How to Use the Character Kit With Your Ice Cream Maker

By ZOKU | Live Creatively | Published: 2026-11-03

Category: How-to Guides

Turn plain pops into playful animals and faces with the ZOKU Character Kit. Follow these steps to add character details to pops made in the Quick Pop Maker.

Quick answer

Use the ZOKU Character Kit after your pops are fully frozen and released from the Quick Pop Maker. The kit adds decorative details to the surface of the pop, so plan to finish each pop just before serving rather than freezing the decorations with the pop.

Why timing matters more than technique

The Character Kit is designed to personalize pops made with the ZOKU Quick Pop Maker, but it works on the outside of a finished pop. That means the freezing step and the decorating step are separate. If you try to add character pieces before the pop is solid, they will slide or sink, and the pop may not release cleanly from the maker.

The kit includes simple instructions and enough combinations to keep designs varied, but it does not supply the pops themselves. You will need to make those first using your Quick Pop Maker and your preferred recipe.

A note on surfaces and stickiness

Character pieces stay on best when the pop surface is cold and dry. Pops that have just come out of the maker may have a thin layer of condensation or frost. Blotting the surface gently with a paper towel before adding details helps the pieces grip without sliding. Work quickly, especially in a warm kitchen, and return the pop to the freezer if it starts to soften.

Step-by-step: using the Character Kit

Make and freeze your pops: Prepare your pop mixture and freeze it in the ZOKU Quick Pop Maker according to the maker's instructions. Make sure the pops are completely solid before you try to release them. Common mistake: rushing the freeze time and ending up with a soft center that collapses when you decorate. Check that the pop releases easily from the mold; if it resists, it needs more time.
Release and dry the pop surface: Remove the pop from the maker and gently pat the surface with a paper towel to remove any loose frost or moisture. Work over a plate or parchment paper so small pieces are easy to catch. Common mistake: decorating a wet pop, which makes pieces slide off. A dry surface is the single biggest factor in whether decorations stay put.
Plan your character before you place pieces: Lay out the Character Kit pieces you want to use and decide on a simple face or animal design. Start with the largest features, such as eyes or a nose, then add smaller details. Common mistake: trying to place too many pieces at once and losing track of the design. Fewer, well-placed pieces usually look better than a crowded design.
Attach pieces with light pressure: Press each piece gently onto the pop surface for a second or two. If a piece does not stick, the pop may be too warm or too wet; blot again and retry. Common mistake: pushing hard and cracking the pop. If pieces keep sliding, return the pop to the freezer for a few minutes before continuing.
Serve immediately or store briefly: Character pops look best when served right away. If you need to hold them, place them flat in the freezer for a short time, but avoid stacking or wrapping tightly, which can dislodge the pieces. Common mistake: leaving decorated pops out at room temperature, where they soften and the details shift. Decorate in batches only if you can serve within a short window.

Product facts

Character Kit: The Character Kit is designed for personalizing pops made with the ZOKU Quick Pop Maker and includes simple instructions. This means you can use it with any pop recipe you already make in the Quick Pop Maker, without buying a separate maker.
Character Kit