How to Make a Birthday Cake Game

by Richard Brown

Overview

Cakes as a part of birthday celebrations have been around since ancient Rome, where they served flat, round cakes sweetened with honey. Cakes became more recognizable and more elaborate throughout the Middle Ages and an interesting tradition developed in England at that time. Different objects, such as a coin and a thimble, would be placed into the cake batter and baked. Whatever object the guest received in his piece was a clue to his future---a coin meant wealth was coming, while a thimble meant he would be unlucky in love. Take this medieval tradition and turn it into a fun game for your next birthday cake.

Step 1

Decide which objects will equal what prize. For example, if you are putting a small dress-up ring in the cake, the corresponding prize could be a bracelet. If the object is a hard yellow candy, the guest receives a stuffed yellow duck.
Step 2

Mix the cake mix according to package directions, by adding eggs and oil. Pour the cake into a greased and floured cake pan.
Step 3

Drop the trinkets throughout the cake batter. The more they are spread out, the more likely that different people will find them in their piece of cake.
Step 4

Bake the cake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Step 5

Frost the cake using a butter knife or cake-decorating tubes.
Step 6

Serve the cake after warning everyone that there are small objects hidden in the cake, so they must examine every piece before they eat it. As people find the objects, match them up with their prize.

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Cake mix Two eggs 1/4 cup vegetable oil Small objects, such as a play ring and a heart-shaped candy Corresponding prizes to small objects, such as a coloring book and a bracelet Cake pan Frosting
Cake mix
Two eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Small objects, such as a play ring and a heart-shaped candy
Corresponding prizes to small objects, such as a coloring book and a bracelet
Cake pan
Frosting
Don't use too many objects in the cake. The idea is that a few lucky guests will be rewarded, not everyone. This kind of cake game works best with ages 7 and up, when they are old enough to watch for choking hazards.
Don't use too many objects in the cake. The idea is that a few lucky guests will be rewarded, not everyone.
This kind of cake game works best with ages 7 and up, when they are old enough to watch for choking hazards.
Always announce that there are objects in the cake and that guests should take care not to put any into cake into their mouth unless they've looked very closely at the bite.
Always announce that there are objects in the cake and that guests should take care not to put any into cake into their mouth unless they've looked very closely at the bite.