My little lady turned 7...

Last week we celebrated Lizzie's 7th birthday.  Wow, 7 years old - how did that happen?!  Blink, and you'll miss it. It's very true indeed; enjoy your children, every day, as they grow up far too quickly.

Last year's birthday cake was probably more technically challenging, but this year's is perhaps more visually impressive!  These are edible rice paper butterflies (I bought them on eBay) and I applied them to the cake using pink royal icing.  Lizzie was certainly impressed - and that was the most important thing.

I made this with vanilla sponge, strawberry jam and buttercream filling, and fondant icing.

Ingredients

6oz self-raising flour (I used gluten-free)
6oz caster sugar
6oz butter
3 eggs
1 tsp baking powder
vanilla essence

Combine all the ingredients using a hand mixer and add milk as necessary to achieve a smooth, dropping consistency.  Split the mixture between two lined, 8" cake tins and bake for around 25 minutes (I use 160 degrees in my fan-assisted oven).  Once cool, add the filling and then the fondant icing.  Decorate as you wish!

Best Wishes
Debbie