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Pretty Easy Erupting Volcano Birthday Cake (Using Dry Ice)

Pretty Easy Erupting Volcano Birthday Cake (Using Dry Ice)



This is a cake I designed and assembled for my older son's 5th birthday.  It's pretty easy, and not that expensive (about $25-$30; $17 was the cake, so if you're a baker, even less).  It requires no specialized scientific knowledge, and is safe (enough for my 5-year-old and his friends; YMMV).  Everyone was duly impressed (if I do say so myself, which, in fact, I do), including the 'Mad Science' guy we hired as the entertainment for the party (you can see him check it out in the video- he's the guy in the lab coat behind the birthday boy).  It's my first Instructable, so constructive criticism and comments are welcome!
 
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Step 1

For this cake you will need:

A cake (mine was from Costco, $17); I asked them to write on one half and leave the other half blank.  There's no reason that you couldn't bake your own, however.
Candles- traditional in my country (America)

Volcano
Crisp Rice-Type Cereal, chocolate flavor (technically, I cared more about the color than the flavor).
Marshmallows- probably 2 bags, depending on the size of your volcano
(The previous two ingredients are to make the Rice Krispie Treat recipe that will be used to construct the volcano)
1 small plastic cup (mine was from Ikea ; I chose orange to enhance the lavaesque appearance)
Red or orange frosting
Dry Ice; you only need a little bit, but it sublimates quickly, so get more than you need, particularly if you are buying it on a different day than the party.  I got 10 Lbs the day before, and this was probably way too much even with test runs, etc.  5 Lbs should do it.  Google "Dry ice (your zip code)" if you're not sure where to get it.
Tongs/Gloves to handle the dry ice , and a hammer to break off chunks would be handy but not necessary.
Not pictured:
Butter (for Rice Krispie Treat recipe )
A little water
4 Plastic forks, broken to the height of the cake to support the weight of the volcano
Disposable gloves (for volcano molding)
Cooking spray oil
Plastic wrap

Dinosaurs- I bought a couple packs at the dollar store. 
Not pictured:
1 wooden skewer & hot glue gun (for pteranodon support)
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8 comments
Mar 4, 2011. 1:57 PMShany120 says:
Yummy idea! imma gonna try it!
Feb 23, 2011. 2:04 PMmzpo says:
">@B!
Feb 21, 2011. 2:31 PMabduraxman7 says:
This turned out so well!
Feb 20, 2011. 3:03 PMnhenry2005 says:
This turned out so well!
My youngest is turning 6 in a month and loves dinosaurs.
I will so be making this cake for him!
Thanks for posting, I love this idea!
Feb 13, 2011. 8:13 PMcanida says:
This is AWESOME!

I love the fact you've combined a store-bought cake with rice-crispie treats and dry ice - it's the perfect blend of time-saving and awesome-looking. The dinosaurs are a great bonus. Might I suggest a fudge tar pit for the next version?
Feb 14, 2011. 6:56 AMspammy90 says:
That is totally wicked! I'd freak out with joy if someone showed up with this on my 21st birthday. Props to you for being such a doting and cool (obligatory pun, sorry) father.
Feb 13, 2011. 8:47 PMchinchymork says:
Kids Love stuff Like this!!! Heck I love stuff Like this!!! nice job!

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