For my gluten-free daughter, Birthdays always pose a certain challenge. Though she has no memory of the one and only birthday she celebrated before we had to change her diet, like any kid, she loves nothing more than a big, festive birthday cake. I typically set aside a considerable amount of our party budget to spend on a gluten-free cake just for the two of us to share (I’m also gluten-free) but this year, I needed a less expensive option so we could take her and her cabin-fevered friends to an indoor party center packed with inflatables so they could burn off some energy.
I was inspired by photos of uniced, or naked, wedding cakes I had come across on Pinterest. If, like me, you’re not an experienced cake decorator but want a fun and festive looking confection, this cake’s for you! Here’s what you’ll need to create your own:
- 2 Pillsbury Gluten-Free Funfetti Cake Mixes
- Eggs, oil and water according to cake mix instructions
- 1 pound of vanilla buttercream
- Rainbow sprinkles
- 6 x 2 inch round cake pans
- Cooking spray
- Icing spreader
1. Bake three 6 inch rounds according to the cake mix instructions. Allow the cakes to cool completely on a cooling rack.
2. Once the cakes are cool, dab a small amount of icing in the center of the cake plate. If needed, level your cakes using this technique. Place the first layer of cake on top of the icing, making sure it is centered.
3. Spread a thick but even layer of icing on top of the cake. Place the second cake on top of that layer and repeat until all three layers are in place.
4. Using your hand, gently press sprinkles to the icing on the top and sides of the cake.
5. I used a Silhouette Machine to cut out kraft paper stars, which I glittered and glued to striped drinking straws but the possibilities are endless! You could top straws with Instagram photos cut out with a round paper punch, flags made with scrap fabric or even yarn pom-poms. Push the straws down into the cake to create different levels and as an added bonus, give the cake some stability.
Do you make your child’s birthday cakes? If so, do you have any decorating tips?
