Cakes...but not as we know them! Check out these cool cake alternatives that are actually good for you and keep you cool in these summery Singapore climes...
Temperatures have been soaring in Singapore, no thanks to the El Nino effect and climate change that’s set to make 2023 the hottest year on record. With temps like these, there’s no way you’re going to turn on your oven to bake, so how about a line of “fun” cakes that keep you cool and help kiddos get the goodness of fruit in their diet? These “cakes” are a cinch to create, too. We reckon these fun “cakes” make for the perfect healthy poolside snack or dessert – not to mention offering much-needed hydration in these hot climes. And – just look at them! Without further ado…
1. Watermelon fruit pizza cake
Is it a pizza? Is it a cake? It’s better – it’s both! We’re loving this two-in-one kid pleaser of a pizza and cake meet cute from Modern Honey. Now, the question we’ve got is how do we eat this beauty? Pick at those fruit toppings or simply bite into a slice à la pizza? Because of its high water content, the watermelon has a cooling effect on the body and helps remove those toxins in the body. Here’s what we also love about this, you can tweak this recipe to use any bits and bobs of fruits in the fridge too. Got watermelons? Check out another cool way to cake it up!
2. Pineapple owl centrepiece
This one sure looks like a hoot to make! We think this pineapple-carved owl “cake” makes the perfect party centrepiece. Get instructions (and probably some practice ahead of time) from the good folk at Savory Experiments. Pineapple is also great for cooling down the body as it’s crammed with water and nutrients. To amp up the cooling prowess of this owl “cake”, use cucumber rounds for the eyes!
3. Date & kiwi turtle cake
Kiwis are the best summer fruits with unique cooling properties and are packed with antioxidants! They make a fun addition to this healthy cake made entirely out of fruits and even sugar-free icing that’s finger-licking good. Check out Brad Rudner for the recipe.
4. Lion fruit platter
Although not exactly a “cake”, this fruit grazing board by Martha Stewart is ideal for any kind of snack or party table sitch! Plus, it’s an effective way to lure the littlies into eating fruits. Citrus fruits like oranges contain antioxidants that provide a cooling effect. Lime, lemon, and oranges are great sources of Vitamin C, ideal for curing inner and outer body heat, so these are the perfect treats to keep cool.
5. Fresh melon cake
Wouldn’t this ‘cake’ be such an awesome standout centrepiece at a birthday party? This dairy-, fat-, and gluten-free recipe from Cooking on the Weekends requires you to thinly slice a melon, stack them, and then drizzle with a balsamic glaze. Bonus points for effort when you top the melon cake with cherries and candles. The glaze might be an acquired taste for the kiddos, so serve it on the side!
6. Watermelon cupcakes with berry topping
These little berry-topped watermelon “cupcakes” are a fun delight for kiddos and adults! Check out The Lemon Apron for the how-tos. Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries help cool the body down in these excruciating summer temperatures, so top ’em up on these adorable little “cupcakes”.
7. Fruit terrine
Is there a more cooling treat than jello? Fat Free Vegan serves a delightful treat perfect for countering these hot climes! The kiddos will love this cooling dessert that’s chocked full of the good stuff: fruits!
Enjoy your healthy, fruity birthday cake, kids!
