Soda Can "Cake" - Great Birthday Idea!

Need a new, unique idea for the man in your life? I sure did! My husband like cake just as much as the next person, but I wanted to make a cake for him that he would think was "awesome" and also one that really just screamed his name.

Voila! Mountain Dew, Dr Pepper, and Coke. All things he likes.

This "soda can" cake is so easy but has a great presentation.

Think of it as the diaper cake people make for baby showers, but for adults....without diapers, and easier to make. Use a 8", 9" and 10" cardboard cake plates (found at craft stores in the baking aisles). I used packaging tape on the bottom of each can to keep it stable, but really I wouldn't travel with it. Try to make the cake in the same location you are going to present it (or close to it at least!).

I used ten cans on the first layer (eight around, two in the middle), seven on the second layer (six around, one in the middle), and three on top. Use ribbon, twine, or anything else to decorate your cake, and you can even stick gift cards or other fun gifts out of the top. Super easy and super unique!! Try this for the next birthday or celebration!

Birthday Cake Pancakes

We have a new family tradition! I started making these in August for my daughter's 8th birthday, then made them again for my son's 6th birthday in September, and in December my now 4 year old begged for them on her birthday too. They are super easy to throw together, and the kids really feel like they are eating cake for breakfast!

Mmmm.... so easy to make too!

Love all the sprinkles! Feel free to change up which kind of sprinkles you use.

I had to use a little more milk to thin out the glaze, but it tastes like frosting on top of the pancakes.

YUM! Your kids will thank you, trust me!

 

Birthday Cake Pancakes

 

1 cup pancake mix

1 cup yellow cake mix

3 TBSP candy sprinkles

1 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs                                          

Glaze and Garnish

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

3 TBSP plus 2 tsp milk

1/2 to 1 tsp vanilla                                

Additional candy sprinkles for garnish

Heat griddle or skillet over medium-high heat or electric griddle to 375°F; grease with cooking spray, vegetable oil or shortening. (Surface is ready when a few drops of water sprinkled on it dance and disappear.)

In medium bowl, stir together pancake ingredients until blended. Pour by slightly less than 1/4 cupfuls onto hot griddle. Cook until edges are dry. Turn; cook until pancakes are golden brown. Stack on serving plates.

In small bowl, beat powdered sugar, milk and vanilla with whisk until smooth. If it is too thick (like mine was) slowly add more milk until it is a smooth consistancy.

To serve, top each serving with glaze and additional candy sprinkles.

Recipe courtesy: Betty Crocker

Ice Cream Sundae 4-Layer Chocolate Cake

My daughter turned seven a little over a month ago and I searched for the perfect cake for her. She's definitely a spawn of her mother when it comes to desserts (not so much in her awesome tanning abilities or her beautiful big brown eyes, though. Seriously, as soon as the sun starts to shine around May or so, she suddenly has this awesome tan while I remain the shade of Elmer's glue). Anyway, her ideal cake had to be chocolate and it had to be amazing. No problem, right?

So I found this amazing concoction on Picky Palate and knew it was a winner. The name has it all- ice cream sundae, chocolate, and four layers! Now, we all know I am a food blog stalker. I've stayed up many a night perusing through food blogs and just salivating. My bookmarks on my computer are ridiculously long and filled with things I need to try someday when I have the time. But Picky Palate was one of the first blogs that I found a while back when I lived in Cleveland (we were there for my husband's dental school). I was in a rut and couldn't find anything fun to make, until I stumbled on Picky Palate's site. Her food is always delicious and family friendly, my kids always love her recipes, and they are always easy. I've never been disappointed with her and now she has a cookbook coming out soon! Yay!

Anyway, I didn't take any "in the process" photos, mostly because I was super stressed out about my daughter's party that night. But you can click here to see Picky Palate's photos. Did I mention she's an amazing photographer too? I did get some of the finished product, and everyone loved the cake. It was rich and moist and went so well with some ice cream on the side! 

Ice Cream Sundae 4-Layer Chocolate Cake
from Picky Palate

1 box Devils Food Cake Mix
1 small box instant chocolate pudding mix
4 eggs
1/2 Cup water
1/2 Cup canola or vegetable oil
1 heaping Cup of Vanilla Ice Cream (or whatever ice cream flavor you choose)
1/4 Cup Hot Fudge Sauce
Chocolate Frosting of Choice
Chocolate Bloc (for shavings)

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Place cake mix, pudding, eggs, water oil, ice cream and hot fudge sauce into stand or electric mixer.  Beat on low then medium for about 1 minute 30 seconds or until well combined and thick.  Divide evenly into 4 (9 inch) cake pans that have been generously sprayed with cooking spray.  Bake for 15-20 minutes or until toothpick comes mostly clean from center.  Let cool completely, loosen sides with a plastic knife then remove from pans.  Place bottom layer onto a cake stand, spread with your favorite chocolate frosting….repeat until 3 layers are frosted leaving 4th layer on top.  Frost remaining top and sides of cake with frosting.

2.  Take a vegetable peeler and peel chocolate bloc to get curls, about 2 cups worth.  Press curls onto sides of cake and serve room temperature or refrigerate to chill.
12 servings

Mmm... enjoy!