Want to skip the fluff? Jump to:

• Where I got the idea
• the cupcakes
• the cake
• what I will change if I do this theme again
• a few things I’ve learned over the years making cakes for three children plus other family members.

Birthday’s are a little different at our house this year…my daughters was, so far, the most ‘entertaining. Here’s how it went down (don’t worry, it’s the short version – we’ll get to the cake & microphones FAST!

1. On her actual birthday, we had a birthday parade…apparently her mother (aka, me) didn’t time or plan or announce that effectively….so only one person actually showed up…but her bestie’s mom drove her right up to our yard with that sweet child sticking out the sun roof with a poster and ballon, and she was screa… I mean SINGING at the top of her lungs. It was AMAZING! Then, they went for ice cream and it was awesome.
2. The Saturday after her birthday, we had a family breakfast at the cracker barrel. that was lovely, and we won’t even get into the beautiful chaos of maybe a few extra cousins ending up at our house later…
3. The small party with just a few friends. Very short list. That’s where the cake, mics, and stage came in…and, yes… it did feel like the birthday that never ended…so, let’s move on…shall we?

FIRST – Here’s the blog where I got the idea:

There have been times that I have spent HOURS and, I hate to admit, not even slept so I could finish a cake for my kids…was it worth it? yes…did I enjoy it? Most of the time…the truth is, though, that I don’t really enjoy it all that much anymore except for that smile on their face when they see the finished cake. As you can imagine, I was THRILLED to find this idea that seemed so simple to put together…and it was.

Yep…it was posted three years ago…BUT – you know what? It’s fabulous and it fit the theme of our Karaoke party…

Here’s how the cupcakes came together….(click here to jump to to the cake):

What I used:

• 1 box of cake mix + ingredients for box cupcakes
• Standard Size ice cream cones, however many you want to make plus a few extra just in case! Don’t get jumbo size…and make sure they aren’t the pointed bottom waffle cones!
• White frosting, any brand – I used two jars for the SMALL cake and about 10 microphones.
• silver sugar crystals (sprinkles)
• brown or black M&M’s, 2 per microphone. Use any color you want!
• Mixer, spoons, spreaders, etc.
• Mug of hot water (Jump here for the why!)
• Toothpicks
• Cupcake pan, standard and mini (OR DO WHAT BETTY SAYS)
• Crisco & flour (crisco rubbed in pan, flour sprinkled over that. Prevents sticking)

Why, yes! I did neglect to take a photo of all of the supplies…so, enjoy this beautiful picture of our extra fancy spoon rest.

The steps to building that mic:

• Bake your cupcakes, regular and mini-size. Allow them to cool.
• Place a mini muffin inside your cone. (Click here for an alternative to mini cupcakes)

• Put some icing on top of that mini cup cake, and plop the standard cupcake on that icing, upside down.
• Make a mug of hot water – put your icing spreaders in this (you can thank me later).
• Go ahead and dump your silver sugar crystals on a small plate so they’re ready!
• Spread icing with your warm spreaders onto the cupcake (carefully – this is where the toothpick might come in handy)
• Now, let your ALMOST FINISHED (REALLY!!!!) mics rest in the fridge, if you have room. If you don’t have room, just let them sit out at room temp for the icing to set for a bit.
• Carefully tilt the cupcake slightly, lift the plate of sugar crystals and also tilt it a little…if you try to do it without tilting the plate, this will happen (unless you do what Betty says):

• Gently roll your cupcake around so it’s covered in the sugar crystals…you can also pick some up and sprinkle them by hand to fill any holes.

• Now, did you notice the smudge of icing on the side of my plate? I used that for the M&M’s to stick to the side of the cones. You got this 🙂
• Guess what? YOU’RE DONE, and YOU ARE A ROCK STAR!!!!!

The cake…I have to admit…there was an evil laugh inside my head (it was too easy.)

Seriously I made a single layer flat, pitiful cake ….iced it…broke it a little with a spreader…broke off a corner of one the microphones, and smashed it right into the cake. Then I through on some sprinkles and finished off a can of red spray food coloring… We call it…wait for it….

are you ready?

is the anticipation building yet?

Ok…that’s enough of me amusing myself…

we call it…

‘MIC DROP’

If I could this again, here’s what I’d change:

• I thought of this, and wish I had taken a moment to look it up before I started…YES, you CAN bake your cake inside the cone…Betty says so: BETTY CROCKER: ICE CREAM CONE CAKE RECIPE. This, basically, would have simplified the entire process. I would DEFINITELY recommend following Betty’s advice on the liners if you do this…you don’t want to end having to peel these out of your cake pans.
• I’d have made my own icing. It’s just better. There are tons of recipes. If you need a good one, let me know…I’ll post one or send it to you! I have a couple of favorites.
• I’d have made a better actual cake. But, we had four guests…and more than enough microphones. So, it didn’t really matter.
• Maybe let the guests decorate the mics…that’s always fun.

A few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Do not expect perfection. I’ve made AMAZING cakes, I’ve made poop cakes (literally, and figuratively). Seriously. No one cares. You might…but no one else does. The EFFORT and thought is what matters…and a homemade cake makes a great conversation piece.
• Let your children help you. I have a hard time with this…but I work better (focus is an issue) by myself. It’s really fun, thought, to do it with them. These are memories that will last forever.
• Homemade icing is much better than store bought. Find one you love!
• I’m not a baker…I’ve had some AMAZING cakes from friends who bake. Boxed cake mixes are AMAZING if you pay attention, don’t overcook them…and find one you love. We love anything triple chocolate, extra moist, etc…find one you like the taste and texture of. You don’t have to do it from scratch…but if you do, that’s fabulous as well! I’ve not had complaints, either way!
• A mug of hot water is your bestie. My husband figured this one out…so, he has street cred…I tried it in a glass, but a mug works best because it insulates and keeps the water warm longer. This warms your icing spreader, which will in turn warm your icing – and it will be MUCH easier to ice your creations and you’ll have a smoother finish!

I hope this out of character for me post encourages you to try something new!

Have a wonderful week, friends!

Much Love!

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