You know the best part about making your own birthday cake?
Well, there are two things, actually. First, you get to make it exactly like you want it, full of all your favorite things. Second, you can eat it before your birthday if you want to, because it’s YOUR cake. No that I did that or anything. (Yes, I did. I ate a piece last night. I couldn’t tolerate the suspense.)
So, see? There are benefits to being a cake baker.
For my cake, I didn’t go uber fancy with the decorations. I went pure taste factor. Think a bottom layer of Double Devils Food Cake, a layer of milk chocolate ganache, a 3 inch thick layer of vanilla bean cheesecake (YUM), another layer of ganache, more Devils food, followed by Scharffenberger Mousse, more cake, more mousse, more cake, then frosted in whipped fudge icing. I piped a bit of whipped cream on the top, then made chocolate curls to toss on it.
Seriously folks, this cake is every bit of 9 inches tall. And tastewise? It is quite possibly the best cake I have ever made. Or anyone else has ever made. Ever. Of course, I would have to charge $70 for a cake this size with this much going on in it (it took 2 days to make), but if I were someone who wanted a to-die-for cake? This is worth every single penny.
Today I am celebrating by first having lunch with my best friend Nicole, then getting my hair cut (finally!) and then taking myself to see The Lovely Bones. After that? I switch to Anniversary Mode. Yep, I got married on my birthday. Ten years ago today, to be exact. I couldn’t have married a better man…in fact, I don’t think one exists. (Happy Anniversary, Kit. I love you.)
So, Jon and I will be going out to eat, possibly with my folks and Seven,or possibly on our own. That’s a really full day for someone like me. Someone who rarely leaves the house unless it’s for eggs or flour. Wish me luck!
I’ll leave you with the sweetest chocolate covered rendition of Happy Birthday To You I’ve ever heard…and until next time, have a great day everyone!
{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
AWWWWWW…..how totally adorable!
Again, Happy Birthday, Susan!! Sounds like a glorious day/evening you have planned…ENJOY!
That looks like an absolutely gorgeously sinfully delicious cake! I only hope I can make something like that one day. Happy Birthday to you! Hope the day treats you especially well.
That cake looks amazing!
Happy Birthday!!!
Your B-day cake is amazing! What a delicious creation. I hope your day is great.
Happy Anniversary too!
oh myyyy lorditttyyy!!!
recipe, please? pretty please? cherry on top? shameless begging?
Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary too
Oh, and HOLY SMOKES that cake looks delicious! I totally agree about the benefits of making your own birthday cake. You can have exactly what you want, and who cares if no one else likes it? More for you! 
Oh my Goodness. Seriously!? That is like Chocolate lovers PARADISE!
I feel the need to go and make a super-Chocolate cake after reading this post and of course seeing those delicious photos! Yum!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday you hard core cake queen! LOVE YOU!
Carrie
Buon compleanno dear Susan !!!! I bet the cake was really something !!! I shoul start thinking about mine !!! Happy anniversary too !
That is the sweetest video ever! Awhh!
And O M G! That cake is WOW! Fantastic! Happy Birthday and Anniversary to you!
Happy Birthday to you! Wow that cake looks like its to die for. I will need to remember this post when my husband has his birthday. Or maybe Valentines? Have a great day!
Your baby is precous!!! Cant get any cuter!
That cake is pretty impressive too. The WOW factor in all it's glory!!!
Happy Birthday.
Just wanted to let you know that I am drooling all over my desk over your cake! YUM!
Happy Birthday to You!!!! That cake looks divine. Can you ship a small piece my way? ; )
Holy cow- that CAKE!!! YUM!! Happy Happy Birthday & Anniversary!!!
Have a wonderful birthday/anniversary full of love and cake!
That is the cutest Birthday Song singer ever! And the cake? Wow….!!! Have a lovely birthday/anniversary.
Now that is a cake! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Hope you have a great day!
That cake looks awesome!! I can't wait to bake my own birthday cake…I think that is the best..that way we will not be dissapointed!! HAPPY EARTHSTRONG to you!!!!
oh.my.god. did you say cheesecake as a layer?? WOW. That's brilliant!
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!!!!!
Happy, Happy Birthday Susan!
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary! What a big day for you. That cake looks amazing
Love the video of Seven too- he is so sweet.
Holy Moly! Now thastsa birthday cake!
Seven is cute, sticky sweet, from his head to his feet.yeah.
Happy Birthday!
GOOD GOD..I think I have dies and gone to heaven and I havent even tasted the cake. I bet you had a Food-gasm!!!
And your little one is adorable!
Happy B-day and Happy Anniversary all in one!
I sill love you!
Happy Birthday!! Happy Anniversary!! Seven is cute!!! How many more !!! can I use???
Happy birthday and anniversary! Seven has quite an ear for a tune – too cute
And that CAKE… YUM!
Happy Birthday and I think you did a FABULOUS job on your cake–it looks beautiful and delicious!!
By the way–LOVED your honest re-cap about your Martha show experience.
Happy Birthday! Hope you've had a great day! The cake looks and sounds over the top delicious!
Happy Birthday and Anniversary! I hope this year brings many good things for you!
Which is sweeter-the cake or the birthday singer? Of course the little singer, but that cake looks/sounds out of this world!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I'm totally gonna have to make my own birthday cake this year. I need to get better at frosting cakes. How do you get your sides so dang smooth? It's like buttah!
Happy Birthday & anniversary!
This cake would kill me…probably because I would eat every last crumb and not share a bite with anyone! It looks amazing!
Happy Birthday!! Chris Ann & Kristin
Happy Birthday! I totally agree with you about the part how you can make it the way you like.. no fail cakes from relatives!
Happy birthday….
and HOLY COW! That is one insanely decadent bday cake. You're right, there are perks to baking your own cake and I think you picked a perfect one.
Hi, found your blog and fell in love with the idea of this cake. Would you mind sharing the recipes or where to find them (are they on your blog somewhere)? I would love to make something like that for my husband's b-day…
Oh, I am very late to send congratulations… I just ran over your blog, because my birthday was on the 27th, and me too, I baked my own birthday cake! It was not half as great as yours, as I am a complete newby to baking. I made the Chocolate Brownie Cake, and a small Caramelized-apple cheese cake for those colleagues at work who might not go for chocolate (in fact, there weren't any…).
You are absolutely right about the advantages of making your own birthday cake. And additionally: If you enjoy baking, than how can a buyed cake ever replace the fun of a homemade cake??
Belated happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!