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Meatloaf Celebration Cake

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A fun April Fool’s dinner surprise! This savory “cake” is actually meatloaf baked in a round pan and frosted with mashed potatoes. Add a candle on top and watch everyone do a double take before dinner.
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Baked
  • Skill Level: Beginner
meatloaf celebration cake with mashed potatoes - KCA chgt

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 20–25 minutes | Yield: 4–6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 cup crushed stuffing mix
  • 1 tablespoon onion soup mix
  • 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
  • Mashed potatoes (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine egg, milk, barbecue sauce, stuffing crumbs, and onion soup mix.
  3. Add ground beef and mix until well combined.
  4. Press meat mixture evenly into prepared cake pan.
  5. Bake 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  6. Let cool for 5 minutes. Place serving plate upside down over pan and invert cake onto plate.
  7. Frost the top and sides with mashed potatoes.
  8. Add a candle for a true “celebration cake” look and serve.

Kid-Friendly Tips

  • Kids can help mix ingredients (with clean hands).
  • Let them help “frost” with mashed potatoes.
  • Use a piping bag for decorative potato swirls.

Fun Variations

  • Add peas or corn around the base like “sprinkles.”
  • Layer two thinner meatloaves for a double-layer cake.
  • Use sweet potato mash for a colorful frosting.

Notes

Always use a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking. Let the meatloaf rest briefly before frosting to prevent mashed potatoes from sliding.

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Recipe, image and content from Kids-Cooking-Activities.com