Robot cake
- Bake your favorite cake mix according to package directions for a 9-by-13-inch pan, and prepare the frosting (see recipe below).
- When the cake has cooled, use this PDF of the template pieces to cut out all the pieces of the robot.
- Cut each of the cake pieces in half horizontally, frost each bottom half, and replace each top half.
- Then frost the sides and tops of the whole pieces: It is easiest to put a thin layer of frosting (a crumb coat) on each part of the robot, put it in the freezer for a few minutes, and then put a final layer on. When all the pieces are frosted, put them in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes to let the frosting set.
- Then paint each piece with edible silver luster dust. Just make sure the paintbrush (a flat brush with soft bristles) is dry, and don't apply much pressure.
- Lay out all the pieces of the robot on a cake board. Apply luster dust to long wafer cookies and sandwich cookies (like Nilla Cakesters).
- Start decorating! Build the sandwich-cookie limbs and put the wafer-cookie fingers in place. Use colorful licorice for the belt and shiny candies for buttons, lights, and facial features.
Buttercream Frosting
- 2 cups sugar
- 6 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 pounds unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into pieces
- Combine 2/3 cup water and the sugar in a heavy saucepan.
- Heat until the liquid reaches the soft-ball stage, 240° F on a candy thermometer.
- In a medium-size bowl, mix together the cream of tartar, salt, and vanilla. Add the egg whites and beat on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Continue to beat the egg whites and slowly pour in the sugar syrup. Keep beating while the mixture cools down to room temperature.
- When the bowl is no longer warm (very important, or the butter will melt!), add the butter a few pieces at a time (still beating on high speed), until it is all incorporated.
- Continue mixing until the frosting is thick and creamy.
