I’ll never forget the moment when I first imagined creating a Jellycat cake. It was a chilly January evening, and I was scrolling through aesthetic cake pictures on Pinterest, looking for something whimsical and fun for my niece’s birthday. She adores soft plush toys, especially her favorite Jellycat bunny, and I thought: What if I could make that come alive in cake form? That’s how the idea of a Jellycat cake planted itself in my mind, and I couldn’t let it go.
I began sketching, dreaming of pastel icing, fluffy textures, and a cake that feels like cuddling a plush toy. When the big day arrived, seeing her face light up at her own Jelly Cat Bunny Cake was pure magic. Since then, I’ve made versions of that cake for birthdays, for girls turning 13, for baby showers, for friends, whatever excuse to bring that cuddly charm to dessert.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to create your own Jellycat cake, including ideas for birthday cakes, how to build a 2-layer cake, easy design tips (yes, it’s an easy cake idea), and how to adapt it for a birthday cake for 13 celebration. Let’s dive into the whimsy.
Table of Contents
Why Choose a Jellycat Cake for Birthdays
Whenever someone asks me for a cake that feels dreamy yet playful, I always suggest a Jellycat cake. It’s a fresh twist on fluffy buttercream textures, plush-inspired shapes, and soft pastel color palettes. Unlike conventional cakes for girls, the Jellycat cake adds a touch of personality and whimsy, especially when paired with a Jelly Cat Bunny Cake theme.
And if you’re planning a January cake (for someone born in that month), the soft tones and gentle textures speak perfectly to a winter birthday’s cozy vibe. This design works beautifully whether the birthday girl is turning 5 or entering the teen years with a 13 cake birthday girl moment to celebrate.
Below, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, plus tips to make your own version with minimal stress.
Jellycat Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Stack the two cake rounds with a buttercream layer in between. Crumb coat the outside and chill for 30 minutes to set.
- Using a star tip and pastel-colored buttercream, pipe ‘fur’ all over the cake to mimic the Jellycat plush texture. Cover top and sides.
- Shape fondant ears, paws, and tail. Use edible markers to draw on the eyes and nose. Let fondant dry slightly before placing.
- Gently insert ears into the top of the cake and paws near the bottom edge. Optional: add fondant ribbon, birthday number, or name.
- Lightly dust with shimmer or add sprinkles if desired. Chill for 15 minutes before serving to hold texture.
Notes
Ingredients & Tools (for a 2-layer Cake Jellycat Design)
Here’s what you’ll need to make a 2-layer cake that doubles as a cuddly Jellycat cake:
Cake Layers
- 2 rounds of your favorite vanilla or sponge cake (8‑inch or 9‑inch)
- Buttercream frosting (white or pastel shade)
- Gel food colors (soft pinks, creams, greys, or pastels)
- Piping bags and star/round tips
- A small unicorn or bunny silicone mold or template for shaping ears or paws
Decor & Accessories
- Fondant in neutral/soft colors
- Edible markers
- Edible glue or water
- Small fondant pieces (for eyes, nose)
- Cake board, turntable, and spatula
This setup gives you a solid base to create that snug, plush‑like look in your Jellycat cake.
Step‑by‑Step: Building the Jellycat Cake
1. Prepare and Stack Your 2-layer Cake
Bake your two cake rounds and let them cool completely. Level them if needed. Place the first layer on a cake board and add an even layer of buttercream. Top with the second layer and crumb coat (a thin frosting layer to seal crumbs). Chill the cake so the coat sets.
2. Base Frosting and Soft Texture
For the Jellycat cake effect, the frosting texture matters. Use a star tip to pipe “fur” all over the cake. The little peaks create the plush look. Alternate between two similar pastel shades for depth. Cover the entire cake—top and sides with these little peaks.
This is one of the easiest parts of your easy cake idea for a whimsical effect.
3. Craft the Jellycat Features
Using fondant, shape two floppy ears, tiny paws, or maybe a little bunny tail. For a Jelly Cat Bunny Cake, you’ll shape a pair of long ears, rounded paws, and maybe a cute tail. Use an edible marker to draw eyes, a little nose, or blush using food dust. Place the ears gently into the top of the cake, and the paws near the base.
4. Add Finishing Touches
You can pipe a little heart or name out front, or attach a fondant ribbon. If it’s a 13 cake birthday girl, consider adding “13” in pastel numbers matching the palette. Some sprinkles or tiny sugar pearls help with sparkle, but don’t overdo it; the plush texture is your star.
5. Freeze Slightly Before Serving
Place the cake in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving. The texture holds better when cut gently, and you preserve the design of your Jellycat cake.
Tips to Nail This Easy Cake Idea
- Use chilled buttercream. A cooler frosting holds peaks better for a plush texture.
- Practice piping a test on parchment. It helps you get consistent “fur.”
- If piping all sides seems daunting, do one section at a time.
- Use flexible fondant, add a few drops of glycerin to avoid cracking on the ears.
- A light dusting of shimmer dust gives that final magical touch for birthday cakes.
Variations for Different Birthday Themes
Birthday Cakes for 13
When making a Jellycat cake for a teen turning 13, you can elevate the design slightly. Choose muted jewel tones or metallic pastels, and perhaps sculpt a more elegant version of the bunny ears or paws. Incorporate the number “13” in a stylish way so your 13 cake birthday girl feels extra special.
January Cake Version
For someone born in January, you can use frosty tones, icy blues, white, and silver. The Jellycat cake can be accented with fondant snowflakes or edible glitter. It becomes not only a fluffy toy‑inspired cake but also seasonally fitting.
Cakes for Girls of Any Age
Whether she’s turning 5, 9, or 19, the Jellycat cake is versatile. Use her favorite color accent within the pastel scheme, or shape different plush animal ears (e.g., a bear or bunny), making it suitable for many cakes for girls’ occasions.
Why This Jellycat Cake Idea Works
This Jellycat cake idea hits the sweet spot between charming and doable. Compared to intricate sculpted cakes, the Jellycat cake uses relatively simple piping techniques and fondant accents. It’s easier than large character cakes, yet more special than a plain sheet cake. It marries softness, whimsy, and celebration.
For birthdays in January or milestones like “turning 13,” this cake feels thoughtful and playful. The pastel texture, the cuddly aesthetic, and the ability to tailor it make this concept perfect for cakes for girls of all ages.
Bringing It Together
So the next time you’re searching for inspiration, type in Jellycat cake and picture soft peaks of buttercream, pastel tones, and little fondant ears peeking out. Use that vision to build a 2-layer cake that feels like a plush toy. This easy cake idea becomes a showstopper for birthday cakes, especially if it’s a birthday cake for 13 birthday or a cozy January cake theme.
Pair with aesthetic cake pictures to guide your colors and styling, and you have a cake that delights both the eyes and the soul.
I still smile thinking of that first time I surprised my niece with her own Jelly Cat Bunny Cake. She hugged it bold move, but sweet! Now, whether it’s for a toddler, a teenager, or a friend, this cake concept remains a favorite. Let your inner cake artist take over, and share the warmth and whimsy with every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a smaller or single-layer cake?
Yes! You can scale down to one smaller round and use fewer “fur” piped textures. The core idea of a Jellycat cake still works.
How do I store the cake?
Keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before serving so the texture softens. The plush frosting look stays intact.
Can I use buttercream other than vanilla?
Yes you can flavor it lightly (e.g., almond, vanilla bean) as long as the texture stays firm enough to pipe. The Jellycat cake design depends on the structure.
What if my piping is uneven?
Don’t panic! Use a spatula to smooth gently in small sections, then re-pipe on top to blend. The whimsical fur look hides small imperfections.
Is it difficult to combine birthday cake designs with the plush texture?
Not really. The plush texture is your base, and you layer birthday elements, numbers, names, and sprinkles on top for a magical result.