A construction-themed birthday party needs a cake that follows the theme. This tool box shaped cake is the perfect fit. The basic shape of the cake is simple to achieve and the decorative details are customizable to fit the color scheme of the party.
Materials for the Tool Box Shaped Cake
The materials needed for the tool box cake include:
- Baked and cooled rectangular sheet cake: Any size works depending on the desired size of the finished cake and the number of servings needed. A 9 by 13 cake makes an average-sized cake.
- Buttercream icing
- Gel food coloring
- Fondant: Either homemade or premade fondant works for this cake project.
- Cake board
- Offset spatula
- Sharp knife
Making the Fondant Accents
The accents for the cake made from fondant should be made at least 2 days in advance to give them plenty of drying time. The handle and the latch on the tool box are shaped from fondant. To create the handle, roll a piece of fondant into a log shape, smashing the ends to create a flat surface where it connects to the tool box. Create the handle shape, lifting it in the middle. Place a piece of crumpled parchment paper or plastic wrap under the handle to help it hold its shape. Cut out a rectangle for the latch. Allow the fondant accents to air dry for at least two days.
Cake Preparation
Cut the cooled cake in half width wise to create two equal rectangles. Place one rectangle on the prepared cake board. Spread a layer of buttercream icing on top of the cake. Other fillings are an option as well. Place the other rectangular cake on top of the filling, adjusting it so the cakes line up to create straight sides. This creates the base for the tool box. For a taller look or more servings, bake an additional cake and add another layer to the tool box using the same method. Once the desired height is established, add a crumb coat to the tool box by spreading a thin layer of buttercream icing over all surfaces of the cake. Let the crumb coat rest for about 15 minutes before moving to the decoration process.
Decorating the Tool Box Cake
- Determine the color for the tool box cake, using gel food coloring to achieve the desired shade in both the buttercream icing and the fondant. The color of the tool box depends on personal preference and the party color scheme. Red, blue or black are common colors for tool boxes but will require a lot of food coloring to achieve a dark color. Yellow is a lighter option that doesn't need as much food coloring to achieve.
- Cover the stacked cake with the tinted buttercream icing. Create a smooth, even layer of the icing for a finished look to the cake.
- Roll out the tinted fondant to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a knife or fondant cutter to cut the fondant into strips that are 1/2 to 1 inch wide. The exact width is based on personal preference. These pieces serve as the trim for the tool box.
- Place one long strip of fondant around the tool box about 1 inch from the top to identify the lid of the toolbox. Add the remaining strips along the edges of the cake to define the edges and create a finished look.
- Add the fondant handle and latch to the cake by pressing them into the icing in the desired spots.
The tool box shaped cake is a simple birthday cake requiring only basic decorating skills. The three-dimensional look of the cake allows it to take center stage at a construction-themed party. It takes about the same amount of work as a sheet cake but the results are much more impressive.
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