Easy-Peasy Chicken Cake Tutorial: No Fondant Needed!

Ever wanted to make an adorable chicken cake that’s both cute AND delicious? I’ve got you covered! Today, I’m sharing my favorite chicken cake tutorial that’s super simple to follow, even for beginners. The best part? No complicated fondant work required!

I first tried making this cake for my daughter’s birthday, and it was such a hit that I’ve made it several times since. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Two Different Types of Chicken Cakes

Before we dive in I should clarify that there are actually two very different types of “chicken cakes” out there

1. Decorative Chicken Cake – A sweet dessert cake decorated to look like a cute chicken (what we’re making today!)
2. Savory Chicken Cake – A savory dish that combines chicken and cake batter for a unique meal

We’re focusing on the decorative chicken cake today – a delicious dessert that just happens to look like an adorable chicken!

What You’ll Need

For this no-fondant chicken cake. you’ll need

• 3 round 6-inch cakes (can be made from 2 boxed cake mixes)
• Frosting (store-bought or homemade buttercream)
• Shredded coconut (2-3 cups)
• Starburst candies (red and orange)
• 1 large black jelly bean (or chocolate candies like M&Ms)
• Toothpicks
• Optional: toasted coconut for “straw”

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Cakes

I like to keep things simple, so I usually use boxed cake mix. You can easily make three 6-inch round cakes from two boxed mixes. Just fill each pan with about 1½ cups of batter.

Once baked and cooled, level off two of the cakes to create flat surfaces. Leave the third cake as is – the natural dome shape will help form the chicken’s body.

Step 2: Stack and Frost

1. Stack your three cakes with the domed one on top
2. Apply a generous layer of frosting all over the cake
3. Don’t worry about making the frosting look perfect – we’ll be covering it with coconut!
4. Use a knife to gently shape the top of the cake for a more pronounced dome if needed

Step 3: Add the Coconut “Feathers”

Press shredded coconut all over the frosted cake. This creates the chicken’s white feathers and covers any imperfections in your frosting job. So easy!

Step 4: Create the Chicken Features

Here’s where the Starburst candies come in handy – they’re perfect for making the beak, comb, and feet without dealing with fondant!

For the eyes:

1. Cut a large black jelly bean in half
2. Stick a toothpick into the back of each half
3. Press into the cake to create the eyes

For the beak:

1. Unwrap an orange Starburst and warm it in your hand until soft
2. Cut it into a triangle shape
3. Insert a toothpick into the back and stick it onto the cake

For the comb:

1. Unwrap several red Starbursts and warm them in your hands
2. Press them together to form a rectangle
3. Use a small cookie cutter or knife to create a comb shape
4. Attach to the top of the chicken with a toothpick

For the feet:

1. Soften orange Starbursts in your hands
2. Shape them into chicken feet
3. Attach them to the bottom of the cake with toothpicks

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

To give your chicken cake a cute farmyard setting, toast some coconut in the oven at 400°F until golden (watch carefully as it can burn quickly!). Sprinkle this around the base of your cake to look like straw or hay.

Tips for Success

• If you’re struggling with the Starburst candies, try microwaving them for 3-5 seconds to make them more pliable
• Can’t find black jelly beans? Chocolate-covered peanuts or M&Ms work great too
• One container of store-bought frosting is enough to coat the cake, but you can make your own buttercream if preferred
• The cake doesn’t have to be perfect – chickens aren’t perfectly shaped!

Decorating Variations

While I love the simplicity of this chicken cake design, there are plenty of ways to customize it:

• Use yellow-tinted coconut for a baby chick look
• Add food coloring to create a colorful, whimsical chicken
• Create a family of chickens with different sized cakes
• Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist

FAQ About Chicken Cakes

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the cake layers a day or two ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap. Assemble and decorate on the day you plan to serve it for best results.

How do I store leftover chicken cake?

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Can I make a savory chicken cake instead?

Absolutely! For a savory version, you’d prepare a chicken filling with cooked, shredded chicken, sautéed onions, garlic, and your choice of seasonings. This would be layered between cake batter and baked. You could decorate with mashed potato “frosting” or cream cheese.

Can I use a different type of cake?

Any cake flavor works great! Vanilla, chocolate, or even funfetti would make an adorable chicken cake.

What if I don’t have 6-inch cake pans?

No problem! You can use larger cake pans and adjust the recipe accordingly, or even make a chicken-shaped cake using a single layer cut into a chicken shape.

Why This Chicken Cake is So Great

I’ve made lots of cakes over the years, but this chicken cake remains one of my favorites because:

1. It’s incredibly easy to make
2. No fondant skills required
3. Kids absolutely love it
4. It’s perfect for Easter, farm-themed parties, or just for fun
5. The Starburst decorations are actually tasty (unlike fondant which many people remove)

The first time I made this for my daughter’s birthday, everyone thought I’d spent hours making it. Little did they know it only took about an hour to decorate! It’s been featured in FamilyFun magazine too, which was such an honor.

My Personal Experience

When I first tried making this cake for my daughter’s 1st birthday, I was worried it would be too complicated. But it turned out to be one of the simplest cakes I’ve ever made! She loved it so much that she requested it again for her 9th birthday.

What I love most about this cake is how it always brings smiles to people’s faces. There’s something inherently cheerful about a chicken cake sitting on your table!

Let’s Sum It Up

Making a chicken cake without fondant is totally doable, even for beginners! With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can create an adorable cake that will be the talk of any party.

The combination of soft cake, creamy frosting, coconut “feathers,” and candy decorations makes for not just a cute cake, but a delicious one too! And isn’t that what we all want – a cake that looks good AND tastes amazing?

So next time you’re looking for a fun baking project or a unique cake for a special occasion, give this chicken cake a try. I promise it’ll be a hit!

Have you ever made a themed cake before? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!