Creating a personalized birthday cake is a fun and memorable way to celebrate a special milestone, and making a #9 cake is perfect for a 9th birthday!
This cake design is simple yet impressive, allowing you to get creative with colors and decorations while ensuring the number 9 stands out as the centerpiece. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at a shaped cake for the first time, this guide will walk you through the steps to create a stunning #9 cake that will be the highlight of any birthday party.
Ingredients:
- 1 box of cake mix or ingredients for your favorite cake recipe (enough for an 8-inch square and a 9-inch round cake)
- 5-7 cups of powdered sugar
- 2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Up to ¼ cup cream or milk
- Food coloring in your choice of colors (e.g., dark pink, orange, yellow, purple, light pink)
Tools:
- 8-inch square cake pan
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Large mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Large cup, container, or round biscuit cutter (for cutting the circle)
- Sharp knife
- Measuring tape
- Cake board
- Piping bags (at least 5, one for each color)
- Piping tips in various sizes and shapes
- Spatula for spreading icing
- Flat edge or ruler (for cutting the diagonal line)
- Cake leveler (optional, for leveling the cakes before assembly)
How to make a Number Nine Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cakes
Start by baking one 8-inch square cake and one 9-inch round cake. If you use one box of cake mix, the batter should divide evenly between the two cake pans.
Step 2: Shape the Cakes
Using a large cup or container, trace a circle onto the top of your round cake with a sharp knife, then cut it out. A sharp cookie cutter or a round biscuit cutter can also work well for this step.
Next, use a flat edge to create a diagonal line across the square cake. If you’re using the same size cake pans mentioned here, measure out 7 inches diagonally to ensure even proportions.
Cut a notch in the top left corner of the diagonal cake so it can fit snugly against the round cake.
Step 3: Arrange the Cakes
Place your round and diagonal cakes on a cake board before decorating. This will make it easier to transport the cake once it’s finished.
Step 4: Make the Buttercream Icing
In a large bowl, combine 5-7 cups of powdered sugar, 2 cups of unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and up to ¼ cup of cream or milk. Start mixing on low speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer, gradually increasing to high speed until the icing is fluffy and well-mixed. This should take a few minutes.
For a smooth finish, you can apply a crumb coat of white frosting. This base layer helps prep the cake for decorating and keeps crumbs from mixing with your decorations.
Step 5: Color and Prepare the Icing
Divide the remaining icing into five small bowls, and add food coloring to each. I used dark pink, orange, yellow, purple, and light pink.
Transfer each colored frosting into separate piping bags, each with a different decorating tip.
Step 6: Decorate the Cake
Start by piping large rosettes over the surface and sides of the cake. It’s often easier to begin with your largest decorations and then fill in with medium then smaller decorations.
Continue decorating until the entire cake is covered.
A helpful tip: the inside of the number 9 and the edges can be tricky, so start with those areas before finishing the rest of the cake.
Tips and Tricks
Tips For Piping Stars
Put a small amount of frosting in your piping bag at a time. You can refill the same piping bag with more frosting as you go. The heat from your hand will warm up your frosting as you’re making stars.
If you find that as you’re frosting the polar bear cake, the frosting gets too runny and warm, it won’t hold its shape. Take a break and put the piping bag in the fridge for a couple of minutes then start again.
If your piping bag is really hard to squeeze, or the stars aren’t sticking well to your cake, the frosting is probably too thick or too cold. Warm up the piping bag with your hands and try again, or put the frosting back in your bowl, mix it with more milk and try again.
Crumb Coating Tips
If you’re having issues getting a smooth crumb coat on your cake, it could be the consistency of your frosting. Your frosting should be not too thick and not too thin. To get it just right, add a small amount of milk or cream to your frosting if it’s too thick, or a bit of icing sugar if it’s too thin. Aim for a spreadable but not runny texture.
Before you start the crumb coat, ensure your cake is properly chilled. This makes the cake firmer, reducing the likelihood of crumbs mixing with the frosting.
I find it helpful to use a piping bag for the crumb coat. This allows for better control and more even distribution of the frosting. Once you have a lumpy layer of frosting on your cake, use an offset cake spatula to smooth it out. Work from the center toward the edges to keep the crumbs locked in.
Decorating Ideas
You don’t just have to use icing, try fresh fruit, edible flowers, chocolate frosting, whipped cream, colorful sprinkles or anything else your heart desires for the top of the cake. You can make your cake a chocolate cake or vanilla cake or choose from one of each cake layer if you stack two cake layers on top of each other for an even bigger cake. You could even go with a cookie base if cake isn’t your idea of fun!
Alternative Ways To Make a Number Nine Cake
Bundt Pan Method
Bake Two Bundt Cakes: Bake two bundt cakes using a standard bundt pan. Place the first bundt cake on a cake board or plate to form the circular part of the “9.”
Cut the Second Cake: Slice the second bundt cake in half, and use one half to form the straight side of the number “9.” Position it next to the circular part to complete the shape.
Decorate: Use icing to hide the seams and decorate the entire cake.
Cupcake Arrangement
Prepare Cupcakes: Bake a batch of cupcakes and arrange them in the shape of the number “9” on a large board or platter.
Frosting: Use a single color of frosting for a uniform look, or decorate each cupcake individually with different colors or designs.
Number Outline: You can pipe a border around the cupcakes to make the number “9” more distinct.
Number Cake Mold
Use a #9 Cake Mold: Purchase a cake mold specifically shaped like the number “9.” This mold will give you the exact shape with no need for cutting or rearranging.
Bake and Decorate: Simply bake the cake in the mold, remove it, and decorate as desired.
Layered Sheet Cake Method
Bake a Large Sheet Cake: Bake a large sheet cake, and cut out two shapes—a circle for the top of the “9” and a strip for the stem.
Assemble the Number: Use the cut-out pieces to assemble the number “9” on a cake board. You may need to use leftover cake scraps to refine the shape.
Decorate: Apply a crumb coat to smooth out the edges, then decorate with frosting and other embellishments.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—a fabulous #9 birthday cake that’s so much fun and sure to bring a big smile to the birthday star! Whether you went with bright colors, playful patterns, or kept it simple and sweet, the love and effort you put into making this cake will make the celebration extra special. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to decorate—just have fun and let your creativity shine! Here’s to a birthday filled with joy, laughter, and of course, a slice (or two) of delicious cake. Happy baking!
39+ Ridiculously Creative Birthday Cake Ideas For Kids
Birthday Bingo & Cute Free Printable Game Sheet
30 Adorable Animal Themed Cupcakes (Easy DIY Ideas)
