Unless you were born with a true baker’s DNA, creating an elaborate birthday cake for your child’s birthday party can send you into a tizzy and stress-filled week!
Let’s be honest, purchasing a birthday cake from a professional can be rather costly while creating a homemade version can be just as impressive as one that can easily cost hundreds.
Every year I have hit the kitchen in preparation for my child’s birthday cakes. While not all of them were perfect or masterpieces, many hit a homerun with my children. And while in the past some might’ve taken a couple of days of planning, it is now possible to bang one out in less than two hours.
As an example of this, I recently made a birthday cake for my child’s second birthday that was done and finished in just about an hour!
My secret to getting a birthday cake finished that fast? I cut a lot of corners while baking!
I purchased a box of gluten free cake mix from Target, baked it according to the directions, made a simple 6 ingredient chocolate cream cheese frosting, and threw an excavator, a construction worker and a number 2 candle on it. Done!
I spent like $10 on everything so we are talking easy peasey here! My son loved it and it worked well for our Blippi themed party!
I have nine tips listed below that will help you make an incredible birthday cake without the stress.
Keep It Simple
If your children are under three years old, there is no reason to go overboard. If there is no way they’re going to remember the cake, the plates, or the decorations, so there is no reason to go overboard.
Supermarket Bakers Are Your Friends
If you need a deep piece of cake for a wide variety of shapes, keep the baker at your local supermarket in mind. You may be able to purchase a half slab a sponge which should be able to do the trick.
Simple Recipes
Keep in mind that most kids are not going to be very particular. Many are going to be more interested with the decorations and candies on top then what type of cake it is. Whether it came from a box or the supermarket, they more than likely will like it.
Cake Boards Are Essential
Purchase a circle or square cake board that is covered in foil to place your cake on. These can be purchased from a cake shop or your local retailer and will make your cake look 100 times better. In addition, these can be easily wiped down and used again.
Toss Out the Instructions
If you’re looking at a recipe with in-depth instructions about decorating a cake, consider tossing them out. Sometimes, it is simply better to consider your child’s personality when decorating a cake. Consider what they like and enjoy and go with that! As a side tip, consider using a special toy to decorate the cake.
Avoid The Fondant
If you’re new to creating and decorating cakes, it is best to simply avoid the fondant. While it looks incredible on cakes it is extremely difficult. It is best to choose butter icing which looks just as good and tastes way better.
Do Not Be Afraid
Many of the cakes you look at may look rather difficult to create and assemble. However, once they are cut into smaller pieces and placed together with toothpicks and skewers, it is not as difficult as one would assume. In addition, icing and decorations help to cover up any mistakes!
Make Life Easy
If you’re looking to make your life and your child’s birthday cake as easy as possible, search online for an edible cake topper. These are created with either your child’s name or favorite cartoon or movie character. Once placed on top you can decorate the sides of the cake as you see fit.
Don’t Forget The Cupcakes
Remember that cupcake stacks are very easy to create and require very little fuss. Simply purchase a paper cupcake tier with some wraps and you are done! Cake pops are an impressive treat as well and perfect for children’s parties – learn how to make cake pops for any season.
Keep in mind that almost any cake is going to be torn apart within a matter of minutes. No birthday cake has to be 100% perfect, your child is going to love it regardless!
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