I was asked for a birthday cake for someone who loves Jones Beach and the Jersey Shore.

I made a large rectangle sponge and swirled in some seawater-green coloring for added interest when the cake was cut. While it was baking, I crushed some shortbread to make the sand. (As a Brit, I never need an excuse to make shortbread!)

After covering half the cake in buttercream and shortbread crumbs, I rounded off the other side to give the impression of horizon, and created a raging sea in a range of green/blue frosting, dabbing on white for the breaking waves.

A couple of loungers under a beach umbrella and the scene was complete.

The party loved it!