Baby Shower Cake Ideas: For A Great Dessert And Centerpiece 

A baby shower is a form of celebration that aims to welcome the newest member in the family. Although baby showers were originally meant for first-borns only, modern practices now allow baby shower parties for every baby that comes into the family.

Baby showers are usually organized and arranged by the relatives and close friends of the parents-to-be. They are a great way to help parents get started with the things they need for the baby.

Over the years, baby showers have evolved into various names, such as the following:

1. "Grandma's shower" - a party where guests bring baby items (such as collapsible cribs and changing pads) that grandparents can keep at their house.

2. "Diaper showers" or "baby sprinkles" - a small-scale party that is usually held for successive children, and ideal for parents who do not need as many items (or gifts).

3. "Daddy's shower" - a men-only party for dads-to-be

It is customary for a baby shower to have a theme, in which the entire party centers on. Baby shower requisites typically include games, presents, food and a cake!

A party is never complete without a cake, and this applies to baby showers also.

Cakes are one of the great things about baby showers, and they can be made using various basic techniques, such as the following:

1. Sponge-making - this is done by whipping the eggs and sugar into a froth, with the flour carefully mixed in. Making a light sponge requires great skill, as it does not use any raising agent or fat.

2. All-in-together - this is done by placing the dry ingredients in a food processor (together with the shortening) before progressively adding the liquid ingredients.

3. Rubbing method - this is done by 'rubbing' the butter into the dry ingredients before adding the liquid ones.

4. Melt-and-mix - this is done by are first mixing the dry ingredients together, adding the melted butter and the other liquid ingredients afterwards to complete the cake.

5. Creaming methods - this is done by 'creaming' butter and sugar together before progressively adding the rest of the ingredients.

Finished cakes are usually enhanced with the use of frosting (icing) or toppings (such as sprinkles).

There are different varieties of baby shower cakes to choose from. Some of them are listed below:

• Pineapple upside down cake
• Pound cake
• Spice cake
• Butterfly cake
• Sponge cake
• Chocolate cake
• Chiffon cake
• Cupcake
• Devil's food cake
• Carrot cake
• Angelfood cake
• Butter cake
• Cheesecake
• Fruit cake
• Gingerbread
• Ice cream cake
• Mooncake

Aside from the cake varieties above, there are also a lot of baby shower cake ideas that can make a baby shower celebration more special:

1. Toy Blocks Cake. Another idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like children's toy blocks (either one large block or 3 to 4 smaller blocks). Toy block cakes can be further enhanced by surrounding them with candies or little toy cars.

2. Belly Cake. One great idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like a pregnant belly. This can be done by placing a circular cake in front of a rectangular cake and frosting them together to resemble that of a pregnant belly.

Of course, you can also experiment and try to come up with creative ideas of your own. Bear in mind that the 'objective' is not only to make a yummy dessert, but also a great centerpiece that will stand out in the memories of the parents-to-be.