How to Decorate an Animal Birthday Cake

by Karen Frisch

Overview

There are many ways to decorate an animal birthday cake, and not all involve cutting it into elaborate shapes before you frost it. Whether your child loves pets or exotic animals, there are ways to decorate a birthday cake that are charming and don't involve much difficulty, especially helpful if you're having surprise last-minute birthday guests. This cake starts with a basic cake mix for a 9 x 13-inch pan and butter cream frosting you make at home in any color you like. Follow package directions for both.

How to Decorate an Animal Birthday Cake

Step 1

Choose the pictures you want to use on the cake into the computer. In a photo manipulation program, size the pictures to whatever dimensions you'd like, experimenting until you have what you want. Print out the pictures.
Step 2

Cut out the subjects of the photos, throwing away the background. Trace the child or pet figures onto cardboard, leaving a long tab on the bottom of the cardboard. Glue the printed pictures to the cardboard shapes. Set the aside to dry while you make the cake.
Step 3

Mix the cake. Bake as directed on package. While the cake is baking, gather the ingredients for the frosting.
Step 4

Mix together the frosting ingredients. Use green food coloring to make grass on which to put dog or cat pictures. Use blue food coloring to make water if you plan to make a fish tank. Frost the cake.
Step 5

Place the animal picture cutouts on top of the cake, pushing the cardboard prongs into the frosting to hold them upright. Try to arrange the pictures in a meaningful way. Add candles to the cake.

1
Cake mix Confectioner's sugar Vanilla Milk Butter Photographs Cardboard
Cake mix
Confectioner's sugar
Vanilla
Milk
Butter
Photographs
Cardboard
Plastic figurines also work well on cakes because the frosting washes off easily. Use your knowledge of your child's favorite memories and activities to help him celebrate his love of animals by adding them to his birthday cake.
Plastic figurines also work well on cakes because the frosting washes off easily. Use your knowledge of your child's favorite memories and activities to help him celebrate his love of animals by adding them to his birthday cake.

Overview