First Birthday Cake and Big Sister Cake

I decided to make my niece a special cake for her first birthday earlier this year. I wanted something that she could have all to herself to destroy- a giant cupcake seemed perfect for her baby birthday wreckage.



I used a basic yellow cake recipe with a simple cream cheese frosting.



I baked several mini cakes in souffle dishes and carved them into a basic cupcake shape, adhering the layers with frosting.




An upside-down cupcake on the top provided stability for the frosting. Don't forget to apply a thin crumb coat before decorating!


Of course, big sister needed a special cake as well! Being a big sister is hard work and deserves special recognition :)


I wanted the "big sister" cake to be grown up, so I made it like a tiny personal replica of large round cakes. For a special twist, I wanted the inside of the cake to look like a heart when cut. I added food coloring to an extra cake before baking...


Carved a donut-shape out of the top layer...


A cone out of the bottom layer...




And filled it with the pink cake.




Add some frosting around the heart to adhere the layers and decorate to your heart's desire!



Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of the inside heart or the giant cupcake explosion- they were a huge hit!

Happy first birthday, Baby K!