The Sydney Swans recently celebrated their 150th birthday by taking on a fun challenge from an Australian Women’s Weekly cookbook. Instead of a traditional cake, the players attempted to recreate a ‘duck cake’ and shared their hilarious efforts on Instagram. The duck cake is a famous sponge cake featuring a fluffy frosting, popcorn head, potato chip beak, red bow tie, and eyes made with licorice and button chocolates.
The players’ attempts at making the duck cake didn’t all go as planned, but it certainly provided some entertainment. Celebrity chef Courtney Roulston was brought in to judge the cakes, and despite some mishaps, she praised the effort put into each creation. In the end, Lucy McEvoy’s cake was chosen as the winner, but all the cakes were deemed “beautiful” by Roulston.
The Women’s Weekly magazine, where the duck cake recipe originated, responded to the Swans’ attempts with humor, saying “Close enough!” This iconic cake has been a staple in many Australian households since it was first featured in the Children’s Birthday Cake recipe book in 1980. Its popularity was further boosted in 2021 when it was prominently featured on the children’s show Bluey.
The Sydney Swans’ playful attempt to recreate the duck cake not only brought some laughter but also highlighted the nostalgia and fond memories associated with this classic recipe. It’s clear that sometimes, the effort and joy put into creating something is more important than perfection. The fun and camaraderie displayed by the players in this challenge show that even professional athletes can enjoy a light-hearted baking competition. It’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of celebrating milestones and traditions, even in unconventional ways.