Acceptable ‘birthday’ cake?

[Flutterbycustard]

I offered to bake my husband a birthday cake. He asked for no icing and something a bit different. So I went for a pineapple upside down cake.

I’m 50% happy with it and 50% thinking it doesn’t look like a ‘celebration’ cake. I’ll probably pop to the store and grab a decorated one to go with it. We’re off to lunch with family today to celebrate.

Do you think it’s ok? Or wild you keep it for a at home dessert and just get a bigger cake at the store? DH hasn’t seen it yet; he’ll tell me it’s great…anything to avoid having to stop at the shop.

It’s not a huge deal, but some unbiased advice would be appreciated. I completely understand if you don’t feel it says ‘birthday’.

Aw this is absolutely adorable- he will love it.
Please don’t buy a store bought one to go alongside it, it’s not needed at all. This gorge cake needs a moment all to itself!

Haha! I wish I could send you all a thank you slice now xx

I was going to say that. I'd be delighted with it

That looks amazing. I don't really like cake and hate icing but I'd eat a slice of that. And it fits the brief he gave you

Gold candles will go perfectly with that. Definitely look like a birthday cake.

@Flutterbycustard your post and pics are a stealth boast...
The cake looks AMAZING!!!!!!!!
(Please share the recipe!)
Your DH should love it. I know I would!

I’m so grateful that everyone likes it. I think if even just one person had said that it didn’t scream birthday to them, I’d have bought another.

Off to get ready now. DH has seen it and is predictably delighted, but he thinks I’m gourmet chef so I don’t necessarily trust his judgment like I do yours.

Thanks again!

@Bjorkdidit thanks yes I've seen those and might be doing mini Christmas cakes that way, but I want to make it with a whole tinned pineapple slice in each for aesthetic purposes so I need them to be slightly bigger. I've thought of using the tin the pineapple slices came in but I'd have to open two at once and I also only have one tin right now...plus I might just be looking for an excuse to buy a couple of dinky cake tins! 😉 😁 But whichever way I decide to do it, I must have pineapple upside down cake today!!

That looks AMAZING. Definitely don't need another.

I'd be more than happy with that cake.

Lol

It’s just the fruit, syrup and then a basic Victoria sandwich recipe, 240g of SR flour, baking spread, caster sugar, 4 eggs, 1tsp of baking powder and vanilla. Nothing special or fancy I promise!

Dd only likes plain Madeira cake so I do always buy a second 'birthday' cake for the candles so she has a proper one but that is 100% to do with me and my need for her to have a 'proper' cake and not her at all. She's perfectly happy with a loaf of Madeira

Your cake though already looks decorated with the pineapples etc so isn't fust plain sponge.

It looks delicious! If its being served tomorrow, you could get a topper to add a bit more sparkle/wow factor on prime. Otherwise, its looks yum 😋

Now that’s my type of birthday cake!

I understand this. I've got an icing hater in my house and it does make birthday cakes look less like the stereotypical birthday cake. Lemon drizzle is the favourite here and it's hard to make a lemon drizzle cake look exciting.

Looks absolutely delicious 😋

It looks delicious, but it also looks like a summer party cake from the 1980s. I would definitely eat it, but if your aunt Mabel is backhanded compliment-y about that kind of thing, I'd be prepared for it.

can you save me a slice?

Exactly!

It’s that feeling that it’s reflecting on me and it looks like I made minimal effort. Then I have to explain to everyone that DH requested it and didn’t want the icing. I like the cake I do! And we both love PUD cake. I think it’s an ego thing probably.

Yes, I was getting 80’s vibes. Showing my age 😂

It’s mostly DH’s family and mostly the younger ones. Perhaps another reason I was a bit unsure.

Nooooo it's doesn't need a topper. Honestly. This cake is perfect as is. Let it shine.

Ugh I'm going to have to try hard not to get on my soap box now.

80s is in. Just tell them it's Stranger Things / Rivals inspired depending on the age.

They are huge ST fans. That’s a great idea!

That's a gorgeous cake and I'd be delighted to receive it!
You can clearly see the heart.
Any shop bought cake is not a patch on this!! Well done!