Watermelon Cake

Summertime is Birthday time at our house. All seven of us have smmer birthdays.  And three of my kids have birthdays within a two week time span at the end of June. Lots of fun but it can lso mean lots of unhealthy food. You may be thinking... but it's their birthday.  However with so many birthdays in a row, things can quickly start to unravel and some of our crew will get horribly sick having that many "cheats". So what's a mom to do???

I was trying to think of something fun and summery...is that a word??..for a birthday dessert that could hold some candles and still taste yummy. Something that didn't require the oven and was gluten free with minimal dairy. Something that was round in shape like a cake and could still have fun decorations. Then as I was in the shower the day before our party it hit me...watermelons. As a side note, the shower is my thinking place.  When you have five children it is one of the only places you can be by yourself and the water drowns out their noise. Just make sure you lock the door. Otherwise the quiet is usually disrupted by children wanting you to settle a disagreement or open a package while you are dripping with soap and water. 

We eat watermelons like crazy during the summer. There is usually one cut up and one on the counter all season long. I guess that's why my mind immediately thought of the round shape of a watermelon and the idea of the watermelon cake was born. 

Super easy. Super yummy. 

Here is what you do:

Slice each end off the watermelon (you can scoop the watermelon out of the ends. makes a good treat for yourself as you make the cake)

Divide the remaining watermelon into as many cakes as you desire.  I like it to be about 1.5 to 2 inches 

Cover on side with whip cream (recipe below)

Decorate with berries. (this part is a huge treat for my crew because berries are a luxury in a house of 7 people)

Whip Cream:

Place a small metal bowl in the freezer for about 15 minutes. When the bowl is nice and cold, then mix 1 cup of whipping cream with 1 Tablespoon of powdered sugar. Whip it good. You can do this with a mixer on high speed. I personally like to do it by hand...I think it tastes better. And bonus, this method also is a great workout!  To whip by hand, fill a larger bowl with ice and place the small bowl in the ice.  Then go to town beating that cream. Any recipe that allows a mom to beat, hit, or pound ingredients is good therapy. I made a double batch for three "cakes". 

Add some candles, some friends and some loud singing for the optimal birthday experience.  No one will miss the flour cake. I promise. Enjoy! 

P.S. Isn't this picture the best??!