Bridal Shower Cakes

Bridal showers have remained popular for generations. Although, the basic rituals have not changed, there is a possibility of having many variations and options to make this event a great success. Friends and relatives gather together to bless the bride.

Apart from blessings, the well-wishers also shower gifts that range from household necessities to clothing. With the changing times, the gift ideas are now getting far more lavish and creative when compared with the past.

This event needs to have specific themes that could range from simple to creative. It largely depends on the budget and the space that is available. The highlight of any such event is the cake. These are themselves themed or decorative and there are many options available in the market.

From romantic to wacky, they can be bought off the shelf or you can prepare it with your own hands. There is nothing like the ones baked by their own friends or family members. Heart shaped cakes are one of the most popular kinds.

Ingredients

• All-purpose Flour, 1¼ cups
• Vanilla, 1½ tsp.
• Vegetable Oil, ⅓ cup
• Baking Powder, 1½ tsp.
• Granulated Sugar, 1 cup

• Milk, ¾ cup
• Egg, 1
• Salt, ½ tsp.
• Strawberry Icing
• Tube Icing, (any color)
• Heart Cookie Cutter, 1
• Strawberries, 10
  (halved, for garnish)

Preparation
You need to preheat the oven to 350° F. Take a baking pan and combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. You need to whisk the eggs and vanilla in a small bowl. Then you have to make two hollow spaces in the flour mixture. Pour oil in one and the egg and vanilla mixture in the other. Add some milk to this. Stir the entire combination and mix it well. Now, stir in the pecans as well. Bake this at 350° F for around 40 minutes.

Once the cake has cooled down, you need to place it on a large cutting board. Spread the icing with the help of a spatula. Once you are done with the first layer of icing, the crumbs will mix with it. Do not worry about this; this is the crumb layer.

Once this crumb-layer is formed, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. Once chilled, place the second coat of icing and keep it back in the freezer for another 20 minutes. This is done so that you can have clean edges; which will be convenient while cutting it into a heart shape.

Avoid over-freezing as it will be difficult to use the cutter in such cases. Place the cake on a serving platter before you start giving it the heart shape using the cookie cutter.

Once you are through with the shape, you need to add the final icing layer. Use the spatula and this time, place a thick coating of icing. The icing will be easy to smoothen because of the crumbs. Garnish it with strawberries.

You can also put some strawberry sauce on the topmost layer. Now you can use the icing tube to add some decorative flowers and patterns on it. Ensure you use colors that go well with its base. Personalize it with a message of your choice.

Ingredients

• Butter, ¾ cup
• White Sugar, 2 cups
• Flour, 3 cups (sifted)
• Baking Powder, 3 tsp.
• Milk, 1 cup
• Vanilla Extract, 1 tsp.
• Egg Whites, 5
• Salt, ½ tsp.

Preparation
Grease two 8" round pans and preheat the oven to 375° F. Mix the butter and sugar. Blend till it fluffs up. Sift the flour with some baking powder. Add some salt to this as well. Add this to the butter and sugar mixture and stir in the vanilla.

Use a large mixing bowl to beat the egg whites and add ⅓ of this mixture to the batter. You need to divide the batter into 2 pans. Bake this mixture for 25 minutes. Now, use white butter icing to decorate it.

This event is one of the most important rituals of the wedding festivities. Adding a personal touch to it in any form would always be cherished forever.