If your little one dreams of voyaging across the sea with Moana, a Moana-themed birthday party is a perfect way to bring the magic home.

And what better centerpiece than a stunning Moana cake?

From ocean waves and tropical flowers to Moana’s iconic boat and Heart of Te Fiti, these 10 Moana cake ideas will bring the adventure to life.

1- Two-Tier Ombre Cake

This two-tier cake with blue ombre frosting, candy sea shells, sugar flowers, and a Moana figurine standing on top is easy to make. Include cascading buttercream waves dripping down the sides.

Ingredients

Cake Layers:

• 2 boxes of white or vanilla cake mix (or homemade recipe)
• 8 large egg whites
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 1/2 cups water
• Blue gel food coloring (varying shades)

Frosting:

• 3 tubs of vanilla buttercream frosting
• Blue gel food coloring (dark, medium, and light shades)
• White chocolate ganache (optional for drizzle)

Decorations:

• Candy seashells (use molds or purchase pre-made)
• Sugar flowers (fondant or edible flower toppers)
• Moana figurine (plastic or edible)
• Crushed graham crackers or brown sugar for sandy effect

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line four round cake pans.
• Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the box or your recipe. Divide the batter evenly into four bowls.
• Tint each bowl of batter with varying amounts of blue gel food coloring to create an ombre effect—start with the darkest shade and gradually lighten.
• Pour each tinted batter into separate pans and bake for 30–34 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool completely, then level them with a serrated knife for even stacking.

Step 2: Prepare the Frosting

1. Divide the buttercream into three bowls, tinting each bowl with varying shades of blue for an ombre effect (dark, medium, and light).
2. Chill the frosting briefly to make it easier to spread.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Place the darkest cake layer on a cake board and spread an even layer of frosting on top. Repeat with lighter layers as you stack upward.
2. Cover the entire cake with a crumb coat using plain buttercream and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Apply the ombre frosting: Start at the bottom tier with dark blue, move to medium blue in the middle, and finish with light blue at the top. Blend colors gently where they meet using an offset spatula.

Step 4: Add Decorations

1. Pipe cascading buttercream waves along the sides using a wave nozzle or spatula for texture.
2. Attach candy seashells and sugar flowers around the tiers using edible glue or frosting.
3. Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or brown sugar at the base to mimic sand.
4. Place a Moana figurine on top as the centerpiece.

2- Tropical Layer Cake

A single-layer cake decorated with edible sand (graham crackers or brown sugar), tropical flowers, seashells, and a printed edible image of Moana and Maui.

3- Moana Waterfall Cake

A tall cake featuring a buttercream waterfall effect with textured waves. Add edible moss and figurines of Moana and Hei Hei near the base.

4- Moana Island Scene Cake

Design a cake resembling Te Fiti’s lush island, complete with edible greenery, chocolate rocks, and a fiery Te Kā side on the back for contrast.

5- Ocean Wave Cake

Showcase an ocean wave effect using isomalt or rice paper waves on top of a blue buttercream base. Place Baby Moana figurines walking toward the water.

6- Grass-Skirt Doll Cake

Use a doll cake mold to create a Moana doll wearing an edible grass skirt made from fondant or piped frosting.

7- Moana Cupcake Arrangement

Arrange cupcakes in the shape of Maui’s hook or the Heart of Te Fiti. Decorate each cupcake with blue frosting and coconut flakes for texture.

8- Volcano Cake

Sculpt a smoking volcano cake representing Te Kā’s fiery domain, with edible lava flowing down its sides and Moana standing at the base.

10- Under-the-Sea Cake

Design a layered under-the-sea cake with coral reef decorations, edible fish, and Pirouette cookies as palm trees. Add Moana figurines for finishing touches.