Mickey Mouse is an icon of American childhood. What better way to celebrate a birthday than with a party honoring the rodent-in-chief? If you'd like Mickey himself to star as the cake, read on to learn how to make a Mickey Mouse birthday cake.

If you're lucky enough to have just returned from a pilgrimage to Walt Disney World, or if your child is simply mad for Mickey, you'll probably find yourself planning a Mickey Mouse themed party in the near future. And while you could always just place a Mickey Mouse figurine on top of a frosted cake, or purchase a pre-made cake from the bakery, why not go the extra mile and make a Mickey Mouse Birthday Cake in your own kitchen? The steps on this page will show you that making one at home is not at all difficult, and allows you to customize the cake to your particular celebrant's taste!

1. A sheet cake, baked
2. A cookie sheet or large piece of cardboard covered with foil to serve as a base
3. A Mickey Mouse cake pattern, enlarged to the size you'd like, and printed on card stock
4. A sharp knife
5. Frosting:
   1. Black or brown
   2. White
   3. Red
   4. Blue
6. A junior mint or chocolate covered peppermint patty for the nose
7. A pastry bag with a writing tip

1. Place the pattern on the cake and cut away the excess.

2. Using the white frosting, outline the face.

3. Frost the ears and top of the face in black or brown frosting, making sure also to frost the sides of the cake.

4. Frost the face with the white frosting.

5. Frost the sides of the cake (next to the white frosting) blue.

6. Using the black or brown frosting, add details for the eyes and mouth.

7. Color the tongue with the red frosting.

8. A junior mint or chocolate covered peppermint patty for the nose.

• Although it may look tricky, making a Mickey Mouse cake is not hard. Here are some tips that can help:

1. Freeze the cake before frosting to minimize the potential for crumble pox.
2. Use Mickey Mouse candles, to carry the theme throughout the whole presentation.
3. You can use a Mickey Mouse cake pan instead of cutting out the shape.
4. If you'd prefer, substitute a piece of red fruit rollup for the tongue
5. If its a large party, and one cake is not enough, consider making a Minnie Mouse cake as well.

• If you're interested in specialty pans or candles, you can check out the Disney Store, or local party supply shops. These items are also available online: