For kids who are fascinated by volcanoes, science, and all things explosive, a volcano party cake is the ultimate birthday treat! Recently, Angella had the exciting task of creating one for her son’s 7th birthday, and it was a huge hit.
This cake not only looks amazing but also provides a fun and educational experience, making it perfect for young science enthusiasts. In this guide, Angella shares how to make your own volcano cake, complete with realistic lava flows and a dramatic dry ice eruption. It’s a fantastic way to combine a love of science with the joy of cake, ensuring your little one’s party is both fun and memorable!
Ingredients and Supplies:
- Three store-bought 6” mud cakes (or bake your own)
- Chocolate frosting (Betty Crocker’s Creamy Deluxe Chocolate Frosting, 400g)
- Vanilla frosting
- Red food dye
- Small 110g baby food jar
- Dry ice (optional for added effect)
- Candy rocks, toy dinosaurs, plastic palm trees (for decoration)
- Sturdy cake board or plate
- Large serrated knife
- Palette knife
Instructions:
- Stack the Cakes:
- Place the first cake on a sturdy cake board or plate.
- Add a layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake on top.
- Repeat with another layer of frosting and place the third (or smallest) cake on top.
- Shape the Volcano:
- Using a large serrated knife, carve the stacked cakes into a volcano shape. Taper the edges slightly inward as you go up, creating a conical shape.
- Save the leftover cake pieces for decorating the base later.
- Create the Crater:
- Carve out a small hole in the top layer to fit a small 110g baby food jar. This will be used for the dry ice effect later.
- Apply the Crumb Coat:
- Cover the entire cake with a thin layer of chocolate frosting. This is known as the crumb coat, which seals in the cake and prevents crumbs from mixing with the final layer of frosting.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 15 minutes to overnight to set the crumb coat.
- Add the Final Layer:
- Once the crumb coat is set, apply a thicker layer of chocolate frosting, adding texture to mimic a real volcano.
- Create Lava Drips:
- Add red food dye to a tub of vanilla frosting and heat it in the microwave to make it runny.
- Pour the red frosting down the sides of the cake to create realistic lava drips.
- Decorate the Base:
- Mash the leftover cake pieces with a little bit of chocolate frosting to create ‘rocks/dirt’ and place them around the bottom of the cake.
- Add candy rocks, toy dinosaurs, or plastic palm trees to complete the volcano scene.
- Add the Dry Ice Effect:
- For an added wow factor, place dry ice into the baby food jar when singing Happy Birthday. You can purchase dry ice from local suppliers.
Need help planning your next birthday party? Make sure your download our DIY party planning checklist and have a go!
