Sunday, November 30, 2008

Lobster Carrot Birthday Cake


Since the theme for Popie's 80th Birthday Party was Seafood, and my mom had lots of lobster elements, we decided a lobster cake would be perfect. I thought it would be hard to make a cake shaped like a lobster, and it would be smaller, so I decided to make a sheet cake, and then top it with a lobster. I made the lobster out of rice krispie treats and covered it in fondant. I used random things to help mold the parts, like bowls and wine glasses. I thought it would look cute if I made the lobster a party hat and then had his claws holding the 80 candles.


Grandma told me his favorite cake is carrot with cream cheese icing - which is also JJ's favorite, so I used my favorite carrot cake recipe. We tried out 4 different ones last year before out wedding and decided that we don't like vanilla and any other spice besides cinnamon. We also like a higher carrot ratio, and a bit of sour cream for tenderness!


The party was SO fun, we had a blast. The only thing is - I don't like seafood, so I was the designated bartender and waitress!


Carrot Cake

2 c. granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 eggs
3/4 c. vegetable oil
1/4 c. sour cream
2 c. all purpose flour
4 cups freshly shredded carrots
1 c. chopped walnuts


Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a stand mixer, beat sugar, oil and sour cream. Add in eggs one a a time. When combined, add flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Fold in carrots and nuts. Pour into a greased and parchment lined pan.
Bake for 1 hour.

Popie and Mom cooking the Mussels and Clams

The tables set for dinner

Popie with his lobster head....he can't open his eyes in photos... seriously!

It took him 2 tries to blow out 2 candles!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great day! The cake came out great - too bad you don't like seafood!

My dad was known as Poppy too to his grandkids!

Cate said...

That cake and the table look so great! It looks like it was lots of fun

Jenn said...

The cake is so cute and clever. Happy 80th Birthday!

Anonymous said...

Good grief, your talent never ceases to amaze me!! That lobster cake is SO STINKIN' CUTE!!

What's Cookin Chicago said...

What a fabulous spread and your Popie looks so happy! I love your cake - what a great job!

Stephanie said...

WOW. too talented, ashlee!! i bet he was so excited

Anonymous said...

Such a cute cake! Great Job!

gaga said...

What a super cute cake! What a nice thing to do!

rosasdolcevita said...

Exellent job on the cake!! Looks like everyone had an great time.

Danielle said...

You are so creative! Who would think to use rice krispie treats as a mold? Very clever. It turned out super cute and I just know your Poppy was thrilled and proud!

Dewi said...

Rosabella,
You are one young truly talented baker, that rice crispy lobster is really fabulous idea.
Birthday cake look gorgeous, nice table, and seem everybody look very happy.

Brooke said...

That cake is adorble! And so is your Popie :)