How To Choose The Perfect Birthday Cake For Your Kids' Party
Birthday cakes are the focal point of kids parties. Everyone gathers round to sing the birthday child, "Happy Birthday", and watch- and sometimes participate with, the blowing out of the candles. It is one of central traditions of the birthday party.
So it's a pretty important thing to get right.
Well, the good news is that there is now so much choice in birthday cakes, it's often difficult to make a decision. If you enjoy baking, then it's great to make the cake- and it's wonderful to see your childs eyes light up at something that you have made yourself. On the other hand if you prefer to stay out of the kitchen, or just don’t have the time, then there are delicious creations available to buy.
The most popular types of birthday cake are chocolate, yellow and white cake. These form the basis of the majority of cakes sold in the USA, with yellow and chocolate cake being the most popular in the UK. Frostings vary according to taste, but fondant and buttercream are firm favorites, as they are versatile and easily flavored or colored to fit the design, or theme, of the cake.
Your cake can be as simple, or elaborate, as you wish. What's important is that it is a design that you know your child will like, and that it will taste good when eaten. Avoid too many contrasting flavors, and stick to what you know your child will enjoy.
Candles are traditional in birthday cakes. There are tons of designs to choose from, ranging from the basic brightly colored sticks, to themed designs, sparklers and trick candles that don't go out when blown. Match the candles to the cake carefully as they will affect the overall look of the cake.
If you do not wish to cut into your cake at the party, or are hosting a very large party, one idea is to supplement your cake with co-ordinating cupcakes. The number required is easy to calculate and they are simple to serve, or wrap to take home. Another idea is to have a cutting cake. This is usually a sheet cake, perhaps iced in the same color as the main birthday cake, but is not as elaborate. It is used to either serve at the party, or wrap and give out as your guest leave.
Whatever type of cake you decide to have, make sure that you leave enough time to purchase it, or make it. If it's a special order cake, check the order deadlines well in advance. If you are making the cake, check that you have all the necessary ingredients and that you leave enough time for baking, cooling and decorating.
About the Author
Lori has been planning events and parties for over 15 years. She's organised and hosted everything from high profile celebratory events with over 400 guests, to home based family parties for her three children. Get the benefit of her experience and sign up for her Free Newsletter. For party ideas for all occasions take a look at www.find-party-ideas.com
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