Martha Stewart and Monkey Cakes....

So, my girl (who celebrated her tenth birthday this past week) asked for a Roller Skating/Monkey Party.  Those of you who know me well, know that I can’t just leave well enough alone and use the skating rinks birthday supplies and pick up a cake just any ol' place.  So the hunt began for cute monkey themed ideas.  I stumbled across what I now know is the “infamous” Martha Stewart monkey cake that has been replicated (or in some cases not replicated) all over the Internet.  Word was even out that this was one that never turned out as cute as Martha’s when normal people made it.  Always being up for a challenge, I decided I could make this from scratch Banana Monkey Cake…and maybe even improve on it a little bit. 

 

Here is Martha’s (which we all know was most likely made by a staff pastry chef) Monkey Cake: Martha Stewart Monkey Cake

 

and here’s mine….

 

 

I think it turned out pretty darn good, and I adapted the recipe by adding mini chocolate chunks and substituting brandy extract (cause we all know anything is better with a little brandy…okay for all of you who take things too seriously it was EXTRACT so no alcohol was involved).  It was delicious! and cute!  We decided you could make a pig, or panda bear or lion, the options are endless using this basic structure.

 

And because I can never leave well enough alone, we also made these monkey party favor cups

 

 

for that extra special touch…don’t you just love them?!

It was a great party for our special little “monkey girl” and she had a great time with her friends.  I always wonder when the day will come when she doesn’t want these types of themed parties anymore, but until then I will enjoy every opportunity to plan a special day for my girl.

 

 

 

Following is the recipe for the Monkey Cake and a cost breakdown and below that, directions for the Monkey Favor Cups…maybe you will be inspired to give them a try for your favorite little monkey, let me know if you do!