Money Cake: Creative Wedding Gift Idea

A money cake is a fun and creative way to gift money to someone on their wedding day. It is a versatile gift idea that can be personalised and works for almost any occasion. To make a money cake, you will need some cash, a hot glue gun, a bit of patience, and other basic craft supplies. The process involves creating a two-tiered cake structure using cardboard and paper, and then decorating it with rolled-up dollar bills and other adornments. This unique gift idea is a great way to make giving money a more thoughtful and memorable experience.

How to roll the dollar bills

The first step in making a money cake is to roll the dollar bills. The tightness of the roll will determine how much money you will need overall. For a looser roll, you can get away with using fewer bills, but if you want a tighter roll, be prepared to spend more.

To start, take a dollar bill and roll it evenly, securing it with a small piece of tape or a rubber band. It is recommended to use about an inch of tape for each bill. Before you begin rolling, it is a good idea to tear off all the pieces of tape you will need so that they are ready to use. This will make the process faster and easier.

Once you have a stack of rolled dollar bills, you are ready to start attaching them to the cake tiers. Apply long strips of double-sided tape around each tier, and then stick the rolled bills against the tape, making sure the tape side is facing the back. Use your finger to gently press each roll against the tape to ensure a secure hold.

How to attach the dollar bills to the cake

To attach the dollar bills to your money cake, you'll need to roll the dollar bills first. The tightness of the roll will determine how much money you will be able to put on your cake. Use a small piece of tape or a rubber band to secure the roll.

Next, apply long strips of double-sided tape around each layer of your cake. You can do one or two rows, depending on your preference. Then, stick the rolled-up dollar bills onto the tape, ensuring that the tape side is at the back. You can use your finger to gently press each roll against the tape so that they stick securely.

Once you have finished attaching the dollar bills, use a paper party streamer to wrap around each layer of the cake. This will help to secure the money even further. Pull the streamer slightly before taping it together for added security.

And that's it! You now have a money cake with securely attached dollar bills that will surely impress the recipient.

How to decorate the cake

Now for the fun part: decorating your money cake!

First, gather your supplies: a pack of four 12" Wilton cake platters, cardstock or construction paper, a permanent marker, scotch tape, double-sided tape, a hot glue gun, 40 one-dollar bills (or however many you plan to give), a paper party streamer, a box knife, and any other decorations you would like to include.

Use the top cake platter to trace a circle with a permanent marker onto the cardstock or construction paper. Cut out this circle, which will be the base of your cake. Then, cut out a smaller circle for the top tier of your cake. You can use a bowl or coffee can to trace a smaller circle in the centre.

Next, cut strips of cardstock or construction paper that are the same height as a dollar bill. Tape these strips together to form a circle, which will be the "cake" that sits on top of the platter. Use your hot glue gun to put glue around the bottom edge of the paper circle, then gently press it onto the base cake platter, ensuring it's centred. Repeat this process for the second layer, gluing around the top edge of the paper circle and gently pressing the cut-out cake platter on top.

Now it's time to roll your dollar bills! Keep in mind that the tighter the roll, the more money you will need. Place a small piece of tape or a rubber band around each rolled bill to secure it. Apply long strips of double-sided tape around each layer of your cake platter, then stick the rolled bills against the tape to secure them in place.

Use the party streamer to wrap around each layer, pulling the streamer slightly to help secure the money. Add any additional decorations you would like. For a wedding, you could add fresh flowers, a cake topper, or other wedding-themed accents.

And that's it! You now have a creative and unique money cake that is sure to impress the happy couple.

How to make a two-tiered money cake

Making a two-tiered money cake for a wedding is a fun and impressive project. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create a stunning and stable cake:

Planning and Preparation:

• Decide on the size of each tier, considering the number of guests you need to serve. A two-tier cake can generally serve 20-50 guests, depending on the width of the tiers and portion size.
• Choose your cake flavours and recipes. For a wedding, a simple yet elegant vanilla cake is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with other flavours like carrot, red velvet, or chocolate.
• Gather all the necessary supplies, including cake pans, cake boards/circles, dowels or straws for support, a cake leveler, a turntable, icing/frosting, and any desired decorations.
• Prepare your cake batter and bake your cake layers ahead of time, allowing them to cool completely before assembling and decorating.

Assembling the Tiers:

• Use cake circles/boards: Place each cake tier on a sturdy cake circle, preferably one that is an inch or two larger than the cake base. This provides a stable base and makes it easier to move the cake.
• Level your cake layers: Use a cake leveler to ensure your cake layers are even. Uneven layers will result in uneven tiers and a lopsided cake.
• Stack and frost your cake layers: Apply a crumb coat and then spread the final layer of frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula or bench scraper.
• Mark the centre of each tier: Use a ruler to mark the centre of your base tier and outline where the next tier will go. This will guide the placement of the support dowels.
• Cut and insert the support dowels: Cut the dowels to the height of the tier they will be supporting. Insert them into the base tier, spacing them evenly and pushing them straight down.
• Repeat the above steps for each additional tier.

Final Decorations and Touches:

• You can decorate your cake with fresh flowers, sugar flowers, fondant decorations, hand-piped swirls, or keep it simple with a textured buttercream finish.
• If desired, add a custom cake topper, such as a miniature replica of the bride and groom.
• Place cut parchment, confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, or coconut on the dowel rod area to prevent the icing from sticking to the tier above.
• For added support, sharpen one end of a bamboo dowel rod and insert it through the centre of all cake tiers and cake boards.
• Finish by adding any final touches and ensuring your cake is stable and secure.

Your two-tiered money cake is now ready to be displayed and enjoyed at the wedding!

How to make a pull-dispenser money cake

A money cake is a fun and creative way to gift money, and it can be a unique addition to a wedding celebration. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a pull-dispenser money cake:

Step 1: Prepare the Materials

You will need the following supplies:

• A pack of four 12" cake platters or sturdy cardboard
• Cardstock or construction paper
• A permanent marker
• Tape (double-sided and Scotch tape)
• A hot glue gun
• Cash (dollar bills)
• A paper party streamer
• A box knife
• Optional decorations of your choice
• A money cake dispenser kit (including a cake topper, transparent pockets, glue dots, and a small box)

Step 2: Create the Cake Layers

Using the top cake platter or a bowl/can as a guide, trace and cut out two circles from the cardstock or construction paper. These will form the base and the second tier of your cake. Cut strips of cardstock/construction paper to the height of a dollar bill and tape them together to form a circle, slightly smaller than the base platter.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake Layers

Using the hot glue gun, apply glue along the bottom edge of the paper circle and quickly press it onto the base cake platter, ensuring it's centred. Repeat this process for the second layer to create a two-tiered cake structure.

Step 4: Prepare the Money Rolls

Roll your dollar bills loosely or tightly, depending on your budget. Secure each roll with a small piece of tape or a rubber band. The tighter the roll, the more money you will need!

Step 5: Attach the Money Rolls to the Cake

Apply long strips of double-sided tape around each layer of the cake. Stick the rolled bills onto the tape, ensuring they are secure. You can use your finger to gently press them against the tape.

Step 6: Decorate the Cake

Use the paper party streamer to wrap around each layer of the cake, pulling the paper slightly to create a ruffled effect. This will also help secure the money rolls. Feel free to add any additional decorations that suit the occasion, such as flowers, ribbons, or other themed ornaments.

Step 7: Prepare the Money Dispenser

Follow the instructions provided with your money cake dispenser kit. Typically, you will need to insert cash into separate transparent bags and tape them end-to-end to form a long line. Cut a hole in the middle of your cake and insert the mini cake ATM box, ensuring the lid is facing upwards. Roll up the long line of money and insert it into the box, feeding the start of the money through the slit of the lid.

Step 8: Finalize the Cake

Decorate your cake with icing or frosting, ensuring you cover the cake money box completely. Attach the cake topper to the money dispenser, and your pull-dispenser money cake is ready!

This interactive and exciting way of gifting money is sure to be a memorable part of the wedding celebration, creating a fun experience for both the gift giver and recipient.

Frequently asked questions