Jungle Monkey

All the birthday girl wanted was a jungle cake, maybe with a monkey on it. Such a simple request that of course I had to go all crazy on the cake...

It's a vanilla cake with vanilla almond buttercream frosting, an oval set on an 8-inch round. The weird little monkey on top was made from softened Tootsie Rolls. I've used those for smaller, thinner structures but be warned! A large mass like the body has a tendency to slump. I was constantly remolding that thing, even hours later. The head, arms, legs, and tail were no trouble, thankfully. But I have to say, I love the back of this cake the most:

I had such a wide open space, it called out for something a little different. The sections of the banana trees are softened Tootsie Rolls. The bananas and other fruit are Runts candies. And - as usual - everything is edible.

*Thanks, Cheryl, for the pictures!

Another version with more jungle animals for a baby shower (the back was the same):