How to Make a Soda Can Cake

DISCLOSURE: Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, which come at no cost to you. Know that I only promote products I personally use and stand behind. To learn more about my affiliates, please review my disclosure policy here.

If there is someone in your life who really likes soda or canned beer, then you should make them a soda can cake for Christmas or their birthday! Learn how to make this easy DIY project using these step by step tips!

For my new father-in-law’s 60th birthday, we made 2 of soda can cakes, each with 30 cans of Coca Cola to add up the magical number of 60! Here’s the step by step on how I made them!

Supplies:

• Soda or Beer Cans
• Cardboard or Foam Core
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Utility Knife
• Scissors
• Decorative Ribbon and Wrapping Paper

Step 1. Arrange all the soda/beer cans you plan to use in groups, like cake layers. I made 2 cakes, which held 30 cans each, which worked out to the above 1, 3, 7, 19 arrangement for each cake.

Step 2. Measure the cans to determine the size circle you will need for each layer. For my 1, 3, 7, 19 can layers, my circles measured 3″, 6″, 8″ and 13″, which gave a little room around each layer of cans.

Step 3. Draw your circles on the cardboard or foam core. As I didn’t have a compass handy, I made my own ghetto version using a piece of ribbon and my pencil. Tie the ribbon onto the pencil and measure 1/2 the length needed on your ribbon. Hold the ribbon in place in one spot and spin the pencil around the center are to create your circle. It’s not foolproof, but it did its job! (Note: You can also go the easier, but more expensive route, in buying cake rounds which are already cut to size, as seen on this original post about this concept, but I went the cheaper route and used what I had on hand)

Step 4. Repeat to draw all the circles needed. Remember, the top picture shows 8 circles as I was making 2 cakes.

Step 5. Cut out the circles using a utility knife. Tip: if you’re cutting through foam core, be patient and make lots of cuts in the same spot before you break through. Don’t try to drag it through in one cut!

Step 6. Wrap the circles. I chose to do the same method I used on the diaper cake base. Cut a larger circle of wrapping paper than what’s needed, then make little snips around the edges. Fold them over and tape to secure to cover the full circular shape.

Step 7. Place each layer of cans on top and add a decorative ribbon or twine around the outside to help keep them to together. Now your can cake is complete!

To transport, unstack your soda can cake and lay each layer flat on the foam core to prevent a collapse.

More gift ideas for dads!