How to Make Men's Birthday Cakes

When it comes to men, the simpler the cake and richer the flavor is all the better.

For most men, cake is not about appearance, but rather singularly about taste. Rich pronounced flavors are the key when making a cake for a man. Flowers, light colors and detailed decorations are out of the question. The focus of the cake should be on the pairing of flavors and the decadence of substance. Personalized cakes that match personality and flavor preferences is a good rule of thumb. That way everyone can have their cake and eat it too.

Instructions

1. Match a flavor profile. Conclude first whether the recipient prefers chocolate or vanilla, or if he is a more experimental kind of guy.

   For a chocolate lover, dark chocolate cake with dark chocolate ganache frosting is the best way to go. German chocolate or black forest cakes are both delicious and masculine enough for a man to handle.

   If he prefers lighter, fruitier flavors, consider basing the cake on vanilla or lemon and incorporating fruit accents into both the cake, such as coconut milk, and the frosting, such as a fruit puree, flaked coconut, or lemon juice.

2. Incorporate a personal element. When designing a birthday cake, make sure to keep in mind the personality and preferences of the recipient. Key on his favorite flavors, whether he's big on chocolate, nuts or fruit, and if there are any quirks in him that can be expressed in the shape of the cake. Design elements include height, shape and size of the cake. If he is of a modern style, perhaps a square cake would be better than a traditional round one.

3. Add liqueurs or liquors to the frosting or cake itself. Oftentimes men prefer a slightly more bitter and less sweet cake than women. Incorporating their favorite beverage into the cake can oftentimes achieve this element. Beer, such as stout beer, makes for a very rich, dense and almost bitter tasting cake. The same is true for rum, vodka and whisky. Mix and match flavors such as a sour lemon and whisky icing or pineapple rum cake. Choose his favorite drink and incorporate it either into the cake, the frosting or a sauce layer between two layers of cake.

4. Avoid flashy, bright or pastel colors. When it comes to cakes for men, leave the cake as the natural color of ingredients rather than incorporating numerous food dyes. Dark chocolate browns, crushed nuts, golden caramel, white vanilla, red cherries and the natural colors of baked goods are sensual in the raw. Top the cake either with shaved chocolate, fresh fruits, or crushed cookies.

References

• Insomniac Chef
• Butch Bakery