birthday cakes

Simple Tip: Freeze Baked Goods Before Traveling
baking

Simple Tip: Freeze Baked Goods Before Traveling

Because I love baking cakes and cupcakes, whenever it's a friend or family member's birthday, I am the designated dessert maker.
by partysugar

Because I love baking cakes and cupcakes, whenever it's a friend or family member's birthday, I am the designated dessert maker. What I don't enjoy is having to transport the cake or cupcakes to the birthday party location. It can be really stressful — especially living in San Francisco where there are so many hills! To ensure that my baked goods arrive at their destination unharmed, I've started freezing them.

I'll place the cupcakes or cake in the freezer 20 to 30 minutes before I leave. The dessert won't be totally frozen, but it will be cold, set, and hard. Freezing it also means that frosting won't get all over the place. When I arrive at the party, I simply leave the cake out or place it in the fridge. By the time it's served, it is the perfect temperature! Do you transport desserts? Share your method with us below.

Have You Ever Made Your Own Birthday Cake?
baking

Have You Ever Made Your Own Birthday Cake?

popsugar pollHave You Ever Made Your Own Birthday Cake?
by partysugar

German Chocolate Cupcakes Hostess Inspired
recipes

Hostess-Inspired German Chocolate Cupcakes

For my uncle's birthday, I always bake him a German chocolate cake.
by

For my uncle's birthday, I always bake him a German chocolate cake. However, this year I was bored with the regular old recipe and decided to try something new. Inspired by the classic Hostess Cupcakes, I created a rich German chocolate variation. First, I baked a moist chocolate cupcake. Next, I filled it with a coconut-pecan mixture. Finally, I topped it with a luscious layer of chocolate ganache.

Although the cake, ganache, and filling are simple to make, assembling the cupcake is more difficult. I tried using a pastry bag to stuff the center of the cupcakes, but quickly realized the pecans were too large and clogged the tip. Determined to fill the cakes, I used my finger to create a small cavity on the bottom of each cupcake and gently placed the filling inside. Any minor cracks were covered with thick a layer of ganache, so luckily, none of my guests noticed! To make your own scrumptious Hostess-inspired German chocolate cupcakes, read more

Made-to-Order and Ship Birthday Cakes: Ga Ga or Gag?
Poll

Made-to-Order and Ship Birthday Cakes: Ga Ga or Gag?

Every parent will tell you that finding or making the perfect cake for your child's birthday fete can be stressful, which is why most of us turn to the local bakery or family baker for support and inspiration.
by

Every parent will tell you that finding or making the perfect cake for your child's birthday fete can be stressful, which is why most of us turn to the local bakery or family baker for support and inspiration. These artisan-created made-to-order and ship cakes from a shop in California's Napa Valley are designed to prevent you from pre-party stress. You have to order four days in advance, but the cakes, which range in price from $92 to $98, are shipped overnight and arrive frozen. While the shapes are exquisite, I can just imagine myself pacing at my front door waiting for the cake to arrive.

Come Party With Me: Boy's Birthday — Dessert
Come Party With Me

Come Party With Me: Boy's Birthday — Dessert

Although there a tons of different equally delicious desserts out there, for a child's birthday, let them eat cake.
by partysugar

Although there a tons of different equally delicious desserts out there, for a child's birthday, let them eat cake. Ask the birthday honoree what type of cake they would like to celebrate their big day.

Kenny is a huge fan of Butterfinger candy bars, so this milk chocolate-peanut butter layer cake is perfect for him. It has a crunchy middle layer filled with almonds, peanuts, and rice krispies.

This scrumptiously rich cake is sure to impress any age, so get the recipe and read more

Suri Cruise's Birthday Cake
Love It or Hate It

Suri's Birthday Cake: Love It or Hate It?

Yesterday, this cake was delivered for Suri Cruise's 2nd birthday.
by

Yesterday, this cake was delivered for Suri Cruise's 2nd birthday. The perfectly springtime cake was created by a local specialty shop and is reported — but not confirmed — to have cost $5,000. So tell me, what do you think of this birthday creation?

Pacific Coast News Online

Red Velvet Birthday Cake
recipes

Red Velvet Birthday Cake

It was my sister's 22nd birthday a little over a week ago and lucky me, I had a reason to make a cake.
by partysugar

It was my sister's 22nd birthday a little over a week ago and lucky me, I had a reason to make a cake. I asked her to let me know what kind of cake she wanted and was expecting her typical favorite: chocolate with peanut butter. So, I was super surprised and excited to see that she was challenging me with a cake I had never made before: a red velvet cake! I sort of made my own recipe by combining a few and it was an absolute success! The cake was moist and velvety and there was not one slice leftover. Erica, one of my sister's best friends, even asked, "Where did you buy the cake?" which made my night. I didn't have enough food coloring so it ended up being somewhere between pink, red, and brown. To make this cake for your next birthday party, read more