Baby Shower Cake

Where Should I Buy My Cake?

If you aren't sure where to purchase a baby shower cake, one of the first things you can do is ask other young mothers where they got their shower cakes. You may discover the names of several wonderful bakeries. Another option might be to commission someone to bake a cake for your shower. It shouldn't be too difficult to discover the names of people who bake cakes in their homes as a home business. Make sure you get references from those who have already used these home bakers, and don't be afraid to ask for pictures of cakes these people have made in the past. You should decide on a budget, however, before you begin your search, so you know just what you'll get for your money.

Baby Shower Cake Details

How long before the shower do you need to order your cake?

Depending upon the time of year, you may have to place a cake order several weeks in advance. Be sure you allow yourself plenty of time to find and order a cake before the actual shower date. Since you want your cake to be as fresh as possible, you should plan on picking up the cake early on the morning of the shower.

How Large Should the Cake Be?

You will need to determine the approximate amount of people that will be attending the baby shower. Let the person who is baking the cake know how many people are invited to attend, and ask the person to make the cake a little larger. You want to make sure there is a little bit of cake left over that the new mother can take home!

What Type of Cake Should I Purchase?

If you are hosting a shower for a friend or relative, be sure and get her input into the type of cake she prefers. Does she like chocolate or white cake? Is she allergic to any type of dyes in certain cake frostings? Does she have a preference as to the appearance of the cake? Once you've answered these questions, you can begin searching for the perfect baby shower cake. There are so many cake ideas to choose from, and the baker you choose will probably have a portfolio of cake designs for you to choose from. Some of these might include the following:

1. Umbrella Cake-This cake is baked in the shape of an umbrella, with small baby decorations scattered over the cake.
2. Baby Duck Cake-This cake is shaped like a duck, colored in a bright yellow frosting with white trim.
3. Baby Block Cake-This cake is actually sectioned into three blocks complete with the "abc's" on each of the blocks and decorated in pastel colors.
4. Baby Bootie Cake-No, I'm not talking about the baby's little bottom! A baby bootie cake is a cake designed in the shape of a baby bootie that fits on baby's tiny feet. It can be decorated in blue for a boy, pink for a girl, or yellow, green, lilac or white if the gender isn't known. White, lacy icing can be used as a trim.
5. Baby Carriage Cake-This cake is shaped like a baby carriage, complete with an icing handle and yummy icing wheels.

Do It Yourself Cakes

Even if you haven't had a cake decorating class, you might be surprised to learn how easy it is to create a perfect cake for a baby shower! You can keep it simple or make it elaborate. One word of advice, however. If you've never attempted the cake you want to make, do a practice one first. That way you are learning as you go, and if you make any mistakes, it's not a problem. Plus, you can taste the cake to see if it is as delicious as it looks! The following links will take you to several do-it-yourself cake recipes, including ingredients and directions.

• Watch Out World, Here I Come-This gorgeous design features a cake on blocks, a sleeping baby, a world, and a rainbow. It is beautiful!
• Baby Buggy Cake-Baby buggy cakes are always popular, and this cake will work for a baby boy or girl. You can change the colors to suit the shower theme as well.
• Novelty Cake-Although the pictures for this cake mainly focus on birthday designs, this cake would look just as good for a baby shower. Change the colors, the wording, and the figurine on top to suit any design for a baby shower.
• Teddy Bear-Everybody loves teddy bears, and this cake would make an adorable choice for a baby shower. Again, it is fairly simple to do, and the colors can be changed to fit any style.
• Sugar Baby Cake-Sugar baby cakes aren't as difficult as they might look. The directions for this particular cake are easy to follow, and you will love the results!
• Baby Booties Cake-For this cake design, you'll actually bake a cake and some cupcakes. The booties are designed from the cupcakes, and while the cake looks difficult, you'll be surprised at how easy the directions are to follow! Guests at the shower will ooh and ahh over this cake!
• Bunny Cake-Does your shower theme include bunny rabbits? If so, this cake will be the perfect addition!

Baby Shower Cupcakes

Instead of the traditional cake, why not bake and design cupcakes to be used at the next baby shower you host. Eliminate the need for cutting cake pieces by serving everyone their own, individual cupcakes. Use a cupcake cake stand filled with any of the following cupcakes as a centerpiece for the table. The following designs will get you started! You'll love how much this simplifies a baby shower!

• Ducky Cupcakes-Order this cupcake kit online.
• Baby Feet Cupcakes-Order this cupcake kit online, including everything you need to create beautiful cakes!
• Cute Baby Things Cupcakes
• Cute and Contented-This is a Wilton's recipe, and it's free!

Finally, don't forget to check out Wilton recipes. You'll find loads of baby shower recipes and projects for almost any theme. Each recipe lists the necessary ingredients, detailed directions, and a picture of the finished cake. No matter what type of cake you choose for the baby shower, enjoy!!