Unleash the magic of the circus with this vibrant and playful Circus Animal Cookie Cake! It’s a fun and festive creation that combines the nostalgic charm of circus animal cookies with delicious layers of tye-dye vanilla cake and pink chocolate ganache. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a special event, or just want to add a splash of fun to your dessert table, this cake is sure to be a showstopper!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- Vanilla cake mix: 1 package
- Large eggs: 3
- Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup
- Milk: 1 cup
- Light sour cream: 1/2 cup
- Clear vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Almond extract: 1/2 tsp
- Pink gel food dye
For the Frosting:
- Unsalted butter, softened: 4 sticks
- Powdered sugar: 8 cups
- Heavy whipping cream: 2 tbsp
- Vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Almond extract: 1/2 tsp
- Pink gel food dye
- Circus Animal Cookies, crushed & divided: 1 1/2 cups
For the Ganache:
- White chocolate chips: 5 oz (about 1 cup)
- Heavy whipping cream: 4-5 tbsp
- Pink gel food dye
- Sprinkles for garnish
Directions:
- Cake Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans. Mix all cake ingredients, reserving some batter to color pink. Swirl the pink and vanilla batters in the pans to create a tye-dye effect. Bake for 28-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
- Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the cream and extracts. Separate a portion of the frosting to color pink.
- Assembly: Slice the cooled cakes horizontally to create even layers. Alternate layers of cake with pink frosting and a sprinkle of crushed cookies between each layer. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the cake and chill briefly. Then apply the final layer of frosting, creating an ombre effect with the pink frosting.
- Ganache: Combine the white chocolate chips and cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in intervals, stirring until smooth. Tint with pink food dye and let cool slightly before drizzling over the chilled cake. Add sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
- Final Touches: Decorate the base and top of the cake with remaining crushed cookies and additional sprinkles.
Baking Tips:
- For a deeper pink, gradually add more dye until the desired color is achieved, both in the batter and the ganache.
- Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature to ensure a smooth, even mix.
This Circus Animal Cookie Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Perfect for anyone who loves a touch of whimsy in their treats, it’s sure to bring joy and a bit of the circus spirit to any gathering. Enjoy crafting this delightful cake that’s as fun to make as it is to serve! 🎈🍪✨