One day I was approached by someone wanting a panda bear cake for his little girl's birthday. As usual I accepted the task and did what I always do, research. I searched many cake sites for ideas and inspiration. One cake that I saw repeatedly in many different forms was the 3D bear cake. So off I went to Michael's, 50% coupon in hand, to purchase a Wilton bear pan. This cake can be made with a 3d cake pan or cut free hand. The latter was out of the question for me. The Wilton pan was the way to go. While making a test cake I learned what to do and what not to do. I figured I would help spare someone the headache that I received during my initial exploration into this medium.

The Pan: Wilton pans can be purchased at Hobby Shops like Michael's, AC Moore and Hobby Lobby. Don't be afraid to peruse second hand stores also. You may be surprised what precious gems you may uncover. If you do purchase one from a second store it may not come with the heating core or clips. Don't worry, the cake can be made without the core and you can use those handy giant paper clips to hold the pans together. I used Wilton's Stand Up Cuddly Bear pan.

1. Preparing the pan: Prepare the pans as you would for any other cake. I use shortening and a dusting of flour. Be sure you grease the inside and outside of the heating core thoroughly, or your cake will surely stick. Clip both sides of the pan together and place core in middle.

2. Cake recipe: This cake requires a dense cake recipe in order to stand properly. Wilton recommends you use a box cake mix and pound cake mix together. I found that combination quite boring so I used 10 cups of my doctored cake recipe. If you have a delicious pound cake recipe that will do also. Pour batter into cake pan and heating core. My test cake didn't have paws because I failed to use enough batter.

3. Bake: Place pan on foil lined rack or cookie sheet. Your rack may need to be lowered prior to preheating since this is a tall cake pan. Cook cake for approximately 55 minutes. Test doneness by sticking a skewer into heating core. If the skewer comes out clean, it's done!

4, Cooling: This step is very important! I stand the cake up to cool in pan for about 10 minutes. Then loosen clips and remove half of the bear pan. Let cool for additional 15 minutes. Switch sides and repeat.

5. Icing:I have found it beneficial to use a chilled buttercream. I make my own icing but any decorator's icing will do. After applying a crumb coat I refrigerate. I usually do these steps a day before actually decorating the cake.

6.Decorating: Be creative!! My first cakes were done with the ease of a star tip. For a more realistic fur effect you may want to try a grass tip. Take your time. It may take a while to completely cover the cake, but if you do it in sections you will have a cleaner look. I use fondant for the eyes, nose and fondant flowers.

Well I hope these tips will help you produce a lovely bear cake. Take your time, be creative. Your options are limitless. Whoever receives this cake will feel so special.