"Isn't that so cute!"

"Wow, you must have spent a lot of time on that cake!"

"How did you do that?"

"That cake is so perfect - how did you get it shaped like that?"

"Thank you, Mommy, for making my cake - I really like The Little Mermaid!!!"

These are the comments you'll hear when you choose a Wilton novelty cake pan to create your next party masterpiece. It's fun to watch your child's eyes light up when you bring out the Strawberry Shortcake cake or Spiderman cake and set it on the table. They can't keep their eyes off the cake and possibly will want to keep it forever! And the extra big hug you receive is because you made it yourself!

Don't rely on the bakery or someone else to do the work. Making this scenario happen in your kitchen is easier than you may imagine. Even if you have never decorated a cake before, using a Wilton character pan is a good place to start. With a minimum number of tools, a cake mix and some icing - you're in business.

Each pan sculpts the design onto the cake so you can follow along with the icing. Instructions come with the pan informing you of the tips you will need, the colors, frosting amounts, and the step-by-step process. Many pans come with more than one design suggestion - make a race car in the colors of your favorite driver - choose between a green or red tractor!

What You'll Need. Having the right tools for the job can mean the difference between a baking fiasco and a sure-fire smash. So before you start, be sure you have the necessary equipment and ingredients to bake the ultimate character cake!

Select Your Pan. Visit our category of Wilton novelty pans to see if your child's favorite character is available. There are old friends like Scooby Doo, Care Bears™, Dora the Explorer™ and SpongeBob Squarepants™, and hot new characters like Backyardigans, Ariel, and Tinker Bell. Choose from basic pans such as a tractor, train, fire truck, butterfly or ladybug. Or give them a hero - like a policeman, fireman or astronaut with our Little Hero pan! Try out one of the brand new silicone Looney Tune™ pan molds, like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester or Tweety Bird. These are cartoon characters for all ages!

Gather your supplies. You'll need disposable pastry bags, couplers, and decorating tips suitable for icing your cake. For the novice decorator, we've designed our Starter Cake Decorating Kit that includes all you'll need to get started decorating. You'll also need a straight-blade icing spatula, and a cake plate or serving board for the cake. Check online for the paste colors you will need for your particular pan. There is also a recommendation for the amount of icing that you will need. Buttercreme icing is an excellent choice for creating the bright colors and texture for the Wilton character pans and your kids will tell you how good it tastes!

Let's Begin. If this is your first time decorating, you will want to follow the Wilton instructions that come with the pan. If you have the decorating starter kit, there are also basic cake decorating instructions included. Most pans call for one 2-layer cake mix. Be sure to check for baking directions.

Wilton cake pans are not just for birthdays. The Topsy Turvy Cake, Cupcake Cake Pan, and Party Hat Cake pans are perfect for birthdays. The flag or star pans are colorful for a patriotic theme or convention. The Topping Off Success cake pan is versatile and can be decorated in graduation colors. The cross cake pan is good for confirmation and baptisms. Once you get started, you may become the master cake creator for all family events and parties!

Cake decorating is fun and not as complicated as you think. Show those you love how much you care and delight them with a special cake on their special day. And be sure to have the camera ready! All those smiles and hugs need to be captured forever!