keep figures removable so guests can save them as keepsakes.
8. Coral Reef Fondant Accents
I sculpt bright fondant coral pieces to add texture and color to the cake.
I arrange shells and tiny anemones around the base for a reef look.
My accents are simple, sturdy, and kid-friendly.
9. Polynesian Tribal Pattern Cakes
I use bold Polynesian motifs like tapa and wave patterns for an authentic look.
I paint or pipe repeating geometric shapes in brown, black, and white for clear contrast.
I keep designs simple to stay respectful and visually striking.
10. Sunset Gradient Buttercream Finish
I blend warm pinks, oranges, and soft purples to create a smooth sunset gradient on the cake.
I use an offset spatula and turntable for even layers, then gently smooth to keep crisp color transitions.
11. Te Kā Fiery Volcano Effect
I create a volcano cake with dark chocolate frosting and red-orange lava piping for a Te Kā look.
I add glowing edible gel and crumbled cake rocks for texture.
I place a small Moana figure at the base for scale.
12. Hand-painted Moana Scenes
I paint simple Moana scenes directly on buttercream or fondant for a personal touch.
I use edible food colors and fine brushes to add waves, islands, and character silhouettes with careful, steady strokes.
13. Tropical Palm Leaf Piping
I pipe palm leaves using a small leaf tip for crisp edges.
I layer varying shades of green to add depth and a natural look.
I place leaves around the cake base and between other tropical accents.
14. Moana’s Boat with Edible Sail
I build the boat shape with cake layers carved into a hull.
I add an edible sail made from rice paper or fondant for a realistic look.
I finish with sugar figures and piped waves to tie the theme together.
15. Sea Turtle Fondant Figures
I shape small sea turtles from fondant to add charm to Moana cakes.
I use green and brown tones, simple shell patterns, and tiny eyes for a friendly look.
They sit well on sand, waves, or beside other island decorations.
16. Coconut Shell Cake Base
I like using toasted coconut buttercream here to get as close as possible to the look of a real coconut shell.
After that, I press fondant pieces around the cake to shape the shell’s ridges, then sprinkle on a bit of cocoa for some extra depth.
