I want to bake a cake with pretty icing for DD's birthday and I have NO idea where to start

[kenobi]

I'm looking to do a basic cake with that thick icing that I can shape into a farm scene (will buy pigs, cows etc as decoration, just thinking icing for sky and grass).

My questions are VERY many - I cook a lot but bake rarely!

If I cook a Victoria sponge, will the jam and cream in the middle stop the icing from sticking? Or should I do a different type of cake?

How does the icing stick anyway?!

What kind of icing do I buy - there seems to be a few types? (Don't want to make own, step too far)

Are there good websites for things like farm animals to put on cakes?! I'm relatively creative but don't have the kind of time I'd like to give to this so any short cuts would be great.

any help/suggestions etc gratefully accepted.

That's fantastic, well done.

Thank you!

I couldn't have done it without mumsnet. This cake is for all of you brave baking laydies out there.

I do have one question - the sponge was quite dense and heavy (though completely edible).

Would that have been due to me using a magimix to mix the ingredients, or an imbalance of ingredients?

You did use self raising flour? diid you use an all-in-one method?

I am well impressed. It looks absolutely great.

thank you again
I used self-raising flour and mixed sugar and butter then added eggs and flour.

ohhhh your cake is adorable Kenobi!

When you use a mixer you have to be really careful when you mix the flour flour in cause it can knock all the air out.

Thanks loves, I wondered about that.

I'm the OP - I've just festivized me name!)