Hello! My first foray into the baking threads and hoping someone can help... I made a practice run of this cake for my little girl's birthday last weekend (turning 2):
www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/gallery/2011/mar/18/gruffalo-cake-red-nose-day
Thankfully, I only made half the buttercream requested as it was an obscene amount! Overall, it turned out well (she knew it was a Gruffalo, so success as far as I'm concerned!)... But, the cake itself - a 6 egg sponge - was a little dry and I had a hard time getting the buttercream on as once I carved it there were crumbs everywhere! Does anyone have a better/foolproof recipe for a carveable 10" square chocolate cake - or know what I did wrong?? I baked it for 15 minutes LESS than the time it said, so I think the cocoa might be to blame?
Also, if anyone has any Gruffalo party food ideas, all gratefully received! I'm a reasonably competent baker!