A Money Cake for March Break

Do you remember money cakes?  I don't recall if I ever had one specifically, but Rob certainly did when he was a kid.  Essentially, a money cake is a layer cake which is stuffed with foil-wrapped coins. They are washed, wrapped, and inserted into the cake pan prior to baking. The cake is then assembled normally, and iced completely, and when you cut into the cake you never know how much money will be in your slice, if any at all.

This idea was completely fascinating to the boys, so I made them one for March Break. I used only quarters and loonies (Canadian $1 coins) and tucked about six dollars worth into the cake layers. I let them each choose where they wanted to take their slice from, and so far Ben is up a dollar. The money they get out of the cake is theirs for the keeping, which means this is really like an edible treasure hunt for them.

Traditionally, money cakes were used as birthday cakes, which is so fun. I asked my boys if they've ever seen a money cake at any of the parties they've been to, and they had no idea what I was talking about so I'm guessing the answer is no.  Because the ROI is so huge - minimum effort for maximum excitement - I just might try to bring back the money cake with an upcoming birthday.

Money Cake

• Any cake recipe you love
• Your favourite frosting
• Decorations like sprinkles or bunting
• Coins that have been washed and wrapped in aluminum foil

Make your cake as per the recipe directions.  Before popping it in to the oven, place some wrapped coins throughout the batter for each layer.

Bake and ice the cake as per your instructions.

Decorate and serve the cake, surprising the kids with the money coins inside the cake.

 

 

Comments

[Amy @ A Stool at the Counter]

What a fun idea. I have never heard of this before either. GORGEOUS cake though, kinda making my mouth water...it's probably not helping that I super hungry right now...

[Rachel @ Baked by Rachel]

SO neat! I've heard of money cakes but never seen one.

[Kirsten T]

My mom used to make these for our birthdays, but she stuck the coins in after it was baked but before frosting it (and she didn't wrap them, which was quite gross now that I think about it haha). Just be careful with really young children that they don't choke!

[Johanna]

I also remember having the money cake when I was little. I am sure the reason that we have not seen them is that moms are worried about the choking hazard. Especially if it is someone else kid!

[Jan Scott]

Hi Johanna - Im sure youre right, although I think it would fine for older kids, like mine (10 and 11).

[Jan Scott]

Thanks, Amy!

[Jan Scott]

Thats funny, Kirsten! Yes, choking is a hazard for younger kids for sure, but I think older ones could handle.  Plus, they would know to be looking for the coins.

[Paula]

I remember my Mom making these cakes when we were kids (she used waxed paper to wrap the coins). Until this post, I had forgotten all about them. What a neat treat for your boys. This would be fun to do in cupcakes too, every other cupcake in a batch ;)

[Jan Scott]

Great idea to use cupcakes, Paula!  Im going to try that next time....

[Julie]

Money cake!! Looooove it!!!

[Sue]

I remember having money when I was a kid and that was 50 years ago,lol. My Dad just made one for my Grandsons his great Grandsons but we just boiled the money (loonies as well) and stuck them into their cut pieces. They wanted to eat the whole cake so they could get more money :)

[Lola]

Doesn't the money melt? Or the foil?
And do you have a recipe for the cake in those pictures? Looks delicious!

[Jan Scott]

HI Lola!  No, the foil and the money dont melt (surprising, I know) and as for the cake, I cant remember which recipe I used, but your favourite one will work just fine.

[diane dawson]

we had these also when i was a kid. my mom would also but other things in safety pins buttons etc. each meant something eg. if you got the button you were going to be an old maid. has anyone heard of this i am looking for the different objects and what they meant.

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[Dawn]

I remember money cakes when I was young (born in 1964)... but my mom would put the money in after it was baked and then mark each spot with a toothpick when she frosted it. This way, each child got a coin (back when 10 cents meant something!!) and the birthday child would get a quarter! Eating of the cake was supervised closely lol...

[cakengifts.in]

wah!!! It is amazing!!! On my friend’s birthday I will recommend this cake to all my friends and family members.
I saw such cakes on other site :

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http://www.cakengifts.in/cake-delivery-in-ghaziabad
http://www.cakengifts.in/cake-delivery-in-dehradun