How I Made the Cake in the Shape of the Number 1 from the Australian Women’s Weekly Birthday Cake Cookbook
Celebrating special milestones, such as a first birthday, always calls for an unforgettable cake. When I needed a cake that was both fun and meaningful for such an occasion, I turned to one of my go-to baking resources: the Australian Women’s Weekly Birthday Cake Cookbook. This beloved cookbook is filled with creative and delightful cake ideas that have become a staple for birthdays, and one particular recipe caught my eye: the Number 1 Cake.
This cake is as visually striking as it is delicious, and it’s the perfect centerpiece for any first birthday party, anniversary, or milestone celebration. If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive cake design, here’s how I made this stunning Number 1 Cake and why it’s become one of my favorite recipes.
Why I Love the Number 1 Cake from the Australian Women’s Weekly Birthday Cake Cookbook
The Number 1 Cake from the Australian Women’s Weekly Birthday Cake Cookbook is a simple yet clever design. It’s perfect for any celebration where you want to emphasize a milestone, whether it’s a first birthday, an anniversary, or just a fun way to mark an important occasion. The cake’s standout feature is its shape — the number “1” — which makes it a true showstopper.
What Makes This Cake So Special?
1. Unique and Fun Design
The shape of the cake alone is enough to grab attention. A cake shaped like the number 1 isn’t something you see every day, and it’s sure to delight your guests, particularly the little ones who will be celebrating that special milestone. The easy-to-follow instructions in the cookbook guide you step by step to create a perfectly shaped, perfectly decorated Number 1 that steals the show.
2. Simple and Delicious Ingredients
The beauty of this cake lies not only in its creative design but also in its simple ingredients. There’s no need for complicated decorations or fondant skills here. The cake is made with classic, easy-to-find ingredients, and the frosting adds a rich touch of sweetness without being overwhelming.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or another significant event, the Number 1 Cake is the ideal choice to celebrate those first-year milestones and accomplishments. It’s especially popular for first birthday parties, symbolizing the first year of life and everything that’s been achieved.
How to Make the Number 1 Cake
Making the Number 1 Cake is easier than it looks. The Australian Women’s Weekly Birthday Cake Cookbook provides step-by-step instructions that break down the process into manageable steps. Here’s a simplified version to get you started:
Ingredients for the Number 1 Cake:
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 2 cups icing sugar
- 100g unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a rectangular baking tray or a shallow baking dish.
- Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add the flour and milk, mixing until smooth. Add the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared tray and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating.
- Shape the cake: Once the cake has cooled, carefully cut the cake into the shape of the number “1.” You can use a sharp knife or a template to guide your cutting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a bowl, beat the butter and icing sugar together until smooth. Add a little milk to reach the desired consistency. If you want to add some color, you can divide the frosting and add food coloring to create a vibrant effect.
- Decorate the cake: Once the cake is shaped, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides. Feel free to get creative with sprinkles, edible decorations, or small fondant shapes to add an extra touch of fun to the design.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice and serve your beautiful Number 1 Cake, perfect for celebrating any milestone.
Tips for Success:
- Make the cake ahead of time: The cake can be baked a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and avoid the frosting from melting or losing its shape.
- Customize the design: Feel free to get creative with the frosting color and decorations. You can match the theme of the party or use fun colors and shapes for a playful touch.
- Use a sharp knife: When cutting the cake into the number 1 shape, ensure you use a sharp knife to create clean edges and smooth corners.
Why You Should Try the Number 1 Cake
The Number 1 Cake is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion with a memorable cake. Whether it’s a first birthday, a first anniversary, or another significant milestone, this cake is a delicious and fun way to mark the occasion.
With its easy-to-follow recipe, simple ingredients, and fun design, the Number 1 Cake from the Australian Women’s Weekly Birthday Cake Cookbook will quickly become a go-to recipe for your future celebrations. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, especially for little ones who will love the whimsical number shape!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a birthday cake or celebration cake that’s easy to make, visually stunning, and loved by everyone, the Number 1 Cake from the Australian Women’s Weekly Birthday Cake Cookbook is the perfect choice. Simple, fun, and full of flavor, this cake will make your celebration even more special. Give it a try for your next milestone occasion — you won’t regret it!
