With all the cakes I have made for family and friends over the  years, there was no way I would not do the same for my Ellie girl’s first birthday!  I looked online for inspiration – something that didn’t have flour in it.  Ellie isn’t intolerant to grains, but figure why put it in if I can avoid it.  Got enough inspiration, so got to it. super easy, enough to make one ramekin sized cake for my pup.

She didn’t leave my side the entire time, and got to reap the rewards of licking the spoon and bowl clean!

Ellie even sat by the oven while it was baking…to be honest, it did smell pretty good

Shot of the pupcake before frosting:

Added a coconut oil frozen bone for decoration, plus a candle of course, and voila!

is this made for me?!

Ellie hates anything on her head.  the struggle is real.

ahhh…bribery will get you everywhere (with Ellie)

sorta…with help

Derrick, a friend who we call our 30-something teenage son, made a request just for his birthday.  Complete with a story of his childhood birthdays, his wish was to have a homemade black forest cake for his birthday.  Haven’t made one in a long while, but was up for the challenge.  That week, met up with a work friend, and happen to mention that I was preparing to bake this said cake, and “coincidentally”, his son was having a birthday party, and he also loves Black Forest Cake.  hint hint hint.  damn it.  ok.  fine.  i’ll just double up on everything.  Never made identical desserts on the same go before, had quite a line assembly going in the kitchen.

Happy with the result, did my own cherry filling though may make it more tart next time.  Result of my work in the fridge: