Bake A Cake For A Friend!
Work with an adult to bake a simple cake from scratch or from a mix, decorate it, and deliver it to a friend to share.
Step-by-step guide to bake a cake for a friend
Step 1
Gather all the materials from the list and put them on the counter so everything is ready.
Step 2
Decide with your adult whether you will use a cake mix or a scratch recipe.
Step 3
Preheat the oven to the temperature on your recipe or mix box commonly 350°F 175°C.
Step 4
Measure the ingredients exactly as the recipe or box instructs and add them to the mixing bowl.
Step 5
Stir or whisk the ingredients until the batter is smooth and lump free.
Step 6
Grease the cake pan or line it with parchment paper so the cake won’t stick.
Step 7
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 8
With your adult, place the pan in the oven and set the timer for the baking time on the recipe or box.
Step 9
With your adult use oven mitts to remove the hot pan from the oven and place it on the cooling rack.
Step 10
Let the cake cool completely on the rack so frosting will not melt.
Step 11
Spread frosting over the cooled cake and add sprinkles or fruit to decorate.
Step 12
Put the cake on a plate or in a box and deliver it to your friend to share.
Step 13
Take a photo of your finished cake and share your creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we substitute if we don't have a cake mix, parchment paper, or a cooling rack?
If you don't have a cake mix use a simple scratch recipe (flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, milk), substitute parchment by greasing and flouring the cake pan, and cool the hot pan on a clean towel or plate instead of a cooling rack.
My cake is lumpy, stuck to the pan, or undercooked—how can I fix these problems?
If the batter is lumpy, stir or whisk longer until smooth as in step 5; if the cake sticks, be sure you greased or lined the pan in step 6; if it's undercooked, return it to the oven and test with a toothpick after the time on the box or recipe in step 8.
How can I adapt this baking activity for younger or older kids?
Let toddlers help gather materials and stir the batter, elementary kids measure ingredients and smooth batter with supervision, and older kids can follow the recipe, preheat the oven, place the pan in with an adult, and try a scratch recipe and more advanced decorating.
How can we make the cake extra special or personalize it for our friend?
Extend the project by adding a jam or fruit layer between cakes, tinting and piping the frosting with a message, using your friend's favorite sprinkles from step 10, packing it nicely in a box from step 11, and taking the photo to share on DIY.org as in step 12.
Watch videos on how to bake a cake for a friend
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Facts about baking for kids
🎂 People have been baking cake-like treats for thousands of years—ancient Egyptians made sweet honey breads that were cake cousins.
🧁 The word "cupcake" comes from cakes that were baked in small cups or from recipes using cup measurements.
🍳 Baking is kitchen chemistry: the right measurements and temperatures help a cake rise and stay fluffy.
🔥 Always bake with an adult—ovens and hot pans can burn, and grown-ups help keep food safe to share.
🤝 Bringing a homemade cake is a simple, delicious way to celebrate and make a friend smile.
How do I bake a cake with my child to give to a friend?
What materials do I need to bake and deliver a cake for a friend?
What ages is baking a cake with a child suitable for?
What are the benefits, safety tips, and fun variations for baking a cake to share?
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