The Littlest Matryoshka

A Nesting Doll Birthday Cake

I'll be back tonight - or maybe after Easter ;) - with some more pictures from today, but just like last year, I couldn't wait any longer to share a picture of my daughter's birthday cake! 

Looking at the pictures from her past birthdays reminded me that it was on her 3rd birthday when, inspired and encouraged by Charlotte, I started getting a little more creative with birthday cakes.  Now, three years later, it is a much loved family tradition!

This year, after falling in love with the nesting doll measuring cups that we received for Christmas, Chiquita requested a "Nesting Doll" themed birthday party!   After consulting the expert on the topic, I ordered the book The Littlest Matryoshka and the matching set of nesting dolls, which then inspired the rest of the party.

(And how perfect that there were six dolls in the set, for her 6th birthday!?!)

I made the cake by cutting off one end of a 13" oval pan (the body) and cutting out part of a 8" round pan (the head) so they would fit together nicely.   After frosting it with white buttercream, I outlined the face (using the rim of a 6" round cake pan), cheeks (using a small cup), and the rest freehand with a toothpick, before decorating it with the various color icings.

I did have a bit of trouble with the icing running all over the place (I had purchased yellow and pink cookie icing instead of cake icing), but despite the little challenges, I thought the cake turned out cute and it is loved by the birthday girl - which is all that matters. :)  Now back to the party!

Happy 6th Birthday Chiquita!