Birthday parties.  As a child, we all remember them as fun, carefree events.  With my children, party themes are debated throughout the year, and remain undecided until the last minute.  Once I purchase the party supplies, the theme is carved in stone and I then focus on the goodies.  Central to all parties is the birthday cake.  Many parents, understandably, try to take the easy way out and order a cake from a local grocery store or bakery.  Unfortunately for those with life-threatening food allergies, a store-bought cake is not an option and homemade, allergen-free cake needs to be created at home.

There are several cake mixes available that are free from major allergens, or you can also bake your own.  Same goes for frosting the cake.  From personal experience, frosting and decorating the cake is the most tedious, difficult part of the cake.  Themed cakes can be done creatively by using templates, frosting, colored sugar, and plastic decorations.   Once trick I have discovered is that grocery store bakeries will sell the cake toppers to you…the same ones they use when they make their cakes!!!

I find too that one of the best way to get templates for design ideas is by looking at coloring pages on the internet.  Trace the design onto wax paper and cut out.  Then trace outline on the cake with decorating gel or frosting and fill in as desired.  Other ways of making a creative cake is by purchasing shaped cake pans. 

Make sure that not only the cake and frosting are allergen-free, but the decorations as well.  Many sprinkles are made in facilities that process peanuts/tree nuts, and may also contain soy, milk, egg, or wheat.  Keep that in mind if you have a guest with one of those allergies.