50 Birthday Cakes for Kids

Creative and achievable cakes for kids, from owls and rabbits, to fire engines, dinosaurs and daisies, plus helpful cake-making techniques.

The magical moment when the birthday cake arrives is always the highlight of a child's birthday party. And it's every parent's wish to bake the cake of their child's dreams, but all too often there isn't enough time or a lack of inspiration. Cake queen Annie Rigg takes the fear out of baking fabulous cakes for kids in this collection of more than 50 foolproof recipes. There are ideas for both the novice cook and the skilled baker, and of course, the most demanding birthday girl or boy! There's no need for fancy kitchen equipment or baking skills as most of the cakes use one master recipe that can be made in different quantities and cake pans. The ingredients and decorations can all be bought from a supermarket or candy store.

The six chapters include The Basics: cake mixes and frostings that are used throughout the book, plus helpful decorating ideas and tips on how to assemble the cakes. The Simple Cakes chapter covers recipes that are just that: yummy cakes such as Banana & Toffee Cake, Fantastic Chocolate Cake and Princess Cupcakes. Animals has recipes for a Teddy Bear, a Jolly Green Dinosaur and a Prickly Hedgehog complete with minty spikes. Transport covers Tractors to Rocket Ships via Fire Engines. The Fantasy chapter has a selection of cakes that are perfect for imaginative themed parties, with options like a Pirate's Treasure Chest and a Wizard's Hat. Wildlife has an outdoor theme with treats that might appeal to the younger child like a Curly Caterpillar and a Buzzing Beehive.

There's something for every age, from a child's first birthday to toddlers, teens and even the big kid in all of us - and every cake is guaranteed to bring whoops of joy at any birthday celebration.