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Max and Ruby Cake Recipe: Fun, Whimsical Cakes for Kids

Max and Ruby Cake Recipe: Fun, Whimsical Cakes for Kids

There’s something truly special about recreating beloved childhood memories through baking.

These Max and Ruby-inspired cakes capture the whimsical spirit of the beloved bunny siblings while creating delicious treats that bring families together.

Ruby’s pink layer cake represents the careful, detailed approach she brings to everything, while Max’s worm cake embodies his playful, mischievous personality.

Both cakes offer unique decorating experiences that kids and adults can enjoy together.

These recipes have become favorites for themed birthday parties, family movie nights, and any occasion when you want to add a touch of nostalgic fun to your celebration.

The combination of familiar flavors with creative decorating makes these cakes memorable for all the right reasons.

Bring Their Favorite Show to Life with These Cakes

Creating cakes inspired by specific episodes from your child’s favorite shows transforms imagination into reality right in your kitchen.

These Max and Ruby cakes recreate the exact desserts featured in memorable episodes, bringing beloved cartoon moments to life.

Children light up when they recognize the cakes from episodes they’ve watched countless times. Ruby’s pink layer cake and Max’s worm cake aren’t just desserts.

They’re edible pieces of the stories that capture young imaginations and make screen time feel real. Kids can help recreate the exact details they remember from watching their favorite episodes.

When you surprise your child with a cake from an actual episode, you’re showing that their imagination matters and that the stories they love can become part of their real-world celebrations and special moments.

Ruby’s Pink Layer Cake Recipe

This beautiful pink cake captures Ruby’s attention to detail and love of beautiful presentations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the cake:

  • 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • Pink gel food coloring

For the frosting:

  • 2 cups (1 lb) unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream
  • Pink gel food coloring

For decorating:

  • Yellow decorating frosting (in a tube)
  • Star-shaped sprinkles
  • 6 pink birthday candles

Pro tip: Use gel food coloring rather than liquid for vibrant color without thinning the batter or frosting.

Let’s Create Ruby’s Layer Cake – Step by Step!

This pink layer cake requires patience and attention to detail, just like Ruby would approach it. The key is creating even layers and smooth frosting.

1. Prepare the Batter And the Oven

Prepare the Batter And the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 6-inch or 7-inch round cake pans, lining with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, water, and oil. Beat according to package instructions, then add pink gel food coloring gradually until you reach a vibrant Ruby-pink shade.

Pro Tip: Add food coloring slowly – gel colors are concentrated, and a little goes a long way.

2. Divide and Bake

Divide and Bake

Evenly divide the batter among the three prepared pans, filling each about halfway. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks. Chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes for easier frosting.

Pro Tip: Chilled cakes are easier to frost and less likely to create crumbs in your frosting.

3. Make the Pink Buttercream

Make the Pink Buttercream

Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Add vanilla and 2 tablespoons milk, then beat in pink food coloring until the desired shade is reached.

Adjust consistency with additional milk if needed for smooth, spreadable frosting.

Pro Tip: Sift powdered sugar before adding to prevent lumps in your frosting.

4. Assemble Ruby’s Style

Assemble Ruby's Style

Place one cake layer on the serving plate and spread a generous layer of pink frosting on top. Add a second layer, more frosting, then a third layer.

For the show-accurate look, use a serrated knife to trim the top at a gentle angle to create a slant. Apply a thin crumb coat, then chill for 5-10 minutes.

Pro Tip: The angled top is Ruby’s signature cake shape – don’t skip this detail for authenticity.

5. Final Decorating

Final Decorating

Cover cake with a smooth, even layer of pink buttercream. Use yellow decorating frosting to pipe 12 small blobs evenly spaced around the top edge.

Sprinkle star-shaped sprinkles over the top and sides, then place pink candles in every other yellow blob for a total of 6 candles.

Pro Tip: Let kids help with sprinkles and candle placement for extra fun and family bonding.

Max’s Worm Cake Recipe

This playful chocolate cake celebrates Max’s mischievous spirit and love of silly things.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the cake:

  • 1 box of chocolate cake mix
  • Ingredients as listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the frosting:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup milk (plus more as needed)

For decorating:

  • 1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (crushed Oreos work well)
  • 1 bag gummy worms (multi-colored)
  • Green sprinkles or green-tinted coconut (optional)
  • Max cake topper (optional)

Let’s Create Max’s Worm Cake – Step by Step!

This worm cake embraces Max’s chaotic energy with messy, fun decorating that kids will love. The key is creating the “dirt” effect with cookie crumbs.

1. Bake the Chocolate Cake

Bake the Chocolate Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Prepare chocolate cake batter according to package directions, adding vanilla extract if using.

Divide batter evenly between pans and bake as directed, usually 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Pro Tip: Don’t overbake chocolate cake; it should be moist to complement the rich frosting.

2. Make Rich Chocolate Frosting

Make Rich Chocolate Frosting

Beat butter until creamy, then sift together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add to butter, beating on low speed.

Add vanilla and milk, beating until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk as needed for a spreadable consistency.

Pro Tip: Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and create a smoother frosting texture.

3. Assemble the Worm Cake

Assemble the Worm Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of chocolate frosting on top. Add a second layer and frost the top and sides generously with the remaining frosting.

Press chocolate cookie crumbs all over the top and sides of the cake to resemble “dirt.” This messy step is where Max’s personality really shines through.

Pro Tip: Use clean hands to press crumbs into frosting, it’s messy but effective and fun.

4. Add the Worms

Add the Worms

Arrange gummy worms crawling out of the cake, pressing some into the frosting and letting others drape over the sides. Add green sprinkles around the base for a “grass” effect if desired.

Place a Max figurine or a printable on top for a finishing touch that completes the theme.

Pro Tip: Let kids place the worms, they’ll love making it look as silly and chaotic as possible.

Max and Ruby Half-and-Half Cake

Create the ultimate Max and Ruby celebration by combining both finished cakes into one spectacular display that showcases their contrasting personalities side by side.

What you’ll need

  • Both completed cakes (Ruby’s pink layer cake and Max’s worm cake)
  • Large rectangular serving board or platter (at least 18 inches long)
  • Extra decorative elements for the center border

Let’s Combine These Character Cakes – Step by Step!

This combination method transforms two individual cakes into one impressive centerpiece that represents both siblings perfectly.

1. Prepare Your Display Surface

Prepare Your Display Surface

Choose a large serving board, rectangular platter, or cake base that can accommodate both cakes side by side with some space between them. Cover with decorative paper or foil if desired.

Measure the space to ensure both cakes will fit comfortably with room for additional decorating around the edges.

Pro Tip: Use a cake board or large cutting board covered with festive wrapping paper for an attractive, stable base.

2. Position the Cakes

Position the Cakes

Place Ruby’s pink layer cake on the left side of the serving board and Max’s worm cake on the right side, leaving about 2-3 inches of space between them.

Ensure both cakes are stable and level on the serving surface before proceeding with additional decorating. Cut both cakes in half and bring them together.

Pro Tip: Position the cakes so their best sides face outward for photos and optimal visual impact.

3. Create a Connecting Border

Create a Connecting Border

Fill the space between the cakes with alternating pink and chocolate frosting rosettes, or create a decorative border using both types of sprinkles and decorations from each cake.

Add some gummy worms “crawling” from Max’s cake toward Ruby’s side, and place a few star sprinkles “escaping” from Ruby’s cake toward Max’s side for playful interaction.

Pro Tip: Use a piping bag to create neat rosettes, or simply dollop frosting with a spoon for a more casual look.

Recipe Notes

Information Details
Prep Time 30 minutes each
Total Time 2-3 hours each
Category Themed Dessert
Method Baked
Cuisine American
Yield 8-10 servings each

Nutrition Facts

These themed cakes provide sweet celebration treats perfect for special occasions and parties!

Ruby’s Pink Layer Cake

Nutrition Information Per Slice
Calories 385
Sugar 45g
Sodium 320mg
Fat 16g
Carbs 62g
Fiber 1g
Protein 4g
Cholesterol 65mg

Max’s Worm Cake

Nutrition Information Per Slice
Calories 420
Sugar 48g
Sodium 380mg
Fat 18g
Carbs 68g
Fiber 3g
Protein 5g
Cholesterol 70mg

Note: Values are approximate and based on standard serving sizes. These are celebration treats meant for special occasions!

Customization Options for Every Celebration

Customization Options for Every Celebration

The beauty of these character cakes lies in their adaptability to different party themes and dietary needs:

Flavor Variations

Ruby’s cake can be made with strawberry cake mix for extra berry flavor that matches the pink theme. Funfetti cake mix adds colorful sprinkles throughout the layers for extra celebration appeal.

Max’s cake works well with red velvet mix for dramatic color contrast with the chocolate frosting. German chocolate cake mix provides a richer, more complex chocolate flavor.

Dietary Modifications

Gluten-free cake mixes work equally well for both recipes without changing the decorating methods. Dairy-free butter substitutes create vegan-friendly versions that still taste delicious.

Sugar-free cake mixes and frostings accommodate guests with dietary restrictions. Egg substitutes work for those with egg allergies while maintaining proper texture.

Size Adaptations

Cupcake versions of both cakes work wonderfully for individual servings at large parties. Sheet cake formats serve bigger crowds while maintaining the character themes.

Mini layer cakes create adorable individual presentations for special birthday children. Cake pops decorated with character themes provide portable party treats.

Creative Decorating Ideas

Edible glitter adds sparkle to Ruby’s cake for extra glamour and shine. Chocolate rocks around Max’s cake enhance the garden dirt theme.

Fresh flowers on Ruby’s cake create beautiful, natural decoration. Candy butterflies and bees add whimsical touches to both cake themes.

Make Every Celebration Magical!

These Max and Ruby-inspired cakes bring beloved cartoon characters to life in delicious, memorable ways that create lasting family memories.

If you choose Ruby’s refined pink layers or Max’s playful worm cake, both recipes offer opportunities for creative family bonding and sweet celebration.

The simple ingredients and straightforward techniques mean that bakers of all skill levels can create impressive results that wow party guests and delight children.

These themed cakes prove that homemade treats can be both beautiful and fun, capturing the spirit of childhood wonder in every bite.

Make these character cakes part of your next celebration and watch how they bring smiles to faces, both young and old. Share in the comments which character cake your family loved most!

Casey Roberts

With a lifelong love for cooking, Casey Roberts shares her passion through easy-to-follow, flavorful recipes. She believes that everyone can cook, regardless of skill level. From comforting classics to bold new dishes, Casey focuses on creating recipes that inspire home cooks to experiment and enjoy the process. In her free time, she loves hosting family dinners and gathering new ideas.

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