The best thing about a craft beer cake made with cans is that it is more exciting to receive. Period.
As added benefits I'd point out that it is easier to handle (especially if you are trying to hide it like I did) and requires no immediate refrigeration. It also takes just a few minutes to put together once you rally up all the 'ingredients'.
We are celebrating Chris' birthday this week and in true craft beering fashion I made him a cake using cans of his all time favorite brews. Judging by his reaction and those of friends who saw a picture of it on social media, a craft beer cake like this one is guaranteed to make any craft beer lover smile!
I wanted to go for a low key craftsy look. I picked up some twine, a roll of burlap ribbon, a cute little sign, decorative spiral sprinkles and a round aluminum pizza pan to serve as the base. I cut out circles from a brown corrugated paperboard box.
- The single most important ingredient is, of course, the favorite craft beer of the recipient. I ended up using four six-packs (mostly Crazy Mountain Brewing Co. brews, Chris' long time favorite). I almost needed an extra can, but I managed without it. Perhaps having thirty cans at your disposal is a better idea, so you don't find yourself in a situation where you have to make a second run to the liquor store.
- Another thing - if you will be moving the cake to a location other than where you assembled it, it helps to use a sturdy board of some sort and build the cake on top.
- When you begin assembling it helps if you use clear tape to help the individual cans stay together. Just form small tubular pieces of tape with the sticky side facing out and place them in between individual cans. After you finish the first layer, you can easily tell how big of a circle you will need to cut the cardboard into for the next. Same for the third layer.
- Decorate with ribbons...
- and place the finishing touches. I cut one of the six-pack plastic holder grid thingies into individual pieces to use as little trays for mini red velvet cup cakes that Chris loves.
After a few finishing touches it was done!
If you have the time and a can of craft beer left you could make some beer brittle and use chunks of it for decoration in place of the cupcakes. Or a large cupcake with a candle? Or whatever you want really.
Your effort will be appreciated, I promise. Chris was super happy with his craft beer cake!
Tammy
Thank you for this great gift idea.
How many yards of ribbon did you purchase?
Milena Perrine
Tammy, I believe it was about three yards.
Rebecca
I’m making this for my husband’s bday in March
How many beer cans did you use for each layer?
Craft Beering
Rebecca, I used 24 cans total, but it really depends on the diameter of your bottom layer. Mine was 11, then 8 and finally 5. To be on the safe side, I would pruchase 30 cans. Enjoy preparing his surpirse!
Diamond
How did you keep the cans from moving when you tied the twine/ribbon around them? Did you use something in the center of each tower?
Craft Beering
I used tape. "When you begin assembling it helps if you use clear tape to help the individual cans stay together. Just form small tubular pieces of tape with the sticky side facing out and place them in between individual cans."
Gloria
What’s the size of the pizza pan you used on the bottom? I’m making this for my husband’s birthday party next week. I think he’ll be thrilled! Thanks for sharing this brilliant idea!!
CraftBeering
Gloria, it was a 13 inch diameter pizza pan. Have fun!
Gloria
Got it. Good thing I asked. I was going to get a 12 inch one lol. Thank you!!
CraftBeering
I think the 12 inch one will work too, perhaps a bit tight, but should be a good fit.
Emilia
How many beer cans did you use for the bottom layer?
CraftBeering
Emilia, 11 cans for the bottom layer circumference. You can also place an extra 2 inside to make the first tier cardboard more stable (if you have extra cans)
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled
Super idea. I just donated my diaper cake after 9 years in storage! I think I like your cake better than the diapers, LOL! Visiting from Pin Junkie.
CraftBeering
Thank you, Victoria. We are in agreement:)
Leanna
Oh my gawd, this is priceless lol. It says the party is over here lol. Pinning and sharing. Love it.
CraftBeering
Thank you, Leanna! I wouldn't mind being presented with one right about now:), it has been some time since last time, lol.
Colleen
WOW, what a great idea.... Happy Birthday Chris!!!
CraftBeering
Thank you Colleen!