Disney Princess 1St Birthday Cake from www.cakecentral.com
Introduction
Character cakes are a fun and creative way to celebrate special occasions. Whether it's for a child's birthday party or a themed event, character cakes add a personal touch to your celebration. Making character cakes may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and instructions, anyone can make a show-stopping cake.
Ingredients
To make a character cake, you'll need the following ingredients: - Cake mix or ingredients for a homemade cake - Frosting - Fondant - Food coloring - Piping bags - Cake board or plate - Character template (optional)
Cake Mix or Ingredients for a Homemade Cake
You can use cake mix from a box or make a cake from scratch. If you're using cake mix, follow the instructions on the box. If you're making a cake from scratch, you'll need the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 cups granulated sugar - ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 2 teaspoons baking soda - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup buttermilk - ½ cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 1 cup hot water
Frosting
You can use any frosting you like, but buttercream frosting is the most common. Here's a simple recipe for buttercream frosting: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 4 cups powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2-3 tablespoons milk
Fondant
Fondant is a type of icing that can be rolled out and shaped into different designs. You can buy pre-made fondant or make your own. Here's a simple recipe for marshmallow fondant: - 16 ounces mini marshmallows - 2-4 tablespoons water - 2 pounds powdered sugar - Vegetable shortening
Food Coloring
You'll need food coloring to color your fondant and frosting. Gel food coloring works best because it's more concentrated and won't water down your icing.
Piping Bags
Piping bags are used to pipe frosting onto your cake. You can buy disposable piping bags or reusable ones.
Cake Board or Plate
You'll need a cake board or plate to display your cake.
Character Template
A character template is optional but can be helpful if you're not confident in your drawing skills. You can print out a template of your desired character and use it as a guide when decorating your cake.
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, here's how to make a character cake:
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans. If you're using cake mix, follow the instructions on the box. If you're making a cake from scratch, combine all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 2: Make the Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it's light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 3: Make the Fondant
In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave the mini marshmallows and 2 tablespoons of water for 30 seconds. Stir the mixture and microwave for another 30 seconds. Stir again and microwave for 15 seconds. Keep microwaving and stirring until the marshmallows are melted and smooth. Sift the powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl. Add the melted marshmallow mixture to the powdered sugar and mix until well combined. Grease your hands with vegetable shortening and knead the fondant until it's smooth and pliable. Add food coloring to the fondant and knead it until the color is even.
Step 4: Decorate the Cake
Place one cake layer on your cake board or plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top of the cake. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting. Apply a thin layer of frosting all over the cake to seal in the crumbs. This is called a crumb coat. Let the crumb coat dry for 10-15 minutes. Roll out the fondant on a clean, flat surface dusted with powdered sugar. Use a rolling pin to roll the fondant into a thin sheet that's large enough to cover your cake. Carefully lift the fondant and drape it over your cake. Smooth the fondant over the cake with your hands, working from the top down. Trim off any excess fondant with a sharp knife. Use food coloring and piping bags to decorate your cake. You can pipe borders, designs, and details onto your cake. If you're using a character template, place it on top of the fondant and trace the outline with a toothpick. Then, use food coloring and piping bags to fill in the design.
Nutrition
The nutrition information for your character cake will depend on the type of cake mix or recipe you use, as well as the amount of frosting and fondant you use. However, most character cakes are high in sugar and calories. To make a healthier version, you can use a low-sugar cake mix or recipe, and reduce the amount of frosting and fondant you use. You can also add fresh fruit or nuts to your cake for added nutrition. Remember, character cakes are meant to be a fun and festive treat, so enjoy them in moderation.
