Chicken-Shaped Chocolate Cake Recipe

Got it! You’re looking for a chocolate cake that looks like a chicken—fun and whimsical, perfect for themed parties or farm-style celebrations. Here’s how you can make a “Chicken-Shaped Chocolate Cake” that both looks and tastes amazing.

Overview

  • Flavor: Moist chocolate cake with chocolate ganache or buttercream.
  • Design: Sculpted and decorated to resemble a chicken.
  • Difficulty: Moderate (requires some shaping and fondant work).

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (65g) cocoa powder
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups (400g) sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee or water

For Chocolate Ganache or Buttercream (Filling + Coating):

  • 200g dark chocolate
  • 200ml heavy cream
    (or use chocolate buttercream)

For Decoration:

  • White fondant (for feathers)
  • Red fondant (for comb and wattles)
  • Yellow/orange fondant (for beak and feet)
  • Black fondant or chocolate chips (for eyes)
  • Optional: food-safe gold or brown spray for texture

Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

  • Bake in oven-safe bowls or round pans to help create the body shape.
  • You can also bake a sheet and carve the chicken shape from it.
  • Let cakes cool completely before carving.

2. Carve the Shape

  • Stack layers with ganache or buttercream in between.
  • Carve the cake into an oval or egg shape to form the chicken’s body.
  • Use smaller cake bits or cupcakes for the head if needed.
  • Chill for 30 minutes before decorating.

3. Cover and Decorate

  • Apply a crumb coat of ganache or buttercream.
  • Roll out fondant and cover the body in white fondant (or textured for feathers).
  • Use red fondant to create the comb and wattles.
  • Use yellow/orange for the beak and feet.
  • Add black fondant dots or edible pearls for eyes.
  • Optional: use a modeling tool or brush to add feather textures.

Tips for Success

  • Use a printed image of a chicken for reference while shaping.
  • You can use rice crispy treats to help form the head or wings.
  • For a “roast chicken” look, use brown cocoa-colored fondant and add a sheen with edible spray.