How To Make A Pirate Cake

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: Buttercream

Cover the whole of the madeira cake in buttercream using a pallette knife. This will help the chocolate sticks stick to the cake.

Step 3: Chocolate sticks

Stick chocolate sticks to the long side of the cake. Alternate them from side to side, like this. Fill the gaps by cutting more chocolate sticks to length. Repeat on the other side, then fill the ends with more sticks cut down to size.

Step 4: Sand

Spread a rough layer of buttercream on the cake board around the chest. Use a spoon to sprinkle the yellow sugar over the buttercream.

Step 5: Treasure

Cover the top of the cake with chocolate coins, and place a few around the sides of the chest to make it look like the treasure's overflowing. Use mint imperials and midget gems to make necklaces and jewels.

Step 6: Characters and toys

Complete the scene by positioning a few pirate characters around the chest - you can also put a few bits of toy treasure in the cake (but make sure to take anything inedible off the cake before you serve it).