In collaboration with Dr. Oetker Baking.
I absolutely love organizing and throwing birthday parties for my children. It’s one of those things I can get completely immersed in what with all the planning and creativity. I also might be overcompensating for the fact I’ve never had a birthday party of my own! They don’t get a big party every year, sometimes it’s just cake and ice cream with a few friends, but every now and then we go all out and throw a whopper of a party.
This week saw our youngest son turn six years old. A perfect time for throwing one of those no-holds-barred birthday parties where the entire class gets invited for a spree.
Our youngest wanted a Super Mario birthday party, so, although it took a bit of forward planning, a super Super Mario party he got!
THE INVITATIONS
First thing is first, a top-notch party requires top-notch invitations! There is quite a variety of ready-made Mario themed invitations out there, but for this party that wouldn’t do. I had to make something unusual, and when I found this idea over on Celebrate the Big and Small I knew those were what I wanted to make, with a few adaptations.
You can find a step-by-step tutorial of how I made these pop-up slider Super Mario Birthday Party Invitations here.
THE FOOD
No matter where you are in the world, festive gatherings almost always involve food. There’s just something thoroughly enjoyable about feasting with friends and family.
The centrepiece of any birthday party is, of course, the birthday cake. A search through Google Images for Super Mario Cake inspiration led to my nearly six-year-old (at the time) discovering the wonderful Super Mario wedding cakes on the net. He was in awe of the sheer grandness of them and really, really wanted one.
So I made one! When else was I going to get the chance to play with coloured ready-to-roll icing on a scale like this?
SUPER MARIO BIRTHDAY PARTY CAKE
I made a three-tiered cake, as you can see. It took one full day to make. In the morning I made, using no fewer than 12 eggs:
Bottom layer: 2 x Nigella Lawson’s Buttermilk Birthday Cake. Get the recipe.
Middle layer: My tried and tested Wicked Chocolate Cake recipe (using Dr. Oetker cocoa powder). Get the recipe.
Top layer: Dr. Oetker’s Celebration Lemon Madeira Cake. Get the recipe.
The following afternoon I set to icing and decorating. I cheated by using Betty Crocker’s ready-made vanilla buttercream and chocolate fudge frostings to sandwich the layers together and spread a thin crumb layer over each cake. Dr. Oetker Regal-Ice Ready to Roll Icing in white was used to cover each cake as a base for the coloured frosting.
The next few hours were spent with Google Images open with various Super Mario video game screenshots, getting ideas to play with the copious coloured ready to roll icing I had on hand.
The pillars? Repurposed button tubes from our local arts & crafts shop! I washed and dried them and pushed the open end through the cake to the cake base and covered the outside in coloured icing. Super glue was used to fix them to the cardboard cake tray base above.
A Super Mario figurine set was used to put the final touches on the cake. A cake on this scale might look grand and scary to attempt to make, but I assure you, it was really quite simple, just time-consuming.
Party food was mostly fresh fruit, snack crackers, bread sticks, cheese puffs (fireballs!), marshmallows (ice power!), and assorted sweeties. Most of my effort had gone into making the cake and game components, so I cheated by using ready-made party foods.
I did, however, make Dr. Oetker’s Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes to share with all the kids. The recipe was super quick to whip up and bake. I made the minty frosting (with the addition of an extra tablespoonful of milk as the frosting was too thick to pipe) and spooned it into a piping bag to bring to the party venue. I couldn’t, for the life of me, source any polka dot sprinkles on Shetland (I tried 15 different shops!) so I substituted with gold pearls instead (fireballs!).
The children were due to arrive in about 10 minutes by the time I began to pipe the frosting on the cupcakes, and I realised I’d brought the wrong piping nozzle, so I didn’t use one. I hastily pressed some gold pearls onto the frosting and DD came up to me and said: “Mam, that looks like dog poo!”. Gold-studded dog poo!
A clear case of when a recipe goes terribly wrong and looks nothing like the photograph on the website! Nonetheless, they tasted lovely and chocolatey and there were no leftovers (I managed to scoff a bite of my daughter’s cupcake to at least taste-test it!). You can find the recipe (and what they’re supposed to look like over on the Dr. Oetker website).
Dr. Oetker wants to celebrate all things chocolate this March, so they are challenging all bakers to make and share a chocolatey bake. Tweet @DrOetkerBakes using the hashtag #evenbetterbaking with a photo of your bake, tell them who you are sharing it with and you might win a deluxe hamper of chocolate products! You can also find them on Facebook.
THE GAMES! THE GRAND SUPER MARIO OBSTACLE COURSE!
Now, I’m quite lucky in that my husband is a sound engineer and enjoys a good challenge. “What about a Super Mario Obstacle Course?” one of us thought, and the other added: “With sound effects!”. “The children get to BE the characters in the video game!”
Have a listen to the audio clip above – this was played over the speakers when all the party guests had arrived.
Well, that was it. The kitchen was papier mache central for the next week with obstacle course components in the making. My husband, aka Audioboy Productions, set to work on the soundboard – an app he downloaded onto my iPad and added all the game sound effects. He stood in the corner, watched the children go through the course, and played the appropriate sound effect for each room/action.
1. START – THE SUPER MARIO POWER UP CUBE
The games began with each child rolling the Super Mario Power Up Cube. They were awarded either a 1UP (a second go if they got caught during the course), Fire Power (orange ball pool balls) or Invincibility (a handmade fabric star which made them invincible for a short while).
2. JUMPING OVER THE BRICKS AND BANGING THE COIN BOXES WITH YOUR HEAD
The children took turns playing the different characters in the games. Some held foam filled fabric coin boxes, which, when bumped with the head, the corresponding sound played and a gold foil covered chocolate coin dropped to the floor (it had been balancing on the top). They also had to jump over bricks (standard Amazon.co.uk boxes filled with fabric scraps for weight, covered in papier mache and painted to look like bricks).
3. DODGE THE PIRANHA PLANT!
One child got to be the piranha plant, standing in a giant papier-mache covered protein powder bucket while holding the felt piranha plant itself (hastily created that morning with cardboard, felt and super glue!).
4. THE DUNGEON FIREBALLS!
Cue the dungeon music and an onslaught of fireballs. The children seemed to love jumping over this obstacle the most, spending quite a bit of time here. If they spent too much time, though, the music changed to indicate hurry up!
5. CHOMPS!
A square of black electrical tape signified the area where the chomps had to be carefully dodged. These black balloons, with mouths and eyes glued on, were taped to the floor via a length of black cardstock chain.
6. THE HAUNTED HOUSE!
Then, the haunted house music began and each child had to dodge the Boo ghosts! Anyone who has played Mario will know the ghosts can only come towards you when your back is to them, so this made for a very interesting obstacle! The ghosts were white balloons with black and red permanent marker faces.
7. JUMP TO REACH THE GRAND STAR (PINATA!)
The finale was where they had to jump to reach the Grand Star Pinata. Afterwards, the children took turns to try and break the papier-mache pinata open with a broom handle. It was filled with sweeties and gold covered chocolate coins.
All in all, it was a pretty fantastic party, and the birthday boy and all the guests had a blast. Have you ever had a Super Mario Birthday Party? Do you have any tips to add? What would you have done differently?
Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary received a Dr. Oetker chocolate hamper and a supermarket voucher for ingredients to make and share a recipe from their website. All opinions expressed are our own and this is not a paid post. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click through to Amazon through any of them and make any subsequent purchase within the next 24 hours we will earn a small commission.
Mum of three, daydream adventurer, OU Life Sciences graduate, occasional crafter, ex-pat Canadian & quite possibly Britain's most northerly food blogger.
Ursula Hunt says
April 28, 2015 at 11:15 amThis looks like you had great fun
Choclette says
March 31, 2015 at 10:05 amGosh, gosh gosh Elizabeth, what a fantastic mother you are. That looks like a dream of a birthday party and a most amazing cake. I bet those kids had fun. Thanks for joining in with We Should Cocoa 🙂
Choclette recently posted…Easter Chocolate Bites
Heather Haigh says
March 27, 2015 at 11:13 pmWhat a superb cake! I’m in awe.
Paul Wilson says
March 18, 2015 at 1:10 amWhat a super cake.
Jane - Our Little Escapades says
March 17, 2015 at 10:40 amWhat an amazing birthday party. I bet the kids loved it. I’m wondering if the other mums are wondering how will their future parties compare ;0). You really did an amazing job, I don’t think I would be able to do anything like that.
Thanks for linking up with Small Steps Amazing Achievements :0)
x
Jane – Our Little Escapades recently posted…Thinking Slimmer 12 Week Challenge – Week 7 Update
Susie Gall says
March 17, 2015 at 12:08 amWOW!!! This cake is one of the most adorable cakes I have seen and so well done. The complete party looks like a beautiful labor of love and I’m sure one little six-year old boy feels especially blessed. Terrific job!!
Susie Gall recently posted…Copycat Dixon’s Chili & Tamale Spread
Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner? says
March 16, 2015 at 11:54 pmThat Mario Cake is phenomenal! What a fun birthday party 🙂
Kerry-Ann Pope says
March 16, 2015 at 11:36 pmOMG this is amazing, it is my boys 9th birthday on friday and he would absolutely love this party. I was going to make a cake and then pop a Mario & Luigi figure on top but this has gave me so much inspiration. I would definitely be attempting some of these things in preparation for his party at the weekend now.
You are so talented.
Debra @ Bowl Me Over says
March 16, 2015 at 10:51 pmHoly cow you have mad baking skills …. not to mention a whole lot of patience! What a fabulous cake and fun, fun party!
Debra @ Bowl Me Over recently posted…Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
Honest Mum says
March 14, 2015 at 4:48 pmOh wow! This party looks amazing! My boys would love this!
That cake is brilliant! You are one super talented lady!
Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays
Janice says
March 13, 2015 at 10:46 pmWell, that is quite some party. Your cake is amazing and I love how you created the games and your husband made the sounds, I’ll bet all the kids loved it.
Janice recently posted…Marbled Chocolate Cheesecake Muffins
Janine says
March 13, 2015 at 9:42 pmAmazing! Looks like you put so much work into this, but it definitely appears to have paid off.
Helen says
March 12, 2015 at 2:33 pmThat cake is beyond incredible. I totally want it for my 30th birthday. I love Super Mario.
Pirahana Plant is ace too!
Helen recently posted…Prawn, spinach and sweet potato curry recipe
Maya Russell says
March 12, 2015 at 10:56 amWOW! Amazing cake. Looks like they all had an amazing time.
Yet Another Blogging Mummy!!! says
March 11, 2015 at 11:02 pmWhat an absolutely amazing cake. And the party sounds such fun too #TastyTuesdays
Yet Another Blogging Mummy!!! recently posted…Chicken Quinoa Salad plus monbento review and giveaway
Notyet100 says
March 11, 2015 at 10:24 pmCake looks super gorgeous awesome
Annie Hall says
March 11, 2015 at 12:07 pmFlippin’ amazing! Well done you! Awesome cake… everything!
Annie Hall recently posted…Canela – Portuguese Wine Tasting
Erica Price says
March 11, 2015 at 12:03 pmFantastic! You’ve clearly put a lot of work into this. My son loves Super Mario too, although I think he’d choose a Pokemon party given the choice.
Erica Price recently posted…The First Confession
Anne says
March 11, 2015 at 11:48 amWow. fabulous party, fabulous cake, even your gold studded dog poo cupcakes are fab 😉 I want that party! (well, I mean I want it for my kids obviously, not sure I’d get away with that theme for my 50th!)
Anne recently posted…Kids in the Kitchen – Chocolate Brownies
Keep Calm and Fanny On says
March 11, 2015 at 11:36 amWow, how amazing! I bet all the kids will remember this party for ever, well done! You’ll probably be head-hunted now by party planners, but best of all is your son had an amazing time – look at his face! Hope you loved it too!
Keep Calm and Fanny On recently posted…Going Dutch in the Oven
Johanna GGG says
March 11, 2015 at 2:17 amthat cake is magnificent – we had a 6 year old birthday party recently and I am in admiration of you spending a day on the cake – I didn’t quite have the time I wanted for ours but it was close enough. Did you hire out a hall for the party? The kids look like they were having a ball.
Johanna GGG recently posted…Simple birthday cakes: rainbow cupcakes, jelly belly flower cake, choc mint cupcakes
Elizabeth says
March 11, 2015 at 9:18 amThank you Johanna – yes, I did hire the local hall for our party. It’s only £20 to hire, so well worth it when compared to some other venues (plus it supports our local community!). Cake decorating can take an absolute age – and it’s difficult to find recipes which will last a few days (at least) to allow enough time to decorate and transport.
Elizabeth recently posted…DIY Super Mario Bros Birthday Party Invitation {A Step-by-Step Tutorial}
Lucy @SupergoldenBakes says
March 10, 2015 at 10:28 pmI am in absolute awe! I have to admit I loathe children’s parties and thankfully my son (4) hates them too so I haven’t been required to provide this kind of extravaganza! I take my virtual hat off to you. Don’t thinks I could do it in a million years. Your are amazing. Thanks for linking to #CookBlogShare
Elizabeth says
March 11, 2015 at 9:19 amOddly enough our youngest doesn’t like attending other people’s birthday parties – he finds them too noisy and will usually refuse to go, but he insisted on having a big one for himself! Thanks for hosting such a super linky to share my post with too 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…Our House of Spice – Butternut Squash & Chickpea Masala Curry {Recipe & Review}
Charlotte says
March 10, 2015 at 8:06 pmWow!! Your cake was incredible! I’m too scared to try tiers in case they all topple over.
It looked liked a fantastic party. It must have taken you ages to prepare all of the games. I always look back on my childhood birthday parties with very happy memories and I’m sure after that party he’ll always be able to do the same.
Charlotte recently posted…Building My Blog – February 2015
Elizabeth says
March 11, 2015 at 9:20 amTiers can be tricky, but the way I did it this time worked fine. Super glue! 😀 Haha! It was a super party and I’m so chuffed all the kids had a great time. It’ll be even better in their memories when they’re all grown up too.
Elizabeth recently posted…Grain-free Almond Pancakes
Marta @petiteraisin.ca says
March 10, 2015 at 5:30 pm*jaw dropped* That cake is UNREAL! And what a great party – looks like fun was had by all. Kudos to the 3 tiers and all the detail!
Found ya over at Tasty Tuesdays
.:Marta:.
Marta @petiteraisin.ca recently posted…Nutella Banana Bread
Elizabeth says
March 11, 2015 at 9:24 amThank you Marta 🙂 I’m really rather pleased at how well it turned out. It’s nice when an idea in my mind turns into a reality!
Elizabeth recently posted…Technology in the Home – Past and Present
Becci says
March 10, 2015 at 4:57 pmWhat an absolutely epic themed party! I’m sure it’ll be the talk of the playground for many weeks to come. The cake looks incredible as do all the props, invitiations and the game ideas – brilliant!
Elizabeth says
March 11, 2015 at 9:25 amThanks Becci – yes, my son was saying they were all talking about it at school on the Monday, and some had even written in their journals about it! 😀
Elizabeth recently posted…DIY Super Mario Bros Birthday Party Invitation {A Step-by-Step Tutorial}
Jo of Jo's Kitchen says
March 10, 2015 at 2:17 pmThat cake is amazing!
Jo of Jo’s Kitchen recently posted…Tea & Biscuits For Mother’s Day
Elizabeth says
March 11, 2015 at 9:25 amThanks Jo 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…#ExtraVeg March 2015 – A Simple Way to a Healthier Diet {A Food Blogging Challenge}
Emily Leary says
March 10, 2015 at 12:57 pmThat cake is STUNNING! I’m jealous of your skills.
Emily Leary recently posted…Banoffee éclairs (John Lewis COOK Edition recipe)
Elizabeth says
March 11, 2015 at 9:26 amAw thanks Emily! It’s not that hard really – I just treat the coloured ready to roll icing like playdough! 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…Grilled Shetland Salmon with Ginger & Lemongrass
Isabella says
March 10, 2015 at 9:39 amAs a child of the 90’s I am so jealous! what an amazing party, I love the games and that cake is just fab!
Isabella recently posted…Cookbook Reviews
Elizabeth says
March 11, 2015 at 9:27 amI never would have thought that when I was playing Super Mario Bros when it first came out all those years ago that I’d be making my child that themed birthday cake! 😀
Elizabeth recently posted…The Search is on for Britain’s New Ninja Dog! PLUS Win a Month’s Supply of PiCK UP! Biscuits! #sp
Seychellesmama says
March 10, 2015 at 9:13 amWow this is amazing!!! You have really gone all out
That cake is unbelievable!! I’d love to have this party for myself let alone for my son haha! Popping over from #tastytuesdays
Seychellesmama recently posted…Mini vegetable frittatas recipe
Elizabeth says
March 11, 2015 at 9:27 amWe don’t throw them a party every year, in fact, this was his first big party, so I wanted it to be memorable. 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…46 Fabulously Frugal Feasts {The Credit Crunch Munch Round Up}
Sarah Maison Cupcake says
March 9, 2015 at 5:35 pmWow that cake looks awesome! Thanks for submitting to We Should Cocoa!
Sarah Maison Cupcake recently posted…20 easy tips to keep the fridge clean and tidy
Elizabeth says
March 11, 2015 at 9:29 amThanks Sarah 🙂 My fail safe chocolate birthday cake recipe worked really well in the middle tier of this cake. That’s the one I put in all their party bags. 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…Grain-free Almond Pancakes
Dominic says
March 9, 2015 at 5:09 pmutter, utter genius cake… I want that birthday party when I’m 45 later this year!
Dominic recently posted…oven-baked sausage risotto – super-easy one-dish meal
Elizabeth says
March 11, 2015 at 9:30 amHeehee, pay for my flights and accommodation and I’ll throw you this party! 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…Technology in the Home – Past and Present
Foodie Quine says
March 9, 2015 at 5:00 pmI am in complete awe! I know absolutely nothing about Super Mario but that Party – and Cake – looks amazing!
Foodie Quine recently posted…Ecosse-oulet, Goose Eggs and Pigs Cheeks
Elizabeth says
March 11, 2015 at 9:30 amAw thanks Claire! 🙂 It’s such a fun video game to play. We got the Super Mario Bros Wii for Christmas and it’s bedlam when four of us play all together at once!
Elizabeth recently posted…DIY Super Mario Bros Birthday Party Invitation {A Step-by-Step Tutorial}
Sisley White says
March 9, 2015 at 4:49 pmAbsolutely incredibly cake! It looks like such a fantastic birthday party.
Elizabeth says
March 11, 2015 at 9:31 amThank you 🙂 We had a super time at the party!
Elizabeth recently posted…The Search is on for Britain’s New Ninja Dog! PLUS Win a Month’s Supply of PiCK UP! Biscuits! #sp
Alison says
March 9, 2015 at 1:32 pmWow what an amazing cake and fab ideas for a party. It looks like a great day
Alison recently posted…Goats’ Cheese Mediterranean Quiche
Elizabeth says
March 11, 2015 at 9:32 amThanks Alison, it was certainly a memorable day!
Elizabeth recently posted…Technology in the Home – Past and Present
Angela Webster - Cosmic Kick says
March 9, 2015 at 12:17 pm😮 Can you organise my OH’s 30th next month please?! 😀 This is amazing! I love the Boo’s! I love the Piranah plants! I love it all.
Elizabeth says
March 11, 2015 at 9:32 amHaha! 🙂 So glad you like it, and I hope your son has a fab party too!
Elizabeth recently posted…46 Fabulously Frugal Feasts {The Credit Crunch Munch Round Up}