How to Make a Money Cake (Step-by-Step DIY Surprise Cake)
A Fun Birthday Cake Idea (With a Hidden Surprise)
When my niece’s birthday came around, my brother-in-law mentioned he’d be giving her money as a gift… and asked if I could turn it into a money cake.
At that point, I had never even heard of one!
After a little research (and a bit of trial and error), I created my own version—and I’m so glad I did. It turned out to be such a fun and memorable surprise.
If you’re looking for a creative birthday cake idea, this is one that really makes an impact—and I promise, it’s much easier than it looks.
And as always… I’m not a professional baker. I’m simply figuring it out along the way, just like you.
What Is a Money Cake?
A money cake is a cake with a hidden compartment inside. When the top is lifted, a roll of money pulls out in one long strip—like a surprise reveal.
It’s perfect for:
- Birthdays
- Teenage celebrations
- Milestone events
- Anyone who is “hard to buy for”
The Money Cake Mechanism (How It Works)
To create the hidden money feature, you’ll need a few simple items:
- Small lidded container
- Cotton reel (or similar spool)
- Bamboo skewer
- Cellophane bags
- Tape (and optional hot glue)
- Cake topper with a flat base
How to Prepare the Money Roll
- Place each note inside a small cellophane bag
- Tape the bags together end-to-end
- Attach the first bag to the cotton reel
- Carefully roll the money into a tight spiral
- Secure lightly with tape so it doesn’t unravel
Preparing the Container
- Cut a slot in the lid slightly wider than the money roll
- Drill or pierce small holes in each side of the container for the skewer
- Thread the money through the lid so it can be pulled from the top
This is the part you can’t fully test—but don’t worry, it works when assembled properly!
The Cake (Simple and Reliable)
For this cake, I used a basic chocolate cake.
When I’m creating cakes like this, I often use packet mixes. I find they’re more stable and easier to carve—especially when you’re cutting into the cake to hide something inside.
You’ll need:
- 2 cake layers (for height and stability)
If you prefer homemade, you can absolutely use your favourite chocolate cake recipe—just make sure it’s firm enough to hold its shape.
The Icing (Stable and Easy to Work With)
I chose a chocolate Italian meringue buttercream because it’s stable and holds up well—especially important when decorating and transporting.
Since I was doing a soft, “naked” finish on the sides, I didn’t need a large quantity—just enough to layer and decorate.
Preparing the Cake
Once your cakes are cooled:
- Choose the top layer
- Carefully carve out a hole to fit your container
- Ensure the container sits flush with the top of the cake
Don’t worry about making it perfect—the decorations will cover everything.
Assembling the Money Cake
This is where it all comes together.
- Sandwich the cake layers with buttercream
- Place the container (without lid) into the carved section
- Insert the skewer through the cake and container to secure it
- Remove the tape from the money roll and thread it through the lid
- Attach the end of the money strip to your cake topper
Make sure everything is secure—this is what allows the money to pull out smoothly.
Decorating the Cake
This is where it all comes together.
- Sandwich the cake layers with buttercream
- Place the container (without lid) into the carved section
- Insert the skewer through the cake and container to secure it
- Remove the tape from the money roll and thread it through the lid
- Attach the end of the money strip to your cake topper
Make sure everything is secure—this is what allows the money to pull out smoothly.
Chocolate Decoration Ideas
Here’s what I used:
- Cadbury Favourites
- Mars Pods
- Cadbury Fingers
- Tim Tams
- Arnotts Royals
- Freddo Frogs
- Maltesers
- M&M’s
- Caramello Koala
- Kinder Surprise
You can easily adapt this to suit any theme or favourite treats.
The Final Result (And Did It Work?)
The moment of truth!
My niece sent me a video of the cake being used—and I was so relieved to see the money pull out exactly as planned.
It was such a fun surprise and made the cake feel really special.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a creative birthday cake idea, this money cake is definitely worth trying.
It’s:
- Fun
- Personal
- Memorable
- Easier than it looks
And most importantly—it brings a little extra joy to the celebration.
If you’re looking for another fun and easy option, you might also enjoy my lollies and chocolate birthday cake, or if you’re planning a full celebration, you can explore my curated ideas at The Joyful Celebration Studio.
