penguin anniversary cake

We are very close with our San Diego cousins, and last weekend, we drove down for the day to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. I have a hard time imagining being 60, let alone having been married 60 years! Amazing. Years ago, they visited Antarctica and fell in love with the penguins. My cousin has collected penguins ever since, and some of her collection helped decorate the party table. So of course, the cake had to feature penguins!

Aren't these guys cute? I really liked how they turned out (especially the scarves and earmuffs). I'd really love some tips on how to sculpt larger fondant pieces without them sinking, slumping, or weighing themselves down before they have a chance to dry out sufficiently. I tried laying these down, which kept their pear shape, but then their backs were flat. Hmm. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

The happy couple requested chocolate chip cake with chocolate frosting. To complement the penguins, I made E and W initial plaques with a big "60" to unite them, and I decorated the sides of the cake with handmade fondant snowflakes brushed with sparkly white luster dust. 

The cousins loved the cake, which delighted me to no end. I was honored to make a cake to celebrate them! Happy 60th anniversary, E and W!

Print vanilla cake recipe. (Note: I added about 1 cup of chocolate chips to each layer.)

Print chocolate fudge frosting recipe.