Duck cake!
Like Bandit, we now use the term to express frustration in our house.
While the Bluey episode named for an elaborate Australian Women’s Weekly cake definitely showcases the frustrations associated with baking, it says a lot more about the joy.
For those unfamiliar, Bingo chooses the duck cake for her fifth birthday cake after an image of the finished product sends her tail wagging.
Bandit is reluctant to take on the challenge, to say the least, but is determined to do his best to make Bingo’s day.
He struggles through the bake – with some moral and cleaning support from Bluey – and his imperfect result sends Bingo’s tail into overdrive.
The episode highlights finding joy in doing things for others.
For me, it’s also a great example of a shift in the mental load.
Arguably, children’s birthday cakes have traditionally been a mum’s responsibility.
There’s no way I’ll relinquish control of making my daughter’s birthday cake without a fight – getting into the kitchen brings me so much joy – but baking is a chore many mums would happily handball.
Of late, anecdotally, that’s led to expensive outsourcing of the task. Great for bakers but not for bank balances, which can take a big hit where kids’ birthdays are concerned.
So it was great to see a dad (albeit a cartoon dog dad) take on the task. His effort wasn’t perfect but his daughter couldn’t have been happier.
It’s a nice return to the old adage ‘it’s the thought that counts’.
We also see this in comedian and TV presenter Hamish Blake’s biannual late-night bakes.
His son, Sonny, and daughter, Rudy, share their vision for their birthday cake each year and he shares his baking journey on Instagram.
Watching is always good for a giggle – Hamish never leaves himself enough time and inevitably battles to meet his brief into the early hours with a scotch in hand.
The resulting cake is usually pretty impressive but far from perfect.
It’s a great reminder of what our kids actually want and need – us – and a valuable lesson for the kids.
Hamish steps outside his comfort zone for his children and finds joy in bringing their vision to life. They feel the love that’s gone into the process.
One dad commented on his Instagram: “You inspired me to do the full birthday cake setup…my boys love their mad crazy stay up all night drinking scotch birthday cakes and you’re a bloody good dad.”
It sure sounds like these prominent examples of dads baking are inspiring more dads to take (charge of) the cake.
But let us know what you think – find us on Instagram or Facebook and share your dad bakes!
– Casey Neill
