Build-a-Layer-Cake

This fun little invitation to create a layer cake using scented play dough was not only great sensory and fine motor play, but also smelt delicious!

Scented play dough layer cake.

What you need:

- 3 x basic play dough recipe (1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup salt, 1tbsp cream of tartar, 1 cup boiling water and 1 tbsp vegetable oil, all mixed until dough forms)

- Additional for each scent: chocolate = add 1/2 cocoa powder, orange = add orange essence and food colouring, and strawberry = strawberry essence and pink food colouring

- rainbow sprinkles

- candles

- rolling pin, knife and plastic cake cutter

How it works:

I placed the three scented play doughs, candles, sprinkles and utensils in a small storage tub and left it out for my little man to investigate. Straight away he knew he wanted to make some form of cake as he recognised what the candles meant. He asked if he had to make small cakes or if he could make one big cake and I explained that he could make whatever type of cake he wanted.

The set up.

Rolling out the dough.

He set about rolling out each layer (this made the smells even more delicious) and tried to make them into circles. He got a little frustrated at not being able to cut round circles so I showed him how to use a bowl to cut around and this helped him lots.

Cutting around an overturned bowl.

He then decided to make a layer cake as earlier that week he had been treated to a slice of rainbow layer cake that he had been eyeing up for a good few months in our local coffee shop (don't worry, I got him a fresh piece!). Once he piled up the circular layers in his chosen order he started to think about how to decorate his cake.

Adding some candles.

He also added 'cake balls' and rainbow sprinkles to the top of his cake.

Then it was time for the all important cutting of the cake. He loved getting to use a plastic cake cutting knife. I showed him how to slide the cutter under the piece and carefully transfer it onto a plate and he spent ages practising doing this without dropping any of the sprinkles.

Cutting the cake.

'I wish it was real Mummy!'.

My little man really enjoyed this activity, especially as he was in charge of how to make the cake. By the end of it we both really wished it was edible though!

Back in the box ready for more play tomorrow.