Ape Cakes Grape Cakes

These cute little cakes were originally part of a Dr. Seuss-themed menu we created, but I’ve since made different versions (see the tips below) of Ape Cakes Grape Cakes for kids and adults at everything from birthday parties to New Year’s celebrations.  Use the instructions below as starting place, and have fun experimenting with different ingredients.

cooking information

• Yield: 30 Pieces
• Prep Time: Just Over an Hour
• Cooking Time: 10 Minutes

all ingredients

• 1 Pre-Made Angel Food Cake
• 1 Pound Green Grapes
• 1 Cup Apricot Preserves
• 3 Cups of Champagne

recipe instruction

1. Rinse your green grapes with water and dry on paper towels. Slice your grapes lengthwise and place in a large bowl. Once the grapes are finished being cut, cover them with the champagne.

2. Slice your angel food cake into 1 inch thick slices. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter (or a shot glass or baby bottle), cut out discs of cake. You will be able to get 2 to 3 rounds per slice of cake. There will be a lot of extra crumbs to nibble (use the extra crumbs as layers in a trifle, or roll fondue-dipped strawberries in them).

3. Once your grapes have had time to soak in your champagne (at least 1 hour), remove the grapes and set aside. Combine the remaining champagne and 1 cup of apricot preserves in a small sauce pot. Turn to medium heat and cook until your preserves are more of a syrupy consistency.

4. To assemble the cakes, on each round layer 3-4 grape halves, or as many grapes as you can layer on there. When the cakes themselves have been constructed, coat each with about a tablespoon of apricot glaze. (The glaze will give a beautiful finish to the individual cakes.)

5. Let rest, serve, and enjoy!

cooking tips

• If you can’t find angel food cake you can always substitute pound cake or a dense pudding cake. To make it easier for yourself, use the pre-made cakes from your local grocery store.
• This recipe can be made with any small fruit – cherries, blueberries, strawberries.
• If you don’t want to spend money on champagne as an ingredient you can always substitute a clear fruity flavored soda like Sprite or 7-Up.
• These cakes should be made the day of service, but can still be made hours in advance.