Baby Shower Cake Idea
A baby shower is a form of celebration that aims to welcome the
newest member in the family. Although baby showers were
originally planned only for first-borns, modern practices now
allow baby shower parties for every baby that comes in the
family.
Baby showers are usually organized and arranged by the relatives
and close friends of the parents-to-be. They are a good way to
help parents get started with the things that they need for the
baby. However, that there are some cultures and religious
beliefs that do not consider it appropriate and that it is
considered bad luck to have a party and bring baby things in the
house before the baby is born.
Over the years, baby showers have evolved into various names,
such as the following:
* "Daddy's shower" - a men-only party for dads-to-be
* "Grandma's shower" - a party where guests bring baby items
(such as collapsible cribs and changing pads) that grandparents
can keep at their house.
* "Diaper showers" or "baby sprinkles" - a small-scale party
that is usually held for successive children, and ideal for
parents who do not need as many items (or gifts).
It is customary for a baby shower to have a theme, to which the
entire party centers on. Baby shower requisites typically
include games, presents, food and a cake!
A party is never complete without a cake, and this applies to
baby showers also.
Cakes are one of the great things about baby showers, and they
can be made using various basic techniques, such as the
following:
1. All-in-together - this is done by placing the dry ingredients
in a food processor (together with the shortening) before
progressively adding the liquid ingredients.
2. Creaming methods - this is done by 'creaming' butter and
sugar together before progressively adding the rest of the
ingredients.
3. Rubbing method - this is done by 'rubbing' the butter into
the dry ingredients before adding the liquid ones.
4. Melt-and-mix - this is done by are first mixing the dry
ingredients together, adding the melted butter and the other
liquid ingredients afterwards to complete the cake.
5. Sponge-making - this is done by whipping the eggs and sugar
into a froth, with the flour carefully mixed in. Making a light
sponge requires great skill, as it does not use any raising
agent or fat.
Finished cakes are usually enhanced with the use of frosting
(icing) or toppings (such as sprinkles).
There are different varieties of baby shower cakes to choose
from. Some of them are listed below:
* Angelfood cake * Butter cake * Butterfly cake * Carrot cake *
Cheesecake * Chocolate cake * Chiffon cake * Cupcake * Devil's
food cake * Fruit cake * Gingerbread * Ice cream cake * Mooncake
* Pineapple upside down cake * Pound cake * Spice cake * Sponge
cake
Aside from the cake varieties above, there are also a lot of
baby shower cake ideas that can make a baby shower celebration
more special:
1. Belly Cake. One great idea is to design a baby shower cake
and make it look like a pregnant belly. This can be done by
placing a circular cake in front of a rectangular cake and
frosting them together to resemble that of a pregnant belly.
2. Toy Blocks Cake. Another idea is to design a baby shower cake
and make it look like children's toy blocks (either one large
block or 3 to 4 smaller blocks). Toy block cakes can be further
enhanced by surrounding them with candies or little toy cars.
Of course, you can also experiment and try to come up with
creative ideas of your own. Bear in mind that the 'objective' is
not only to make a yummy dessert, but also a great centerpiece
that will stand out in the memories of the parents-to-be.