Saturday, September 12, 2009

Zebra Birthday Cake for Alex


Remember turning 13? I sure do. Way back when shorts were short, socks were longer than knee high, and "Earth shoes" were all the rage. I had a pair, and I thought I was so cool. Unfortunately, the only real cool thing about me was that my birthday was in December- and it was cool. Well, actually it was freezing. That was the extent of my coolness.

Birthdays back then meant a cake from the local Waldbaums bakery department. A 2 layer round white cake, dry as a bone, with an abundance of shortening based frosting- fluffy pink frosting. Oh, and a big fat pink rose that for some reason everyone would fight over. Ewwwww....



Pink is soooo yesterday these days. Teenage girls of today want a much more modern, hip, and stylish approach to their birthdays. Seems as though the days of pretty in pink are gone and Zebra patterns are in.

My friend Jennifer's daughter, Alex, turned 13 today. Alex is all about zebra patterns and the color red, and really wanted a tiered cake that she could share with 25 of her closest BFF's. So from the inside out, Zebra it was. I alternated white and chocolate cake batter in 1/4 cup increments (beginning with the white batter) directly on top of each other. Working quickly, the batter naturally spreads into a zebra like pattern- no need to shake or tap. Once baked and sliced into, you get a beautiful zebra patterned design.




I wasn't at the soiree that was held this evening so I don't have a photo of the sliced cake. But I think you 'll get the idea from the batter above.




Topped off with homemade vanilla- orange butter cream, embellished with vanilla flavored fondant stripes, piped polka dots, and a shiny red ribbon, this birthday cake made one 13 year old girl pretty happy, according to the text I received from her mom:

"The cake is a HUGE hit- Alex didn't even want me to cut it because she loved it SO much! All her friends and their moms wanted to know what bakery I got it from!"


Happy 13th Birthday, Alex! Thank you for letting me make a very special part of your day!


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14 comments:

Rosa said...

Wow, you make the most sensational cakes!

I think Luxembourg is stuck in a time warp. They still have those pink roses!

Barbara Bakes said...

What a lucky 13 year old! It really is a work of art!

Megan said...

Love the cake! I have been wanting to try a zebra cake but the right time hasn't come yet. Soon! You did a beautiful job. I might have to copy the red ribbon idea! I already have the zebra edible image.

Patsyk said...

I think you could start a cake business! So gorgeous!

The Food Hunter said...

That cake looks amazing. Alex is very lucky.

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Wow, that is some fantastic cake. Never in a million years would I have thought of that fanciful cake or the decoration. Lucky girl. and creative you.

Lisa said...

wow, this is fantastic! nice handwriting too :)

Proud Italian Cook said...

Oh you'll be getting a ton of request for cakes after this one! Beautiful, and so unique!! I want one!

Becky Brown said...

That cake is FANTASTIC! Janet, you are truly an artist. I hope you realize how special you are. :)

RecipeGirl said...

I want to come and visit you and have you teach me how to do these cakes. It's simply gorgeous!!! I have to make a big bday cake for my husband in Nov... maybe you can help me think of ideas.

Peter M said...

I want a cake like this for my B-day. You'll have to squeeze in 43 candles but that makes it an adult party!

You are crafty with cakes.

Chef Chuck said...

WoW, This is a cake to remember!

Valerie said...

What a beautiful cake! I would love to have the same one for my birthday, even though I'm not a 13-year old. :)

-=-SnOoKuMs-=- said...

With the Zebra cake you made for "Alex" did you use fondant? I want to make a zebra cake like yours, but I am no betty crocker, lol Could you just let me know what you used to decorate the cake? Please, if you don't mind. She's turning one! Yay! lol Anywho, instead of making the cake circular, I wanted to go with a rectangle. Any advice? If you could email me back that'd be great. Oh and how did you get the red to be shiny like silk? Thank you!! Heather K.


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