ROXBOX Crystal Mining Birthday Cake

Let's make a cake that's as fun to create as it is to eat! Our ROXBOX Crystal Mining Cake is more than just a delicious dessert—it's an experience. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or any special occasion, this cake brings a sense of adventure to the table.

Imagine the excitement as kids and adults alike dig into the cake, discovering hidden edible "crystals" buried within tasty biscuit crumbs. This isn't just a cake; it's a little treasure hunt on a plate. Plus, with a moist banana base and a healthier cream cheese icing, it's a treat that you can feel good about serving. So gather the family, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for a baking adventure everyone will love!

You will need:

• 2 round cakes
  (buy them from the supermarket or make our banana cake recipe below)
• Cake icing
  (see our healthy icing recipe on this page)
• 1 packet of your favourite biscuits (Malts, Superwines or Krispies work best. Oreos also work, but you need to remove the creme)
• Rock chocolates (or as an alternative use a packet of jelly beans, M&Ms candy or similar)

Method:

1. Make sure both your cakes are flat on top and on the bottom. You may need to cut some off the top to level it out.
   
   
2. Take one of the cakes and cut a hole in the middle of the cake. Be careful not to make the hole too big or else the rest of the cake may collapse. Carefully put the cake with the hole cut through to one side.
   
   
3. Layer the top of the second cake, the one without the whole, with icing.
   
   
4. Carefully place the cake with the hole in it on top of the other cake (hole side up). Apply cake icing on the cake as desired. You should now have a two-tiered cake with a cavity in the middle.
   
   
5. Empty your packet of biscuits into a blender. Blend the biscuits until you have fine crumbs. If you don’t have a blender, place the biscuits into a large, sealed bag and break up with a rolling pin.
   
   
6. Combine your biscuit crumbs with your candy and mix well.
   
   
7. Pour the crumb and candy mixture into the cake cavity until it’s full. Sprinkle some leftover crumbs on the top to hide any candy poking out the top of the mixture.
   
   
8. When serving, use a spoon or your ROXBOX Crystal mining scoopie to dig into the 'sand' for buried candy crystals!

Banana Cake Recipe (for 2 Round Cakes) - With Raw Brown Sugar

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 240g (1 1/4 cups) raw brown sugar
• 250g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 450g (3 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 240ml (1 cup) buttermilk or milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar

Method:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins.

2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and raw brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

5. Divide the Batter: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake tins.

6. Bake: Place the tins in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cakes comes out clean.

7. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

This updated recipe uses raw brown sugar, which has a lower glycemic index (GI) and allows you to use a bit less sugar overall while still achieving a delicious, moist cake.

Cream Cheese Icing (Healthy Version)

Ingredients:

• 200g (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
• 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 80-100g (1/2 cup) raw brown sugar or 50g (1/4 cup) honey/maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or Greek yoghurt (optional, for a smoother consistency)

Method:

1. Cream the Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and well combined.

2. Sweeten the Icing: Add the raw brown sugar or honey/maple syrup and vanilla extract. Continue to beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. The raw brown sugar will give the icing a slight caramel flavour, while honey or maple syrup will add a different depth of sweetness.

3. Adjust the Consistency: If the icing is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or Greek yoghurt and mix until you achieve the desired consistency.

4. Chill if Necessary: If the icing is a bit soft, you can chill it in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes before spreading it on your cakes.

This cream cheese icing is a healthier alternative to traditional buttercream, with less sugar and a rich, tangy flavour that pairs perfectly with banana cake.

Planning on making this cake!? Tag @ROXBOXNZ in your pics!