Custom Character Cake Character cakes, Cake, Birthday cake from www.pinterest.com
Introduction
Birthdays are special occasions that call for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a birthday cake? Character cakes are a popular choice for kids' birthdays, and they can be customized to feature their favorite characters. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make character birthday cakes.
Ingredients
To make a character birthday cake, you will need the following ingredients: - Cake mix or ingredients to make a cake from scratch - Frosting - Food coloring - Fondant - Edible decorations (candies, sprinkles, etc.) - Character cake topper (optional)
Cake Mix or Ingredients to Make a Cake from Scratch
You can use a cake mix to make a character birthday cake or make a cake from scratch. If you choose to use a cake mix, make sure to follow the instructions on the box. If you are making a cake from scratch, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 cups granulated sugar - ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 2 tsp baking powder - 1½ tsp baking soda - 1 tsp salt - 1 cup buttermilk - ½ cup vegetable oil - 2 eggs - 2 tsp vanilla extract - 1 cup boiling water
Frosting
You can use any type of frosting for your character birthday cake, but buttercream frosting is a popular choice. You will need the following ingredients to make buttercream frosting: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 4 cups powdered sugar - ¼ cup whole milk - 2 tsp vanilla extract - Pinch of salt
Food Coloring
Food coloring is used to color the frosting and fondant to match the character's colors. You can use gel or liquid food coloring.
Fondant
Fondant is a type of sugar dough that can be rolled out and used to cover the cake. You can buy pre-made fondant or make your own using the following ingredients: - 1 bag (16 oz) mini marshmallows - 2-3 tbsp water - 2 lbs powdered sugar - 1 tsp vanilla extract - Food coloring (optional)
Edible Decorations
Edible decorations such as candies, sprinkles, and fondant shapes can be used to decorate the cake.
Character Cake Topper (Optional)
A character cake topper can be used to add an extra touch to the cake. You can buy a pre-made topper or make your own using fondant.
Instructions
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it's time to make the character birthday cake. Here are the step-by-step instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 4. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. 5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. 6. Slowly pour in the boiling water and mix until well combined. 7. Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans. 8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 9. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Buttercream Frosting
1. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. 2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. 3. Mix until well combined and the frosting is smooth. 4. Separate the frosting into different bowls and add food coloring to achieve the desired colors for the character.
Fondant
1. Melt the mini marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl with 2-3 tbsp of water. 2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and mix until a dough forms. 3. Knead the fondant until it is smooth and pliable. 4. Add food coloring to achieve the desired color for the character.
Assembly
1. Place one cake layer on a cake plate or stand. 2. Spread a layer of frosting over the top of the cake. 3. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting. 4. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. 5. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. 6. Remove the cake from the refrigerator and apply a thicker layer of frosting over the entire cake. 7. Smooth out the frosting using a spatula or a cake scraper. 8. Roll out the fondant to the desired thickness and use it to cover the cake. 9. Use edible decorations to decorate the cake. 10. Add a character cake topper (optional).
Nutrition
The nutritional information for a character birthday cake will vary depending on the ingredients and serving size. However, here is an estimate of the nutritional information for a 1/12th slice of a chocolate cake with buttercream frosting: - Calories: 400 - Fat: 16g - Saturated Fat: 7g - Cholesterol: 50mg - Sodium: 330mg - Carbohydrates: 64g - Fiber: 2g - Sugars: 50g - Protein: 3g
Conclusion
Making a character birthday cake is a fun and creative way to celebrate a special occasion. With the right ingredients and instructions, you can customize the cake to feature your child's favorite character. Whether you choose to make a cake from scratch or use a cake mix, the end result will be a delicious and memorable cake that everyone will enjoy.
