Can you ride a skateboard? I’ll admit that I haven’t tried one since my son was about 9 and that was a lifetime ago. He’d had his skateboard about a month and loved it. He was always on it and one day he said, “Hey Mom, why don’t you give it a try?”
This was in the dark ages before kids wore helmets and neither did their mothers. I was game to give it a try and in less than a 10th of a second, I went ass over teacups and landed flat on my back – on the concrete. That was the first AND the last time I went on a skateboard. I went inside and made a cake.
The other day, I was invited to make a skateboard cake for Penny Skateboards, the popular Australian skateboard company started by Ben Mackay. Ben started skateboarding when he was only five years old and grew up to own his own company. He’s been making Penny Skateboards for the past 12 years.
You haven’t seen too many cakes on Orgasmic Chef and that’s because we don’t eat a lot of cake in our family. When I was asked to make a red and white polka-dot skateboard cake I took a deep breath and said, “Sure, I can make a cake like this.” I’ve never done a designer or specialty cake, not even for a birthday but I’m always up for a challenge.
I went about gathering up all the ingredients – and there are a few. This cake making business is not for the faint hearted. By the time I’d bought the red and the white fondant, the ingredients for the buttercream icing underneath, all the bits for the rice krispie treats and the cake ingredients, I was hauling a big bag into the house. All I could think of was, if this doesn’t work, I’m going to be really angry with myself.
I began by making the cake and I used a round pan and a square pan. When it was cool, I cut the round cake in half and used one for the front end and one for the back end then shaped the cake into a skateboard contour. I could have made the back end a bit smaller but it looked right at the time. Not so much now.
Once the cake was in the oven, I started on the rice krispie treats for the wheels and trucks. Marshmallows in Australia come in pink and white, in the same bag. I was going to cover them up, so pink wheels didn’t matter. Have you ever used rice krispie treats for shapes? I hadn’t.
This stuff is sticky – really sticky. I used my rice cooker measuring cup to start the wheel shapes and once I had that, I used a round cookie cutter to finish them off. I made long rolls and stuck a skewer through the middle to stab the wheels for the axles.
Then I left everything to harden and went to visit my mother-in-law who was really ill and lying in bed when we got there. No sooner than we arrived and said we’d come to take her out, there was a miraculous cure. She went from not being able to eat a bite to two cups of coffee and two sweet treats.
When we got back I made buttercream icing and covered the cake and then began rolling the fondant. I’d never done this before other than in a class. I was dreading this but once I got the hang of it, it wasn’t too bad. The cake was covered and looked good.
Polka-dots. Yes, the underside of the plastic Penny Skateboard is covered with polka-dots and so is my cake. I rolled fondant and cut out a bazillion of those little things and plopped them on the cake, then smoothed them down by putting some baking paper on the cake and rubbing it with my hands. I would have used that cake smoother thing but I couldn’t find it.
I was so relieved to have the cake part done but I knew the tough part would be getting fondant on the wheels, the axles covered in silver and getting them on the cake. At one point I had more icing on me than on the wheel but after the first one I knew I had it licked. Not literally, I didn’t even lick the bowl.
Once I had the wheels on the cake, I called John and said, “Does this look like a skateboard?”
He said yes. If it had looked like a dog’s breakfast he would have said it looked like a skateboard because he’s a smart man.
If you want to make a skateboard cake, it’s really not that difficult but if you’re new at making specialty cakes, figure in a fair chunk of time so you can take it slow.
I haven’t had this much fun in the kitchen for a long time. Thanks to Penny Skateboards for sponsoring this post.
This is so cool Maureen! Loving your work!
Maureen – you could have fooled me – looking at this cake I would never have thought that it was one of your first designer cakes! It turned out fantastic! I don’t know how you managed to make those rice krispie wheels – that stuff sure is sticky and so hard to work with! Fantastic job!
You did it!! 🙂 Maureen, you amaze me. 🙂 I can’t believe all the trouble you went through to make it and am so happy it turned out. 🙂
That’s really good for a first effort. Or a 50th — it’s just really good. And yes, it looks like a skateboard. 😉 I’ll bet this was fun — glad you got to play, and we got to look at it.
you and John both want to be on my good side, eh? 🙂
I have made a few of these cakes with 8 brothers. I never had that real fearlessness about me to jump on the board and just ride. All of my brothers do, and my Tyler 🙂
My son had no fear but I never got on again 🙂
Holy Moly, Maureen! That is beautiful! Really nice. I am sure the Penny Skateboard people loved it. Those poka-dots are so cute. 🙂
I think they liked it, Pat. 🙂
This is adorable! You are so creative. I love that you made rice Krispy treats for the wheels – that’s genius!
I don’t know about genius, I couldn’t think of anything else to use, Vicki!
This is beyond crazy creative though the only place this board would be going down is my throat 🙂
Gorgeous colour!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
It was delicious! John’s father ate the entire middle section – saying he was just ‘evening’ up the cake and then there was no more. 🙂
Such a fun cake, I love the polka dots!
The dots took forever. 🙂
Oh Maureen – you’re a gem! This is way too adorable to go on to a dessert plate 🙂 You’ve inspired me to do some baking this weekend. I’ve actually got the exact same red Penny Polka board! I didn’t have quite the artistic cooking skill as you do while I played with styling with a bohemian theme, check it out here: http://lacenruffles.com/2013/12/10/skater-girl-bohemian-summer-penny-polka/ – I’m going to share this recipe on my blog Facebook page too if you don’t mind 🙂
Juliet
Juliet, you have the BEST taste in skateboards. I loved those photos! Thanks heaps for sharing. 🙂
And you COOK UP the best taste in skateboards, Maureen! 🙂
what a fun cake! Just love the dots – reminds me of Minnie MOuse! You’re very clever.
THAT’S what I was trying to think of today. It reminded me of something but I couldn’t think of it. Minnie!
You fooled me…I thought it was a real skateboard! You are fabulous, Maureen! 🙂 ela
LOL sure you did. You and John are my best friends. 🙂
Holy moly Maureen, this cake is totes amazeballs!
I’m yet to use cereal treats as part of cake shapes, you’ve done a great job 🙂
aww, shucks.. thanks!
Oh Maureen, this is amazing! Even more so for someone who doesn’t regularly make cakes! I’m really impressed 🙂
you should have seen me sweating bullets over this cake 🙂
Amazing! And seriously cute…
coming from the cake expert, I thank you 🙂
Wow, you rocked it! When I was working at a cafe here, I discovered I am not particularly good at cake decorating. I would be so nervous doing the skateboard. You really did do a beautiful job, and the wheels look perfect to me! Take care, Terra
I saw your photo on google + and it looked so bright and colorful I thought it was a real skateboard. Maureen, I think you are a natural at this whole cake baking thing. I mean like really look at how perfect the fondant turned out no seams. Amazing! Almost just too cute to eat! Take care, BAM
Hi Maureen! I love the skateboard! I would have never known that you weren’t a seasoned cake designer! What a fantastic job you did. I can tell you that cake and cookie decorating are not the easiest things for me. I usually run out of patience by the time the fun part (ie, decorating) is supposed to begin. Still it looks like such a fun project – maybe I’ll try again soon:)
no way you did that cake! OH MY GOSH! I am amazed. Is there anything you can’t do ! It looks perfect
no way you did this! I am amazed. I had no idea how creative and professional you are at cake decorating. Can you make me one?
Maureen, your skateboard cake is so gorgeous, with those polka dots! My sone would love a skateboard-themed cake. Looks like I have to make this soon!
Wow! Maureen, you are so talented. That cake is amazing, you sure can’t tell that it’s your first specialty one. Bravo!
What fun! I bet you find many more opportunities. I want three polka dots please!
A and one big slice!
Wow Maureen I’d never have guessed that this was your first novelty cake. Well done!
Wow! You did an excellent job! Your skateboard came came out great! How smart to shape the wheel out of Rice Krispies!
You should make more cakes. You’re very good at it! xx
You rocked this cake! Looks like a perfect skateboard to me! My hubby would respond the same way…he knows who makes his meals!
How cute is this cake! Love the colors and the details
Congratulations on your mom in law’s miraculous recovery. 🙂
What a gorgeous cake. You’re such a daring baker.
Wow Maureen, you sure are talented! That’s one impressive looking skateboard cake! I’m glad I’m not the only one to have gone A over T on a wheeled device! I tried a zooter last year, took off down the corridor and bang! Down I went! You made me laugh with this fun post.
Too cute! You’ve got some serious skills!
Wow! Fantastic job, there, Maureen. I’ve never done a fancy cake like that and, to be honest, am unlikely to. I’m far too lazy.
Looks great Maureen, I’m glad you had so much fun making it too 🙂 I don’t like pink marshmallows, and wish we could buy bags of single colours as well!
I think you’ve found your forte Maureen. What an amazing cake.
Oh my goodness this cake looks amazing!!!! You are so very talented Maureen.
Skateboards aren’t my thing (not so good with balance), but this cake is incredible! Hats off to you for all the efforts, looks outstanding!
Wow Maureen, you are so creative and talented. Looks amazing!
I think you totally nailed that one Maureen. Looks brilliant. I don’t have the patience or the inclination to do something this involved. I’m definitely an eater not a baker of fancy cakes.
You did very well, Maureen. I’m impressed and would never have guessed that this was your first specialty cake. This is one cake I would have hated to slice. Oh, I would have forced myself. It is chocolate, after all. 🙂
Maureen you are a complete talent. This cake is gorgeous! And I can’t believe this is your very first sculptured cake – so clever. I just love it. It’s so adorable and I can’t believe how perfect it looks. My Alfie has a Penny skateboard and no, I don’t ask to borrow it. He’s addicted to his and while it’s daylight saving, he’s out every afternoon until quite late, riding it. I’m definitely pinning this. And we need to Praise the Lord for your MIL’s miracle! xx
How cool is this! Love it.
As for MIL – all you need is love.
Amazing work Maureen! And John said it looked like a skateboard because it really does! Great job 😀
Oh my gosh, I’m flipping out over this cake. How cute is this. I made a huge “squee” sound when I saw it.
How very cute…you were so creative in how you made the cake. I just love it!
Hats off to you for executing this whole process and making this amazing cake. I am not able to take me eyes off it!
Such a creative cake! I love it!
Sorry to hear about your mishap on the skateboard years ago!
That looks fabulous – I love the red and white polka dots. I know what you mean about the work involved, even though it is fun. My friend used to own a cake business before she moved from Aus to Seattle and I helped her decorate a “Toblerone” cake for a friend’s birthday last year. The work is so intricate! Great job for a first time!
Maureen, that is the coolest cake that I have ever seen! I had no idea on how to decorate a cake for my new grandson (since I know mostly how to do girly things!), but you’ve solved the mystery for one of his younger years birthday! Thank you!!!! So well done!
You are an amazingly talented baker Ms. Maureen! This is gorgeous and so creative. Bravo for you!
Wow, this is so cool…I love the colors and all the details…absolutely gorgeous this cake of yours…
Thanks for the post…I really enjoyed.
Have a great week Maureen 😀
Maureen, I loved how you handled falling off the skateboard—by going inside to make a cake! From all accounts you nailed this. I enjoyed the story and photos too.
Amazing! This is TV Show worthy!
LOL aren’t you sweet but I hardly think so. 🙂 I’ll get better.
Have never been on a skateboard and plan never to get on one, pretty much for the same reason that you discovered. 🙂 Hope you’re o.k. What a GREAT cake!! I can’t believe that, since you don’t normally make cakes that you would take on such a challenge. Koodoos to use. You did an awesome job!
I’m always up for a ‘dare you’ and I’ve been that way all my life. When I was in high school they dared me to climb out the window when the teacher was out and I did and they locked the window and I couldn’t get back in. I’ve been addicted to dares ever since. 🙂
goodness.. is that a cake! awesome.. i love to have that skateboard for my birthday. Awesome!
Brilliant Maureen. I haven’t used rice crispies and wonder why not. I have made so many shapes and never knew about this. Melt the marshmallow and add the crispies and push into a mould?. You have made an amazing looking cake. Wow
Wow that is one AMAZING cake and I know my nephew would really appreciate it if I made it for him but gosh I don’t know if I have the skill or patience! 🙂
You’re a brave woman, Maureen. Not only for getting on the skateboard, but for tackling the cake…which looks pretty awesome, by the way!
You also don’t bake as much? Yay! You got company. And I would have been miserable at this one, and yours is spectacular!! LOVE this cake and I am sure anyone who eats will say the same. Yumm!
Wow, this is such a cute cake! Well done Maureen:)
I haven’t been on a skateboard since the early 80’s… but I remember how fun it was (not that I was any good at riding them even then). This cake is simply marvelous. 🙂
This is adorable and you are a star!! I love it!
Oh wow this is definitely a cake to behold, I love it I dread it when people ask me to make novelty cakes for them, it’s really not my thing! But well done on such an excellent job!
Thanks, I hope I get to try another challenge. 🙂
Wow well done this looks fantastic, I dread it if anyone asks me to make a novelty cake its really not my thing but this one is really good. Well done 😀
That looks so cool! Very creative 🙂
OMG, I’m so proud of you! This cake looks fun and delicious. Glad you had such a good time making it! Was fondant easier than our beloved royal icing? 😉
can i please have a dumb bell cake next time?!?
Now that is a successful cake skateboard if I ever saw one Maureen, it’s really lovely. My brother was heavily into skateboards back in the ice age too; I tried it once or twice but you have to have excellent balance and I don’t (which is weird because I can walk very nicely in stiletto shoes!). I’m going to bookmark this for his big 5-oh next year, I’m sure he’d love a cake like this.
This cake is adorable! Awesome job!!!
I am truly amazed!
It is very delicious skateboard-cake….Amazing! And seriously cute…
Thank you for this Information.!!!
This cake is really cute. Though at first i thought it was a real skateboard for children. Great job man.
I’m fond of skateboarding. Whenever I got free time, I go out and do skateboarding. My kind of guys will really really love that cake. Mmmmm, looking so much yummy. I really really love that.
I have to tell you that you did an amazing job. My youngest son passed away two and a half years ago he was only 24. His life was skateboarding. Oh how I wish I wish I would have seen this before I Lost my baby he would have absolutely loved that. I will make it for him on his birthday May 25th. I know he will be with me in spirit and absolutely love it. Thank you so much for your creativity your knowledge and above all sharing it. I know Dylan is watching me write this to you and I know we can’t wait to see his birthday cake. Thank you thank you thank you from me and all the way from heaven from my Dylan.
OMG this is the most beautiful comment. My heart goes out to you and Dylan who is watching you. Much love, Maureen
Hi Maureen!
What a great piece of article for all skate lovers. I have a friend that is mad for skateboard and love all the things related to skate board and now on his birthday I am thinking about this cake, and also skateboards for studs. Thanks for sharing this article with all of us