Making birthday cakes for friends has become my own little tradition. I'm one of those freaks who enjoys baking just as much as cooking and cooking just as much as baking. From what people tell me, many prefer one or the other. I adore both. My sweet tooth never grew to its full potential, but it's present. I like to share my baking creations, and what better way to express friendship than with birthday cake? Throw my new Kitchen Aid into the mix, and I'm covered with batter and ready to whip.
My go-to cake book has been this one:
The recipes are easy to follow and so far, all have turned great. Full disclosure: I work for the publishing company that publishes this book. But I don't give cookbooks preferential treatment. In fact, I pretty much love them all. Except for the insufferable ones. (I'll be nice and won't link.) For my friend Ryan's birthday, I made Sour Cream Chocolate Cake Layers and slathered them with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting. I must admit, the cake layers themselves didn't have enough chocolate oomph for my taste so I sprinkled some semi-sweet chips on top.
I didn't say it was always pretty. The cake came out lopsided and you can see I didn't put nearly enough frosting between the layers. But those December birthdays will be happy I had the practice.
