Kids’ birthday parties are so magical. Some parents may prefer to take the kid’s party to some out of the way pizza joint and let someone else deal with the entertaining, preparation and clean up. But there is nothing more sweet than a birthday in one’s home with a personalized homemade cake. The cake can be the most memorable part of the birthday. Throw away all of the presents and give the kid a one-of-a-kind personalized birthday cake. Because of this, it is important that the cake be well-thought out.
I don’t worry too much about buying the cake. Your run of the mill, ready-to-make cake mix is really quite tasty. And, as far as I’m concerned, taste isn’t even as important as its packaging. Familiar characters to the child can be an inspiration. If all else fails, ask the child what he or she wants and you can’t go wrong with the theme they pick.
Space themes are really big right now. Monsters vs. Aliens and Planet 51 are two space themes that would make great cakes for kids. Sponge Bob is a highly popular character with so many kids, too. Some parents may find him annoying, but you have to admit he is popular and very funny. For girls, you can’t beat a Barbie cake. And a Barbie theme is especially fun as a tea party for a house load of miniature princesses. I would have everyone dress up in their best fluffy dress and have elbow length gloves as party favors. A tea set would be amazing to go along with the cake.
Another great idea for a party is a cupcake theme. Cupcakes can be done in a myriad of ways. You could even let the guests decorate their own cupcake. How cool is that? From sports, to video games, to your kid’s favorite hobby–cakes can be amazingly fun to dream up, design and create. And as a bonus to get your salivary glands working with your creative juices, I’m going to share one of my family’s favorite and formerly top-secret cake recipes. It’s an Almond Poppyseed Bundt Cake that can also be doubled and baked in a 9×13 pan. Even my daughter who doesn’t like cakes begs for this one. Make sure to try it!
Almond Poppyseed Bundt Cake
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Cream together:
2/3 c. vegetable shortening
1 ½ c. sugar
Add:
2 lg. eggs
3 tsp. almond flavoring
2-3 tsp. poppy seeds
1 pkg. vanilla pudding (my recipe calls for a small pkg, I use a large one)
1 ½ to 1 ¾ c. milk
Mix dry ingredients together and sift
2 ¼ c. flour
½ tsp. salt
3 tsp. baking powder
Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients slowly. If it seems too stiff for a cake batter, add a little more milk.
Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray (bundt or 9 x 13 if doubling). Don’t miss spots or it will stick. Pour batter into pan, smooth and bounce pan, causing the batter to settle. Place on the center oven rack and bake for 55 minutes to an hour (slightly longer for 9 x 13). Cool and remove from pan. birthday cake delivery sydney