HOW TO MAKE BIRDSEED CAKES
I have not spent so much time in my backyard since the days of Sun-In and Coppertone.
On the days me and my sister we were not at the pool we set up an oscillating fan and rearranged the patio chaises for the optimal sun. What a difference 30 (ahem) years makes.
So last week, as I dipped my toes into the yard, I evaluated my backyard and introduced this idea.
Have you heard of it?
It is a fun way to encourage habitats in the backyard (except for Charlotte- I want her to relocate).
I picked up a bag of birdseed to encourage the birds to visit our yard.
I decided birdseed cakes were a great way to entertain my new guests.
The best part of figuring out how to make birdseed cakes is that the recipe is almost failproof.
The only thing I did not have on in my pantry was unflavored gelatin.
The second best part of these birdseed cakes was the refreshing reminder that birds (and squirrels) are not picky eaters. It was like an all-you-can-eat birdseed buffet for the birds (and squirrels).
There was no social distancing between these backyard critters.
RECIPE DETAILS
The recipe is below and the preparation is the same for any cake. Just follow the directions.
The first batch was extra sticky and required more dry time. The birds did not complain.
For my first batch, I used this Made in USA mini-bundt cake form.
How cute is this birdseed (bitty bundt) cake? Keep scrolling for the recipe below.
Don’t forget the packet of unflavored gelatin.
For my second batch, I repurposed plastic trays.
- JELLO MOLD OR FORM
- TWINE OR STRAW TO MAKE HOLE IN CAKE TO HANG
- 3 CUPS WILD BIRD SEED
- 1/2 CUP BOILING WATER
- 3 TBSP KARO SYRUP
- PACKET UNFLAVORED GELATIN
- 3/4 CUP FLOUR
- COOKING SPRAY FOR MOLD
- SPRAY MOLD OR FORM WITH COOKING SPRAYMIX BOILED WATER AND GELATIN DISSOLVESADD INGREDIENTS AND FOLD UNTIL BLENDEDTHE "BATTER" IS STICKY FOLD DOUGH INTO FORMS. FOR LARGER FORMS DOUBLE THE BATCH. SET ASIDE TO DRY 12-24 HOURS.
IDEAS FOR BIRDSEED CAKES
- This is a fun recipe to make with kids, grandkids or nephews, or nieces.
- This would be a fun happy hour activity with girlfriends too!
- Supervision is needed with kids because of the hot water. The mixture cools quickly with the flour and birdseed.
- Save plastic containers for the birdseed forms.
This is a fun and inexpensive craft project (recipe). I was surprised at how much I enjoyed making these little cakes. And it gets us all outside a little bit more!
I would love it if you would pin this for others to find!
Here are my favorite birdbath finds!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?