Make A Wedding Cake Using Play-Doh

Play-Doh is a fun activity for children of all ages and can be used to create a variety of shapes and objects, including wedding cakes. Making a wedding cake out of Play-Doh can be a creative and educational activity, offering learning benefits for kids. To make a Play-Doh wedding cake, you will need a few simple ingredients and materials. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a beautiful and colourful Play-Doh wedding cake, complete with layers, decorations, and perhaps even a hidden surprise inside.

Making the cake layers

To make a wedding cake out of Play-Doh, you will need to start by baking a fluffy sponge cake. Use two quantities of your chosen sponge recipe and bake the mixture in four 8-inch (20.32 cm) round tins. Once the cakes are baked, cut each one into two even layers and trim the tops to ensure they are flat.

Next, cover a baking tin with plastic wrap. Place half of one cake layer inside the tin and set it aside for now. Prepare a packet of jelly or jello following the packet instructions, but use only 70% of the stated amount of water. For example, if the instructions say to use 500 ml of water, only use 350 ml. Pour the jelly over the cake layer, allowing it to soak in, and then place the tin in the fridge to set.

Repeat this process with the remaining jelly and cake layers. It is important to let each layer set in the fridge before adding the next one. Once all the layers are complete, you will have a stack of jelly-soaked cake layers that form the base of your Play-Doh wedding cake.

Now, you can begin to assemble the layers to create your wedding cake structure. You can vary the number of layers depending on the height and size of your desired cake. Use a sharp knife or cake leveller to trim and even out the layers if needed. Remember to handle the layers gently, as the jelly will make them softer and more delicate.

By following these steps, you will have created the foundation for your Play-Doh wedding cake. The cake layers are crucial, as they provide structure, stability, and height. Now, you can move on to the next steps, such as adding decorations, frosting, or fondant to transform your creation into a beautiful and tasty Play-Doh wedding cake!

Preparing the jelly

Firstly, cut each of your sponge cakes into two even layers and trim the tops to ensure a neat and level surface. This step provides a stable base for the jelly and overall structure. Next, cover a baking tin with plastic wrap, and place half of your cake inside. This protective layer will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove later.

Now, it's time to prepare the jelly. Take one packet of jelly crystals and follow the directions on the packet, but an important tweak is to use only 70% of the total water specified. For instance, if the packet instructs you to use 500ml of water, you should only use 350ml. This adjustment ensures that your jelly will have a slightly firmer texture, ideal for holding the shape of your wedding cake.

After mixing the jelly crystals with the reduced amount of water, pour it evenly over your cake layer, allowing it to soak in nicely. Then, place the tray in the fridge to let the jelly set. Repeat this process with the remaining jelly packets and cake layers. It is important to let each layer set properly before adding the next one, and you can cover it with plastic wrap between layers to prevent drying out.

Once all your layers are complete and set, you can move on to the next steps of creating your Play-Doh wedding cake masterpiece!

Melting the chocolate

Choosing the Right Chocolate

The type of chocolate you select will impact the taste, texture, and final appearance of your cake. White, dark, or milk chocolate can be used, depending on your desired colour scheme and flavour profile. If you opt for dark chocolate, keep in mind that you may need to add more colouring to achieve darker shades.

Melting Techniques

The melting process itself can be done in a microwave or on a stovetop. If using a microwave, place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid burning. White chocolate, in particular, melts quickly, so be cautious to avoid overheating. For a stovetop method, use a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.

Adding Corn Syrup or Glucose

To create a flexible and mouldable modelling chocolate, you'll need to add corn syrup or glucose to the melted chocolate. Warm the corn syrup or glucose slightly before adding it to the chocolate; this will make it easier to pour and combine. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture together.

Avoiding Over-Mixing

It's important not to over-stir the mixture once you've added the corn syrup or glucose. Stop mixing as soon as the mixture starts to seize up and resemble soft-serve ice cream. Over-mixing can cause the chocolate to become oily, with cocoa butter starting to separate. If this happens, stop mixing, let the mixture cool, and then slowly incorporate it back together.

Setting the Chocolate

Once your chocolate has reached the right consistency, it's time to let it set. Spread the melted chocolate onto a sheet of plastic wrap and allow it to partially set. You can place it in the fridge to speed up the process, but be sure to keep an eye on it. You want the chocolate to be firm but still pliable.

Kneading the Chocolate

After the chocolate has partially set, it's time to knead it. Unwrap the chocolate and work it with your hands until it's smooth, breaking up any hard lumps with your fingers. If the chocolate becomes too hard, simply pop it back in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it up again.

By following these steps, you'll be able to melt and prepare the perfect chocolate for your Play-Doh wedding cake. Remember to take your time, work in a clean space, and always be cautious when handling hot ingredients.

Creating the lid

To create the lid for your Play-Doh wedding cake, you will need to colour some white chocolate with blue food colouring. You can do this by placing your white chocolate in a bowl and melting it. Once melted, add in blue candy, oil-based, or powdered food colouring. The amount of colouring you use will depend on the desired shade of blue.

Next, pour the chocolate onto some baking paper and spread it out to form a circle. The Play-Doh lids have an indent in the middle, so to create this effect, place a baking tin on top of the chocolate and push down slightly. You can also use the base of a tin or a round cookie cutter to create the indent.

Once the chocolate starts to set, use a knife to trim the edges. Leave a border so that the lid is slightly bigger than the bucket of your wedding cake. This will ensure that the lid fits securely on top. Finally, place the chocolate lid in the fridge to set completely.

Once the lid is fully set, you can add any additional decorations or details. You can use fondant, sprinkles, or other edible decorations to create a unique and personalised lid for your Play-Doh wedding cake.

Stacking the cake

Stacking a Play-Doh wedding cake is a fun and creative activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create a stunning and stable Play-Doh cake:

Start by preparing the individual layers of your Play-Doh cake. Roll out the Play-Doh to the desired thickness for each layer, using a rolling pin or your hands. Cut out circular shapes for each layer, using a cookie cutter, a round tin, or the rim of a glass. You can also freehand the circular shapes, but try to make them as uniform as possible.

Once you have your layers cut out, it's time to start stacking! Place the largest layer at the bottom, which will serve as your base. Gently place the second-largest layer on top, centering it as much as possible. You can use a small amount of water or edible glue between the layers for added stability, but make sure it's just a light layer of moisture to avoid making the Play-Doh too soggy. Repeat this process, adding each layer from largest to smallest, until you reach the top.

If you want to add extra stability to your Play-Doh wedding cake, consider using supports. You can use various items as supports, such as straws, wooden dowels, or even lollipop sticks. Cut them to the appropriate height for each layer and insert them into the centre of the cake. This will help distribute the weight and ensure your cake doesn't collapse.

Now, it's time to add the finishing touches to your stacked cake. You can use various tools to create textures and patterns on the Play-Doh, such as fondant embossers, stamps, or even forks and toothpicks. Add any desired decorations, such as fondant flowers, sugar pearls, or colourful sprinkles. Get creative and experiment with different techniques to make your Play-Doh wedding cake truly unique.

Finally, if you want to add a playful touch to your creation, consider using other Play-Doh tools and accessories. You can create a whimsical landscape around the cake, adding items like trees, fences, or even little Play-Doh characters. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild!

Frequently asked questions