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Okay, picture this: Dad's birthday rolls around, and you're racking your brain for the perfect gift. Socks? Nope. A tie? Definitely not. Then it hits you—Dad's Favorite Burger Cake! It's not just a cake; it's a conversation starter, a centerpiece, and a deliciously deceptive treat all rolled into one. I remember when my daughter first made this for me; I was floored! I mean, who expects a burger to be cake? It was like a culinary magic trick, and tasted amazing. Plus, it shows you put in the effort, and that's what really counts.
This burger cake isn't about complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It's about having fun in the kitchen and creating something that'll bring a smile to your dad's face (or any burger lover, for that matter!). We're talking layers of moist cake, creamy frosting 'sauce', and playful fondant toppings that look just like the real deal. Don't worry if your fondant skills aren't top-notch – that's part of the charm! Imperfection adds character, right?
So, are you ready to trade those boring birthday gifts for a masterpiece of dessert deception? Let's dive into the recipe and create a burger cake that'll be the talk of the town—or at least, the talk of the family dinner! Grab your aprons, crank up the music, and get ready for some sweet, savory-inspired fun. You will need a couple of things and please make sure you have the right amounts. Trust me, been there, done that!
Surprise your dad with a "Dad's Favorite Burger Cake," a fun and delicious dessert that mimics a real burger, featuring layers of cake, frosting, and fondant decorations. It's a memorable treat that combines savory inspiration with sweet indulgence.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:8 servings
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
**Bake the 'Bun' Cakes:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 6-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 4 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 3 teaspoons of baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup of milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. Be sure that you don't burn the cakes, that ruins everything.
**Bake the 'Burger' Cakes:** Repeat the cake-baking process, but this time, add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to create chocolate cakes for the 'burger' patties. Divide the chocolate batter evenly between two 6-inch round cake pans and bake as directed above. Make sure to let them cool COMPLETELY before assembling. Seriously, wait.
**Make the 'Cheese' Frosting:** In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter until smooth. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in 1/4 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add yellow food coloring gradually until you achieve a 'cheese' color. Set aside.
**Make the 'Lettuce' Frosting:** Repeat the frosting-making process, but this time, use green food coloring to create a 'lettuce' color. Set aside.
**Prepare the Fondant Toppings:** Roll out white fondant and use a round cutter to make 'onion' rings. Roll out red fondant and cut out small circles for 'tomatoes'. Roll out yellow fondant and shred it thinly for 'shredded cheese'. Roll out green fondant thinly and frill the edges for 'lettuce'.
**Assemble the Burger Cake:** Level the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife to create a flat surface. Place one 'bun' cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Frost the top with yellow 'cheese' frosting. Place a chocolate 'burger' cake on top of the frosting. Frost with green 'lettuce' frosting. Add the fondant 'onion', 'tomato', and 'shredded cheese' toppings. Place the second chocolate 'burger' cake on top. Frost with more yellow 'cheese' frosting. Top with the remaining 'bun' cake.
**Decorate the Top 'Bun':** Use a toothpick to create sesame seed indentations on the top 'bun' cake. Lightly brush the top of the 'bun' with melted butter for a glossy finish.
**Chill and Serve:** Refrigerate the assembled burger cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Slice and serve, and watch the amazement unfold! Don't forget to take pictures!
📝 Notes
For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the cake batter.
Add a pinch of salt to the frosting to balance the sweetness.
Get creative with the fondant toppings! Add bacon strips, pickles, or anything else your dad loves on his burger.