In Celebration of one of our own SoftBums babies birthdays, this week is all about crazy cake decorating.
Connor is turning 1 and in celebration we are having a "Little Monster" themed birthday party. We're not much fans of traditional cake per say, instead we are going to make him a banana bread cake in the shape of a monster with coconut cream frosting. Something like this:
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| Monster Cake with Cake ball eyes |
Cloth Diapering moms are all about saving money, so it makes sense to do your own cake decorating. Even if you aren't a crafty person cake decorating can be very simple, and if it doesn't turn out just how you want it to look, your little one wont know the difference, and most likely they will smash it in a matter of minutes anyways.
Here are some fun cake decorating ideas:
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| Fresh Fruit Cake! (lactose & gluten free!!) |
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| Turtle Cake, Kiwi, Banana's, Coconut flesh & Dates! |
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Owl Cake, using candy banana's for claws and beak. Oreos for eyes
Kit Kat & M&Ms decorated cake |
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| Monster Truck Cake with cookie crumbs & icing |
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| Smash cake with number outlined in sprinkles |
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Pokéball Cake using a pastry bag & star tip
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Don't worry about trying to make every little detail perfect. Have fun with it. I find that's usually when mine turn out best. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the cake made of fresh fruit!
ReplyDeleteMy best cake decorating tip is if you are making a 2 layer cake, put the bottom layer upside down or cut off the top to make it "flat", then put the frosting/filling so it stops short of the edges--this way it doesn't overflow out the side and mess up the outside of the cake when you get to frosting that part :)
I am totally making that turtle cake! I dip the knife in warm water to create a smooth shell.
ReplyDeleteHave fun! Don't stress anout making it perfect.
ReplyDeleteMy Best Cake Making tip is - Read Measure and Re Read! Its so easy to mess up by not reading the ingredients right!! It makes all the difference!
ReplyDeleteIf you like chocolate, learn how to ganache, it's so much easier to apply than frosting!
ReplyDeleteAlways always always wait until the cake cools completely to do any carving/cutting or frosting.
ReplyDeletePick a theme, then get creative. Last year my son got a chocolate cake with prehistoric plants made of icing, and a bunch of small plastic dinosaurs stomping around the cake-scape.
ReplyDeleteThe best thing you can do is stop when you think you are done, it sounds stupid but most people keep going and it ends up looking overdone and kind of tacky, I have learned that simple is best when it comes to something looking realistic and pretty!
ReplyDeleteA cake tastes just as good if you frost it in the pan as if you go all-out with the decorating, and your little ones will like it just as much! Save yourself some time and stress and choose something simple. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't bake cakes very often because they never seem to turn out right at all so I am enjoying all the tips and maybe I will try again someday!
ReplyDeletejbang0331 at yahoo dot com
My tip is when icing a cake, tuck strips of wax paper under the edges of the cake. This will protect the plate from getting icing all over it.
ReplyDeleteKeep it simple.
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to do some hand exercises before starting any kind of piping/star work. Your hands will get a work out! Oh, and make sure you mix up enough color icing so you don't run out and have to try to reformulate an exact color match :)
ReplyDeleteIf you're in a pinch and have no icing bag, a ziploc works great! You just fill the bag with icing, press the air out before sealing it, and cut the corner off to the size you want it to be. I have used this so many times and no one can tell the difference. You just don't have the option of the different tips.
ReplyDeletemy tip is to use ziplock bags for the frosting/icing. just cut the edge, no messier than usual. =D aineeramos@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHAVE FUN AND IF YOU MAKE A MESS DONT SWEAT ABOUT IT AND OF COURSE IF YOU HAVE THOSE MESSY HELPER THEY WOULD LOVE TO HELP PICK UP A SWEET STICKY MESS! :)
ReplyDeleteBONNIE R
Take your time, go slow... and if you're not sure about something, practice on a piece of waxed paper. My philosophy about cake decorating that my mom taught me was that less is always more!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the process, doesn't matter the outcome a child will love in none the less. Invest in a good set of decorating tips and bags, baggies never work as well as you want them to.
ReplyDeleteMy best cake decorating tip? Just have fun! It doesn't have to be perfect! Also, make sure your cake has cooled enough before trying to frost it (sometimes I get impatient and end up with runny frosting!), and if you're in a pinch, stick it in the freezer or fridge for about a half hour or so to help it cool.
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about decorating yet, but I intend to play around with it once the baby is born. I do know that no matter what, start with a good recipe. It doesn't matter how pretty a cake is if it's dry, or doesn't taste good.
ReplyDeleteMake sure the cake is completely cool, even refridgerated, before decorating. :) Otherwise you get a mess.
ReplyDeleteBuying ice cream cones and then baking the cake in those is SO much easier at the party, because you don't have to do any cutting, no plates lying all over to pick up, and the little kids can eat it easier.
ReplyDeleteTake it slow! I am a major procrastinator so this is hard for me... Let the cake cool (even set overnight) before doing anything to it...take it one step at a time from there!
ReplyDeleteThrow the cakes in the freezer for a while after they bake. This traps the moisture inside the cakes and they STAY MOIST. Even after sitting in the fridge for a week. I promise!
ReplyDeleteLauren
laurencrooks@hotmail.com
I never bake, but I would say don't rush. Take your time and have fun decorating!
ReplyDeleteNever try to decorate a warm cake..it's a disaster! Always take your time and have fun, you don't have to make it exactly like the picture :)
ReplyDeleteHave fun while decorating it and make memories with the little ones.
ReplyDeleteI always use cool whip for frosting. It has less sugar (much better for little diabetics) and you don't have to worry it is too rich. My cakes may not be professional, fancy or beautiful but everybody raves & raves. The last one I made was chocolate cherry poke cake. Drool...
ReplyDeleteQuickshep19 at yahoo dot com
Whip up some cream and add a little almond and coconut flavoring. No sugar needed. Tastes Delish and wont stain like chocolate!
ReplyDeleteHave kids help no worries about having it perfect the kid will love it since they helped!
ReplyDeleteMy best cake recipe is to follow the directions on the chocolate cake box plus add a small box of chocolate pudding into the mixture. After baking the cake in two different circle cake pans I let it cool down for about half an hour. This will allow the frosting to spread without making bread crumbs. The first cake I flip it over with the top part facing the bottom of the plate. I then only put frosting on the top. I then take the other cake out and place its bottom on top of the bottom of the frosted cake. Last I frost the top of the cake and the sides.
ReplyDeleteMy best tip would be to try something new, something you've never done before!
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is that if you are going to be making a layered frosted cake, to make sure to let the cakes cool completely and also to cut off the tops to make an even surface. Also try to use a cake mix that isn't TOO sweet since all that frosting just adds sugar!
ReplyDeleteI like to make a two toned icing when icing cake or cupcakes. To do this I will make two different colored icing batches. I will put each color in it's own icing tube. I will then put both of those icing tubes in a larger tube. When the large icing tube is squeezed the two colors will come out together.
ReplyDeleteI don't make the cakes around here, hubs does! That's my tip! :) LOL! He makes pretty extensive cakes for my boys. He's made a train, semi, firetruck and some others. His tip is to freeze the cakes before cutting the shapes out and also before frosting/decorating them! Makes it a lot easier!
ReplyDeleteOk!! I HAVE A REALLY GOOD TIP ACTUALLY!! I made a football shaped cake for a baby shower- I am talking like 3-D awesomeness! but I went to do fondant and it was a disaster!! SSOOO... I covered the whole thing in mini chocolate chips!!! it gave it that real football texture look, it was SUPER easy, and I still drew the laces on with icing!! looked so amazing! everyone thought it was bakery made =) (I have pics if you wanna see, just ask in the superfans and I'll post!)
ReplyDeleteLeave yourself plenty of time, more than you think you might need... Time crunch + shortcuts = decorating mess, at least if you're anything like me :)
ReplyDeleteI make a smaller cake using a small Corning container. This way your little one has a cake all their own to smash and everyone else can eat the bigger one.
ReplyDeleteKirsten
klswanso@yahoo.com
Jello Cake is a favorite in our house and super easy- bake a white cake poke holes in it with a straw prepare a small box of Jello according to directions on the box (we like strawberry)and pour it over the cake and let set overnight! Frost with cool whip add food coloring if you want to make it colorful!!
ReplyDeletejac_6596@yahoo.com
If you're a working parent (like me) and want to do a spectacular decorating job without having to take off the day before the party, make your cake the weekend before and freeze it! The the day before, move your cake to the fridge so it will defrost. The cake will stay moist and you won't lose time baking the cake and waiting for it to cool when you could be doing some awesome decorating instead. If you're using colored icing, make sure to use the gel kind, not liquid, and remember that the color will deepen over time. Also, if you're going for a really dark red, make sure to get the "no taste" red dye or you'll end up with some funky tasting frosting. :)
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to get the whole family involed! It wont be pretty but it will be fun and still pretty tasty!!
ReplyDeleteHave fun with it. Even if it doesn't look perfect. I am sure birthday boy/girl will love it if it tastes good.
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to let someone else do it! I guess if you are going to do it, my tip is to freeze the cake before you decorate it:)
ReplyDeleteI totally crack under pressure, we're all happier if I buy a cake :)
ReplyDeleteI don't have any cake decorating tips because I am terrible at it but I am enjoying reading all of the other comments for help!
ReplyDelete(Rachel N on raffelcopter)
My tip is to also let someone else do it! I am talented at lots of things but cake decorating is not one of them:) I make tasty cakes, not pretty ones:)
ReplyDeleteIf the cake is all chocolate, no one at our house seems to care what it looks like! So when in doubt add more chocolate, filling, frosting, chips, chunks, you can't go wrong!
ReplyDeleteWhen smoothing your icing, use a clean spray bottle filled with water on its finest "mist" setting. First, get your cake as smooth as you can get it by just using a spatula. Then, spray the entire cake with a VERY LIGHT mist of water. Continue to smooth out any rough spots with your spatula. I'm telling you, it works like magic!
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to microwave store bought frosting just a for a little bit and pour it onto the cake for aide even fondant looking finish :D
ReplyDeleteCatherinem07 at rocketmail dot com
Now that I'm a parent, I'd say my best tip is hire a sitter LOL in all reality, go slow and take your time. Dirty frosting a cake and letting it sit in the fridge a few hours before you try to really frost it or cover it in fondant will make you 100x more successful than if you try to throw on gobs of frosting from the get-go.
ReplyDeleteLeave yourself plenty of time to bake & decorate the cake! Rushing always leads to a disaster, in my experience!
ReplyDeleteI love to make tie dye cupcakes, easy but look like hard work!
ReplyDeleteto let someone else do it :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not the craftiest mama but I try to remember it is the effort and taste not always the looks!
ReplyDeletesradke1024 at gmail dot com
Have patience and resist the urge to smash the cake. Lol jk make sure you have more frosting than you need.
ReplyDeletePick something doable and simple to begin with.
ReplyDeleteAdd karo syrup to the frosting for that smooth look the bakers get.
ReplyDeleteKnow your talents and don't decorate last minute and try to do too much!
ReplyDeleteI'm not the best decorator but my friend is. My advice is not to be afraid to ask for help. We also have so much fun while decorating together. She gets to do something she loves, we get to catch up on life and I always learn something new. This makes me want to call her up and bake. :)
ReplyDeleteI used to sell boutique cupcakes, and they are an easy way to please your guests and keep decorating simple--and you can make them from muffin batter. Freeze them before icing them, and then cut a fat opening in a big Ziploc for a designer look.
ReplyDeleteI'm not very good at cake decorating just always make sure cake is completely cooled
ReplyDeletemy tip is to take your time, and embrace the fact that practice makes perfect..the more you need to practice, the more cake you get to eat :-)
ReplyDeleteMake sure the frosting is the right temp... Too cold and you won't be able to squeeze it, too warm and it won't hold a shape. Also, don't be afraid to improvise... I doesn't have to be exactly like the instructions show.
ReplyDeleteI frosted a cupcake like a cake for my son to smash when he turned one. It worked well because it wasn't too big. :)
ReplyDeleteI am not that great at doing cakes, but the first one I did, I did the night before. My advise is to do it a few days in advance. Then if you run into a problem, you can resolve it. I learned the hard way! ;)
ReplyDeleteMake a practice cake a couple days ahead to work out any kinks!
ReplyDeleteGive yourself plenty of time to decorate and practice ahead of time.
ReplyDeleteI use cookie cutters to make outlines of the shapes I want. I press them gently into the icing them pipe over the lines, or set them on the cake and fill them in with sprinkles, or cookies crumbs.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Godschalx Wisniewski
I made a really cute soccer cake for my son in a pyrex bowl. I iced with white frosting and used oreo 100 calorie pack crackers which are shaped like hexagons. Easy and cute!
ReplyDeleteA steady hand and great imagination. Be creative and have fun! =)
ReplyDeleteCorrect Decorating Bag Position straight and angel. Do not fill your bag too full!!
ReplyDeleteI really can't decorate or make a cake so mineis have someone else do it
ReplyDeleteMake sure the cake is cool before you frost it
ReplyDeleteOnly tip I have is to use bananas in place of eggs if you have a little one who is allergic. By the way, I love the picture of the turtle cake, it looks so yummy!
ReplyDeleteBake the cake the day before you decorate it, that way it's cool and you're not digging into it.
ReplyDeleteI make all of my kids birthday cakes. I rely heavily on pinterest for inspiration and sometimes for tutorials. my best tip is do a crumb coat of frosting first and then refridgerate. Your second coat will go on so much smoother.
ReplyDeleteYou don't HAVE to hand decorate the cake - use toys instead if you aren't all that great at drawing/creating pictures/characters! :-)
ReplyDeleteMake it ahead so it has plenty of time to cool before frosting
ReplyDeleteFind an America's Test Kitchen/Cook's Illustrated recipe and follow it!
ReplyDeleteSimple is sometimes the best.
ReplyDeleteIf making a layered cake, make sure layers are fully chilled, assemble layers and crumb coat (which is essential!), chill again in the fridge, then do the decorative icing.
ReplyDeleteIf you are using a piping bag, go as fast as you can. The longer you hold the frosting the warmer it gets causing it to melt and not set right on the cake.
ReplyDeleteI don't like traditional cake either... so I prefer to make unexpected desserts for parties... that's my tip! I love making a chocolate trifle... it looks so much more impressive than it really is, and people love the surprise of a non-traditional cake!
ReplyDeleteleave yourself time to frost the cake! Frosting a hot cake last minute makes a huge mess :-)
ReplyDeleteMake sure it tastes good and it won't matter what it looks like!
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is to make sure the cake is cold and the icing is stiff when you pipe it out. Makes it so much easier!
ReplyDeleteHave fun! Lick the spoon/knife! Oh and you can cut the tip of a sandwich bag off and squeeze icing through there to make designs on your cake! :)
ReplyDeleteMy best cake decorating tip is to use the gel frosting colors. These are so much better and brighter than traditional liquid colors. If you are making a buttercream frosting, the gel colors will mix in much better!
ReplyDeleteDo a practice cake a couple days before to work out any kinks. That way you aren't stressed when you are decorating the real cake. Practice makes perfect!
ReplyDeleteBest cake decorating advice? Go with cupcakes;)
ReplyDeleteMuch easier to decorate and if you mess up, just cover in sprinkles! Ha!
If you microwave your frosting for a few seconds you are able to dip cake pops or other small decorations in it and it coats and covers beautifully.
ReplyDeleteI am not crafty at all but somehow I made my son a hungry caterpillar cake with two boxes of cake mix, some food coloring, round cake pan and cupcakes! Came out adorable! And way cheaper than having it done professionally :)
ReplyDeleteHave fun with it, don't expect perfection and if you mess up, learn to laugh and know that that cake is truly your own original.
ReplyDeleteDont skip the crumb coat...plan ahead!
ReplyDeleteBake the cake a couple of days prior, and freeze it. This does three things ensures that the cake is cool enough to ice, it traps in moisture, and helps avoids a time crunch to decorate before the event starts!
ReplyDeleteIf I had a boy I would totally do the monster truck cake!
ReplyDeleteHave patience and give yourself time to let cool.
ReplyDeleteWe love the online stores that can make any image into an edible picture for your cake!
ReplyDeleteI've never done "fancy" cake decorating, but sliced strawberries fanned nicely all over a bed of whipped cream usually gets some positive responses.
ReplyDeleteissue i always have is not letting the cake cool long enough before frosting... let it cool!!!
ReplyDeleteTo keep from getting crumbs mixed in with the frosting, make sure the spatula never touches the cake itself, just the frosting.
ReplyDeleteMy advice is to wait until completely cool when leveling a layer cake and don't start out with fondant (it takes lots of practice!)
ReplyDeleteI don't bake at all so I'm sorry I don't have any tips!
ReplyDeleteRelax and have fun, try things you've never done before and don't sweat it if it doesn't turn out perfect, you're just going to eat it anyway! :P
ReplyDeleteLook around the internet for ideas. There are so many cakes that look fancy but are actually quite easy to do -- and that's coming from someone who is no professional cake decorator.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great post, I’m always looking for more inspiration for my journey to being much better at Event management, thank you!
ReplyDelete