-
Probably the easiest and least expensive cake option will be a flat image cake. If using plain frosting, reproduce some simple, line-drawing clip art of a bowling ball and pins.
If getting a cake professionally made, you might also consider a bakery with the ability to transform photographs into edible frosting transfers. This is a good option if you're creating a cake to commemorate a special event and have a photo of a "big moment" (such as winning a tournament) that you'd like to use. - A cake in the shape of a bowling ball is also a relatively simple design. Look for a cake pan in the shape of a sports ball (these are made by the Wilton supply company and are often sold in the cake design section of large craft stores) and decorate with black frosting. Use a dense, moist cake recipe and shape the finger holes using a melon baller.
- A somewhat more complex cake design idea is to create a piece of confectionery in the shape of a bowling alley. For this, bake a sheet cake in a rectangle pan, then cut the cake in half lengthwise. Place the two long, thin pieces end to end and frost with a wood floor design (this may be best done in fondant, depending on how detailed you want to be). At one end, place 10 miniature plastic pin pieces and at the other, a bowling ball on course to knock them over (you can usually find items like this at a specialty cake design store, or look in a toy shop).
- If you're looking for a more impressive bowling cake and have a little extra cake building skill under your belt (or are hiring someone who does), consider a bowling trophy cake. This tall, rectangular shape will require some careful design and some non-edible support structures, but will be a unique way to celebrate a love of bowling. Frost with fondant for the best detail (get all those interesting ridges and tiers) and, if possible, top with the figurine from an actual bowling trophy.
