How to Make a Number Cake
Seen the trending number cakes and ever wondered how to make one? Follow my easy step-by-step guide on how to make a number cake to create one at home and for your next celebration.
I am sure you have all seen the trend of number cakes on Instagram lately. My niece wanted one for her birthday last month and I was challenged to make one for her. Just like her Minion birthday cake from four years ago, I posted a picture on my Instagram and everyone loved it.
A few people even asked for a step-by-step guide on how to make a number cake. Well, here it is!! Disclaimer: it is straightforward, and all you need is my secret weapon.
I am always a skeptic when it comes to trying anything that is on-trend. Especially during the hype of the trend. It took me years to get on the kale bandwagon (spoiler, this kale salad with radishes and lime vinaigrette is my favorite salad now) or the dripping cake (I am not there) or the Unicorn obsession (this Mother’s Day cake was my interpretation of the trend).
Needless to say, trends don’t push me to try things. My now 17-year old niece loves every trend out there and uses her birthday to challenge me to do some. I am glad she pushes me sometimes as her ideas are some of the most popular cakes on my blog.
When researching how to create this beautiful spring-like number cake for her, I watched a few youtube videos and a lot of people were baking the cakes or cookies in a sheet pan and then using a stencil to cut out the numbers. If you know me, I am the laziest baker there is and I was not down for that. There had to be an easier way to achieve this so I went on the hunt for a numbered cake pan.
Out of several options that I explored, this Wilton cake pan was the best I found. There were a few others but in the end, the value and numerous possibilities for the future won me over.
It is essentially one pan with pieces that shape out all the numbers and alphabets. Can you imagine that? One pan to make all the number cakes your heart desires and the alphabets. I foresee a lot of birthday number cakes in my son’s future. (Update: See my how to make a letter cake tutorial for my son’s birthday cake!)
Okay, now that we have the pan, the rest of the cake is really simple. Personally, I think you should get two of the pans. It makes baking easier and faster but you can survive with one as I did.
Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to make a number cake:
- Align the sections of your cake pan using this Wilton Countless Celebration Cake Pan. Make sure you have your number outlined as directed by the instructions that come with the pan.
- Grease your cake pan including the section dividers using baking spray.
- Prepare your cake batter. You can use your favorite cake recipe, vanilla or chocolate. I used this vanilla cake recipe (doubled the recipe for my number 17)
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and bake for the recommended time of your recipe. Note that since you are baking in a special pan, you will need to adjust your baking time. I started checking my cake after 12 minutes.
- Let cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, slice each number cake into two halves for layering. I used a cake wire cutter to slice my cake but you can also use a serrated knife.
- If using just one pan, repeat the process and bake your second cake/ number.
- While the cakes cool, prepare your whipped cream cheese frosting, recipe below.
- Gather your decorations. I used fresh flowers, meringue kisses, fresh fruits and macarons (lemon macarons). Of course, you can use any combination of decorations, colors, etc. to personalize the cake for your celebration.
- When ready to decorate, fit a pastry bag with a large round tip and fill with the frosting.
- Place your first layer of cake on a cake plate or serving board.
- Pipe frosting all over the cake in dollops using the round tip. You want the dollops to be at least 2-inches tall.
- Place the second layer of cake over the frosting gently.
- Repeat the dollop frosting on top of the second layer.
- Top with your decorations.
There you have it, friends. The steps are truly easy to make this number cake or any letter cake. These are perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or special event celebrations. Let me know below in the comments if you try it!
If you love specialty cakes check out my step-by-step tutorial on how to make a makeup cake.
How to Make a Number Cake
Seen the trending number cakes and ever wondered how to make one? Follow my easy step-by-step guide on how to make a number cake to create one at home and for your next celebration.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake:
- 2 cups cake flour, sifted
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter cut into 1-inch cubes, room temperature
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, very cold
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
For Cakes:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Assemble your number in the number cake pan. Grease the pan with baking spray and set aside. The recipe as written will make two numbers. So if you only have one pan, you will need to bake each number.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the dry ingredients and mix at low speed until well blended.
- Increase speed to medium-low and add the cubes of butter, one at a time mixing each one for a few seconds before adding the next. Mix until there are no large chunks.
- Add eggs, one at a time, and mix well between each addition. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Increase mixer speed to medium and add in the wet ingredients in 3 parts, mixing until incorporated and scraping down the bowls after each addition. DO NOT over beat otherwise, you will end up with dense cakes.
- Divide batter into the prepared number cake pan, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake cakes, one at a time, until a toothpick inserted into the center come out clean, 17-20 minutes.
- Remove cakes from oven and let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Invert onto a cooling rack and let cool completely.
- Using a wire cake leveler, slice each number cake into two equal halves.
For the Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting:
- Pre-chill the bowl of your stand mixer and whisk in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over whip the heavy cream.
Assembly:
- Working with one number at a time, place one layer of the number onto a cake platter. Using a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip (or your favorite tip), pipe the whipped cream frosting over the cake in dollops. You can choose to evenly spread the frosting too.
- Place the second layer of the number cake on top of the frosting. Pipe some more frosting on top in dollops.
- Finally, decorate the cake with your desired toppings. I used meringue kisses, macarons, fresh flowers, and fresh fruits. Remember to save an equal amount of decorations for your second number if you are making a two-digit numbered cake.
- Repeat the above steps for the other number if you are making a double-digit numbered cake.
Notes
- Notes: You can find the pan I used here on Amazon
- For a one-digit cake (e.g. 3), half the recipe above and bake one cake.
- The recipe above is written for a double-digit cake (e.g. 17)
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Hi! can I use a regular pan and cut it out with a stencil?
Yes, you can.
Hi,
can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?
yes, you can.
Hello,
I love all your helpful tips. I wanted to start doing naked cakes and read that to keep them from drying out use simple syrup. Is it really that simple? Also once I deliver the cake , and it’s displayed how long can it stay moist for? I just would hate for. To dry out especially since it’s a naked cake. Thanks
Hi Ellie. I have used simple syrup or any flavored syrup before to keep cakes moist. But I find wrapping the naked cakes with plastic wraps saves the cake. Once you deliver the cake and it is displayed, it would save for up to 2 hours I think. I usually try to serve as soon as possible.
Hi! I’ve been wanting to make one of these cakes for ages! I’m super out of practice though, on a scale from beginner to expert where would you put this?
Beginner for sure 🙂
Do you have a tip on how to successfully transfer the numbers and layers? When I did, they broke into pieces (I fixed with the icing) thank you!
Hi Alexandra, I am sorry to hear the cake broke. I hate when that happens but your fix is what I do! I use a cake lifter to help with lifting the cake slices. I do have two as it makes it easier for bigger cakes. But having someone else to help you as you transfer also helps. Here’s a link to the cake lifter I use. https://amzn.to/3nydUYQ
Can I use a regular cream cheese buttercream for the frosting?
Yes, you can however I’d recommend chilling the cream cheese frosting before using it so the cream cheese is firm and can hold up.
Hello! I just had a question, as I was planning on making a number cake for my birthday coming up. Do we need to cut the cake or use two layers? Is it okay if you use just one cake for one layer only? Please let me know. Thanks!
You can use two cakes to create two layers or you can cut one cake in two. It really depends on you.
Why is my frosting coming out watery ?
Hi Jessenia, it is hard to troubleshoot what went wrong here. There should be no reason why your frosting is watery if you followed the instructions above. Use COLD heavy cream, whip the frosting until stiff peaks form.
I’m going to use this recipe to make a letter T for my nephews upcoming birthday. I did not get two pans, but I did get the slicer to cut it in half….will I need to adjust the recipe because it is only only letter verses 2? You mentioned above to someone else that the recipe is for 2 cakes, I feel like this will make too much for one letter.
I think it would be good to have two cakes to layer. For height and definition. However, if you think it is too much, you can half the recipe and bake only one T and you can slice it in half. It’s up to you!
My daughter wants this number cake on her sweet sixteenth birthday, and I was clueless about how I would make it. Your recipe article has blown away all my worries. Thanks, dear.
I love this! I’m planning to make this for my husbands birthday but using a carrot cake recipe instead as it is his favourite. The carrot cake recipe I’m using has different ingredients for the frosting.
8 ounces (224g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2–2.5 cups (240-300g) confectioners’ sugar
2 Tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream*
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
salt, to taste.
Do you think using that frosting recipe will be fine or will using the recipe you mentioned be better. I really want it to look as perfect as possible but I also want to use the proper recipe of the cake he likes. Will your frosting taste different?
Sorry if my questions sound stupid, its just that I don’t bake often
Hi Shayma, no problem it is not a stupid question. I would suggest using your recipe and valuing taste and integrity overlook since it is a birthday!! It should be special. To help the cream cheese frosting you have above hold up to piping, you should chill it until it is thick for piping.
Ahhh, I have that cake lifter as well. I have so much baking stuff but need to learn how to use it all for the best results. I did slice the numbers then left them out overnight. I will fillow your directions and advise for next time. Thanks so much Zainab! Happy baking!
You are welcome! I love all my tools haha