Super Mushroom Cake from Super Mario: a Gamer's Recipe

Super Mushroom Cake from Super Mario: a Gamer's Recipe

The Super Mushroom from Mario is one of the most recognisable symbols in video game history. The red cap with white spots has become a pop-culture icon, and a cake in its shape is a must-have for gamer birthdays.

History and origin

The Super Mushroom first appeared in Donkey Kong (1981) as a bonus but became iconic in Super Mario Bros (1985). The red toadstool with spots is a parody of the fairy-tale mushroom that in the game world gives not hallucinations but an extra life.

Key ingredients

Mushroom cake: chocolate or vanilla sponge cut into the shape of a mushroom cap. Frosting: buttercream or whipped-cream frosting coloured red and white with food colouring. The stem is a separate cylinder of sponge.

How to cook at home

For an even coating, apply a 'crumb coat' (a thin layer that locks in crumbs), chill for 30 minutes, then apply the final layer. White spots can be made from fondant or white chocolate.

Try this recipe at home — it's much easier than it looks and will make you feel part of your favourite universe.