How to Bake a Volkswagen Cake
Volkswagen fans are a special bunch. Their dedication and loyalty to the brand is like no other. If you’ve got a special occasion coming up, why not incorporate your favorite vehicle brand into it? After all, what’s a celebration without cake? At Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, we’ve got the how-to on creating a cake version of the iconic Volkswagen Bus–the perfect cake for any VW lover!
Just one of these cakes serves about 16. Below are the materials you’ll need before you begin!
- A 9-inch round cake board
- A thin card with a glossy side
- White sugar paste
- Black sugar paste
Here’s What You’ll Do:
- Cut out your set-up board from the thin card sheet.
- Shape it into a van, approximately six-inches by three-inches; keep in mind that your board should be a little larger than the cake.
- Use a non-slip mat under your set-up board.
Baking the Cake
To create the cake itself, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 220 g unsalted butter
- 180 g dark chocolate
- 4.5 g instant coffee
- 1 cup warm water
- 170 g caster sugar
- 230 g self-rising flour
- 25 g cocoa
- 2 small eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Using a six-inch square cake pan, grease and line the base and sides of the cake pan with one thickness of baking paper–bringing the paper 5-centimeters above the side of the pan. Combine the butter, chocolate, coffee, and water in a saucepan. Stir over low heat until the chocolate is melted, and allow to cool for 15-minutes. Once cooled, transfer the mixture to the bowl of a mixer. Add the caster sugar to the mixture and beat well until dissolved. Sift the flour and cocoa and add to the mixture. Add in the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined. Transfer the mixture to the baking pan and bake for one hour at 300-degrees F.
Make the Ganache
Click on the link here for detailed instructions on creating the ganache for this cake.
Once you’ve made the ganache and the cake has cooled, cut the cake in half and stick one-half of your set-up board with ganache. Level the top. Spread with an even layer of ganache and add the remaining piece of the cake on top and shape the roof. Using some of the cut-offs, fill in the rounded front of the van and use a sharp knife to create a van shape. Cover with a thin layer of ganache and coat with cake crumbs. Place the cake in the fridge for about a half-hour then add more ganache to create the final, smooth shape.
Place the cake back in the fridge to harden–leaving it overnight. The following day, cover the cake with white sugar paste and place it back in the fridge to harden. Next, cut out a template for the blue lower section of the van, cut out the wheel arches, and wheels, and use the black sugar paste for the windows. Use the white sugar paste for the roof rack and make the VW badge out of a large circle of blue sugar paste. Attach the wheels with royal icing and voila!
This cake is sure to be a show-stopper at your next celebration, and is sure to please the Volkswagen enthusiast in your life! For more information, contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen at (602) 714-3968.
Different from Tiguan models of the past, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan adds a third-row for the new model year! Now, straddling the line between compact five-seat crossovers and mid-size offerings, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan offers enough space to comfortably seat up to seven passengers—making it a great option for Peoria families. The Tiguan follows on the heels of the brand’s newest third-row SUV, the Atlas, but interior space isn’t all that’s new in the Tiguan.
The redesigned interior features the all-new and available Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. The Digital Cockpit allows drivers to reconfigure key data and navigation details, so they can stay informed along the way—all through the in-dash 12.3-inch display. Drivers can choose from Classic, Off-Road, Driver Assistance, or Navigation view. Through the standard eight-inch touchscreen, drivers can access VW Car-Net® App-Connect that’s compatible with both iPhones and Androids; make and receive hands-free phone calls and access the vehicle’s wide array of media features. If the 2018 Tiguan sounds like the next vehicle you want in your driveway, use our Peoria Volkswagen dealership’s convenient online trade-in form to get the estimated value of your current vehicle!
Peace of Mind Comes Standard
Of course, in a vehicle that offers enough space for the whole family, safety is key. The 2018 Tiguan comes with a plethora of standard and available safety features that’ll keep you and your loved ones protected on-the-go. The standard rearview camera helps to increase visibility for the driver, making it a breeze to back out of the drive way or get in and out of those tight parking spots. There are a number of active safety technologies for shoppers to choose from that have been designed to take safety to a whole other level. Advanced safety options include the available Forward Collision Warning System, Automatic Emergency Braking System, Rear Cross-traffic Alert system, and Lane Departure Warning. The available Automatic Post-Collision Braking System has the ability to slow the vehicle down to six MPH after it has been involved in a collision.
For more information about the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, contact us at (602) 714-3968.
Top 10 Things to Do in Phoenix
At Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, our close proximity to Phoenix means that we’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the area’s most popular attractions. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or looking for something to do over the weekend, there are plenty of sights to see in the Phoenix area. Check out our list of top 10 things to do in the area!
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town is a popular destination for Greater Phoenix shopping and nightlife. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect souvenir or a place to lounge and enjoy some libations, Old Town is the place to be!
Heritage Square Dining
The restaurants in Heritage Square are making history—much like the nearby 19-century homes. This is the perfect destination for the foodies in your party.
Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain is an iconic landmark—named for its resemblance to a kneeling camel. Offering two tricky trails, Echo Canyon and Cholla, it’s a great destination for nature-lovers. Hikers gain 1,200 ft in elevation to the summit, which offers a beautiful view of the city. As one of the most popular urban hiking spots, Camelback Mountain is definitely a must-do for those who love the outdoors.
Desert Botanical Garden
Another great destination for lovers of the outdoors, the Desert Botanical Garden is 50-acres of desert garden showcase. Here, you’ll see a variety of arid plants—from the towering saguaros to delicate blooms. Plus, you may even visit during one of the Garden’s many seasonal events!
South Mountain Park & Preserve
Another great hiking destination, the South Mountain Park and Preserve features 50-miles of trails through 16,000-acres of the Sonoran Desert. This municipal park is perfectly-suited for an outdoor adventure that’s close enough to the city, but also allows you to forget you’re in the middle of a metropolis. In addition to breath-taking skyline views and the Sonoran Desert flora, be on the lookout for ancient petroglyphs that have been carved into the rocks.
Musical Instrument Museum
At the Musical Instrument Museum, you can see, hear, and play instruments from every corner of the world! This one-of-a-kind collection tunes you into thousands of instrument sounds through a headset that syncs as you move through the different galleries. It’s a great place to bring the kids! Take a world tour of cultural instruments, check out different pop culture artists from different places, and take part in a live music experience at the MIM Music Theater.
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum showcases the culture and history of 22 regional American Indian tribes. Enjoy immersive exhibits and an authentic art shop. The museum tells the story of native people of the Southwest, and features rotating exhibits—so no two visits are ever the same!
Roosevelt Row
Roosevelt Row is home to galleries, mural-splashed business walls, and a monthly art walk. It’s a prominent stop for art-lovers of all kinds!
Phoenix Art Museum
The Phoenix Art Museum is the Southwest’s largest fine art museum, featuring a collection of contemporary work and global masterpieces. There are permanent collections, as well as rotation exhibitions. What’s more, on the second Sunday of every month from noon to 5 p.m. families visit for free!
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, Taliesin West, gives insight on how the masterful architect was inspired by his desert surroundings. Take a tour, walk through the rooms, gardens, walkways, and even Wright’s entertainment pavilion.
For more information about the different activities and destinations to visit around Phoenix, contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen at (602) 714-3968.
At Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, we understand that your vehicle’s maintenance needs don’t always pop up at the best times. To make it more of a hassle-free experience for you to take proper care of your vehicle, our dealership offers Volkswagen Service Xpress to our Phoenix area shoppers. With VW Service Xpress, you get the same high level of service from the expert staff at our service department, plus genuine Volkswagen parts—all without an appointment!
There’s No Appointment Necessary for the Following Services:
- Oil and filter change
- Exterior bulb replacement
- Air filter replacement
- All Carefree Maintenance Intervals
- Tire rotation
- Cabin filter replacement
- Wiper blade replacement
- Battery diagnostic check and replacement
What does VW Service Xpress at our dealership have to offer that those quick lube places don’t? Sure, we’re fast just like they are but what sets us apart is that all maintenance at our service facility is performed by VW-Certified technicians. These highly-trained technicians know your VW model like the backs of their hands, so you can rest assured knowing that you’ll be getting quality service that’s done right!
The Service Xpress service at Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen has been designed to provide our customers with peace of mind. We’re here to help you provide your vehicle with the TLC it needs—from oil changes to tire rotations, and more. Staying on top of your car’s routine maintenance needs is what will help to keep it on the road for years to come! Visit us today, or tomorrow, or any other time that fits into your schedule—because after all, there’s no appointment necessary! Before you visit, be sure to check out the current deals on Volkswagen service that we’re offering at our Phoenix area dealership so that you can take advantage of all available savings!
To learn more about Volkswagen Service Xpress at our dealership, visit us today or give us a call at (602) 714-3968. If your vehicle is in need of maintenance that isn’t covered by Service Xpress, click on the button below to schedule an appointment with our state-of-the-art service center today!
Tips for Throwing the Best BBQ This Summer
Summer is almost here, which means that many of us will be firing up the grill and having friends over for a BBQ! At Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, we’ve got a few tips that are sure to make your next BBQ get together the best around.
Plan Ahead
Figure out how much time you have to prep, how long your guest list will be, etc. This will help you to figure out what you can make and what you should buy. It’ll also help you determine what you can get out of the way in advance, and what you have to hold off on doing until the day of the BBQ.
Don’t Forget the Sides…
Sure, what you decide to throw on the grill is important, but don’t overlook the side dishes! Remember: a meal is only as good as the sides you serve with it! A few great options are roasted corn salad, grilled veggies, creamy coleslaw, potato salad, and many more.
…Or the Condiments
Just as the side dishes are important, having the right condiments to accompany the meal is just as important. After all, who’s ever heard of a cookout without condiments?! Grab your favorite BBQ sauce—or even make your own if you’ve got the time. Don’t forget the staples, like ketchup, mustard, and relish!
What’s a BBQ Without Alcohol?
BBQs and alcohol are kind of synonymous. And there’s nothing better than sipping on a cold beer or refreshing cocktail in the Arizona summer sun. Along with stocking the cooler with your favorite brews, choose a signature cocktail recipe to serve. A few good ideas are sangria, summer punch, and mojitos.
Satisfy the Sweet Teeth
End the day on a sweet note! Serve up a delicious, summer-inspired dessert. Go the classic route with s’mores or get fancy by making your own mango key-lime tart, waffle ice cream sandwich, or cherry ice.
For more BBQ tips, visit Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen!
The anxiously-awaited 2018 Volkswagen Atlas has finally arrived at our Peoria dealership! The brand’s first-ever third-row SUV offers plenty of interior space, with enough space to comfortably seat seven adults or to accommodate 96.8 cu-ft of storage space (with the seats folded down), making the Atlas an ideal vehicle candidate for large families. The 2018 Atlas is jam-packed with family-friendly features that are sure to keep everybody happy—no matter where the road takes you.
Whether you’re embarking on a family road trip or a weekend camping getaway, the Atlas will be your family’s mobile fun zone. It’s equipped for non-stop entertainment, featuring touchscreen sound systems that give you access to your favorite songs, soundtracks, and podcasts. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide a seamless connection between your vehicle and smartphone. You can access select apps, your personal music library, and even stay in-touch with friends and family.
A Mobile Fun Zone for Your Family
What’s more, the Atlas offers up a hefty towing capability. Have some toys you’d like to bring along on the next family adventure? The Atlas allows you to do so. When properly equipped, it has enough power to tow trailers with ease. In fact, it can tow up to 5,000 lbs! If you’re thinking about putting the all-new Atlas in your driveway, how about trading in your current vehicle? Use the Volkswagen trade-in form from our Peoria dealership to get started!
It goes without saying that safety is of major importance in all vehicles, but especially in those that will be carting around your entire family. Volkswagen engineers have raised the bar on safety in the 2018 Atlas. Sure, it includes a number of standard features that help to protect passengers in the event of a collision, but it also offers numerous safety technologies that work to prevent a collision in the first place. The available Overhead View Camera and Rearview Camera systems help the driver to see what’s behind the vehicle as well as provide a better view all-around. Other advanced features that help to enhance safety are a Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, and more.
To learn more about the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas or to schedule a test drive, give us a call at (602) 714-3968.
If you live in the Sun City area, you probably already know how hectic driving can be sometimes–between Phoenix area traffic and how tough it can be to find a parking spot in the city. Luckily, at Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, we offer a wide selection of used cars that may be just the ticket for a hassle-free driving experience!
Our dealership offers a selection of used Smart cars near Sun City; these micro vehicles are perfect for urban life! A Smart car is an especially great option if you’re living on your own, as they only provide seating for two. These vehicles are less than nine-feet long—that’s nearly three feet shorter than the already-tiny Mini Cooper. The short size means that Smart cars are super easy to park, which comes in especially handy for city-dwellers. Smart cars can fit in spaces that other cars would not. These vehicles also have a great turning radius, which makes them easy to maneuver—so getting in and out of those tight spots is a breeze!
Easy to Park, Environmentally-Friendly, & Affordable!
Good news for those who are environmentally-conscious: Smart cars are environmentally-friendly. Not only is the vehicle fuel-efficient (some are even electric!), but it comes with a variety of other environmentally-friendly features as well. The Smart fortwo car is constructed with innovative, energy-efficient and recyclable materials; in fact, 95% of the vehicle is recyclable. The dashboard material is made from recycled synthetics.
Some may look at a Smart car and wonder about its safety, but the truth is, Smart cars are actually all-about safety! From its innovative tridion safety cell, a type of safety cage, to its advanced four-airbag system, you can drive confidently behind the wheel of a Smart car. Plus, a variety of crash tests have consistently proved the high-level of safety in these vehicles.
So, why should you consider purchasing a used Smart car at Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen? There are a number of benefits to opting for a used car. First of all and quite obviously, used cars are a lot cheaper than brand new cars. In fact, many of the Smart cars in our inventory are priced below $10,000! Used cars also cost less to insure, and many of the Smart cars in our inventory are from very recent model years, which means that you’ll be getting a car that’s like-new for a lot less! Right now, you can save even more money by checking out the current used car specials offered at our Sun City area dealership.
To learn more about our inventory of used Smart cars or to schedule a test drive, contact us at (602) 714-3968.
Best Hiking Trails In Arizona
There is more to the Southwest than just deserts and cacti. If you are looking for the most beautiful scenery in America, the best views come from hiking these unique trails in Arizona. Hiking is a great activity for those looking for magnificent sights, tranquility, or if you’re looking for an excellent cardio exercise. See what nature has to offer and the amazing features you cannot find anywhere else. Below, you will read about the best trails in the area. Find the best one that matches your hiking skill set, break out those hiking boots, and head off!
Best Trails in Arizona
Sonoran Mountain Ranch Park: If you are looking for a smaller park, then this is the right place to go. Whether you feel like doing a light walking path or want to access the mountain hiking trail, the option is all yours! This park features plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained on a Sunday afternoon. There are playgrounds with top of the line equipment and basketball courts for fun pick-up games. When it’s time for lunch, feel free to use the barbecue grills!
McDowell Mountain Regional Park: Located in the lower Verde River basin, this is considered the “jewel in the northeast Valley”. Elevations reach as high as 3,000 feet and there are over 50 miles of multi-use trails across this 21,099-acre park. Just don’t forget to bring your camera when you see these gorgeous views!
Lake Pleasant Regional Park: For those looking for a spectacular sight of the water, then this is the right park for you. Coined the nickname, “Valley of the Sun”, Lake Pleasant offers 23,362 acres for plenty of activities on and off the land such as swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping. With over four miles of trails, they all range in length, depending on the preference of difficulty.
Thunderbird Conservation Park: This 1,185-acre park comes with multiple hiking trails. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find trails that match your level of expertise! Featuring various wildlife critters, there are viewing blinds installed to be able to watch these animals from a safe distance. A perfect hike for bird watchers as it features 50+ different species of birds!
When you go hiking, you need a reliable car to keep all your gear in. Our Volkswagens offer plenty of storage space and cabin room for all your fun adventures you go on! Contact us at (602) 714-3968 to learn more about the types of models we offer!
Get Ready for Baseball Season in Arizona
Baseball season is finally upon us, and luckily, we don’t have to travel far from Peoria to enjoy America’s favorite past time. Here at Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, we’re located less than a half hour’s drive from Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and we’ve got some tips for making the most out of your next major league game!
Half of the fun of going to a baseball game starts before the game even begins—that’s right, we’re talking about tailgating. With the following helpful hints, you and your Volkswagen will be the talk of the parking lot!
Pack the Cooler Like a Pro
VW models offer plenty of trunk space, especially SUVs like the Atlas and Touareg—and even spacious sedans like the Jetta, so there’s no reason to leave the cooler behind. However, there is an art to packing a cooler. To get the most out of your cooler, make sure to chill everything first—especially perishable foods and beverages—nobody likes a warm beer. Keep the cans and bottles to the bottom of the cooler; this allows them to stay cooler for longer. Throw in a layer of ice over the drinks and food containers, making sure that it falls between any crevices.
A Toolbox Does a Lot More Than Carry Tools
Empty out the toolbox in your garage! Turns out, a toolbox is the perfect carrying case for tailgating essentials. The main compartment can fit things like spatulas, bottle openers, tongs, a can opener, and skewers. In the middle compartment, pack trash bags, paper towels, sunscreen, plastic zip bags, and hand sanitizer. The bottom drawer is where your favorite condiments, spices, and seasonings will call home.
From there, all you need is a portable grill and you’re ready to go! You’ll be the talk of the parking lot party for weeks!
Sometimes, the one thing your car loves to drive on can be its’ own enemy. The road can be a battle against your vehicle when it has potholes, cracks, and bumps. Your suspension, steering, and tires are built to handle these problems; however, these systems eventually begin to wear down. Luckily, our Volkswagen service center in Peoria provides the necessary maintenance routines for these important systems. Getting your steering, tires, and suspension serviced is crucial for drivers to get serviced because it will allow your car to live longer, increase safety, and prevent expensive repairs down the road. Getting the services below are highly recommended and can be performed by our certified Volkswagen technicians.
Wheel Alignment
Your tires need to be parallel and perpendicular while on the road. While improper alignment can affect your tires, it can impact your steering if they tires are misaligned.
Wheel Balancing
If you begin to notice vibrations in your car while driving at a high speed, this may indicate your Volkswagen needs its wheels balance. Bring your VW to our service department in order to prevent further tire damage.
Struts and Shock Replacement
While we are considered part of the Wild West, we don’t want our cars to be bucking broncos when going over bumps. The shocks prevent this by absorbing bumps smoothly. The strut holds the spring and the shock absorber to help support the weight and height of your VW. After you go over a bump, if your car bounces more than three times, your struts should be inspected. We encourage you to have these systems (including your suspension) inspected every 12,000-15,000 miles.
Rack and Power Steering Service
Most vehicles on the road today have rack and pinion steering installed. These should always be inspected at each oil change. Power steering fluid should be flushed and replaced every 25,000 miles.
Tires
One of the most critical components to your safety is the condition of your tires. Tires should always be examined at every oil change. Whether you need new tires or need to have repairs completed, our Volkswagen service center in Peoria can assist you!
When you need to have your steering, suspension or tires inspected, please contact our Peoria VW service center at (602) 714-3968.
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