I made a cake and put it on a plate. A pretty blue glass plate that I ordered the other day. It came in this weekend so I decided it must be put to use right away… or else forever be united with my other cake plates that have yet to see the light of day.
So I made a cake. Several of them. I thought it would be a good time to finally venture into the scary world of cake stacking.
Yikes.
But first… mad respect to all the cake decorators out there. I’ve only made small cakes before. This was a task. And I didn’t even do anything fancy.
I made this recipe. TWICE.
The first time I baked three 8 inch cakes. And the second time, I baked three 6 inch cakes and 2 five inch cakes. Use two inch high cake pans and spread the batter evenly among the pans when you bake. You’ll have just enough batter for all 8 layers.
I wanted to try the recipe to see if how well it would work for stacking. It’s not very dense, so it wouldn’t be great for carving. But it bakes up nice and even so there is no need to level off the tops. Yay, one less step.
I baked the cakes at night and wrapped in plastic wrap so I could devote the next day to decorating.
Unwrap a layer and place it on a cardboard cake circle cut to size. Frost the top. Layer on the next one and repeat.
Then frost the sides. This is the called the crumb coat. You just want a thin layer of frosting. It’s okay if crumbs get in.
I placed the layers on top of the cake pan I baked them in as a stand and to make frosting the sides down to the bottom a little easier.
Once frosted as evenly as possible, you can place the cake in the freezer for a few minutes. The frosting will harden and when you remove the cakes from the freezer, you can use a knife dipped in a little warm water to help smooth out any uneven places.
Repeat with the 6-inch cakes. Kinda crumby.
And the 5-inch cakes.
Did I ever tell you that I’m a really, really messy baker? Like real.
When all the cakes are crumb-coated, you can apply a pretty layer of frosting without worrying about tearing the cake or getting cake crumbs on the outside.
Or you can cover them in fondant. Eeek. That’s what I did.
(I used the frosting recipe from this post and doubled it. Triple it if you want to frost it all in buttercream instead of covering in fondant.)
Unfortunately there is no photographic evidence of the covering.
Just imagine I rolled out fondant on a powdered sugar-dusted surface and then carefully placed the fondant over each tier. And then smoothed out the sides.
And imagine that it looked perfect. Because it did not.
Once each tier is covered in fondant you can get ready to stack away.
To stack the cake, you’ll need wooden dowels or even straws to support each tier, so the cake doesn’t smoosh in on itself.
Push the dowel in and mark the height of the cake on the dowel. Remove and use it as a guide to cut the other dowels. I used four for the bottom tier and the middle tier. Make sure the dowels are all placed within the diameter of the tier above it. So the dowels won’t show when you stack them all up.
Then just stack the cakes and decorate.
I cut white fondant hearts to keep a clean, simple look.
Okay, not really. I did it to help hide the slightly uneven surface.
And also because I ran out of time to do anything else.
I think it looks pretty cute. Even if I don’t really know what I’m doing.
What I do know is I need another lesson in covering fondant cakes. And then one in making sugar flowers and of course piping and then carving. And then I’ll need some therapy.
I like it with a single pink heart, too.
But what I like most is the cake stand.
That’s why I bought two of them.
One for me and another for one of you.
Want it?
Enter for a chance to win this happy blue 10-inch glass cake plate.
- Leave a comment on this post and tell me something that makes you happy.
- Deadline to enter is Monday, August 23 at 6:00 pm ET. SORRY, TIME’S UP! Winner announced below.
- One winner will be chosen at random and announced sometime Monday evening on this post.
Good luck!
P.S. Here’s where I bought them.
I’m really glad I choose winners randomly or I’d be in a tough spot. Thanks for sharing all that makes you happy.
Now for the win, it’s comment #3612!
Congrats Angela from Memphis – I’m glad baking makes you happy. Now you have something new to put your treats on.
What makes me happy…my two very spoiled doxies, Zoe and Jasper they are icing on my cake!!
A few things that make me happy… a kiss from my hubby… the laughter of my children… planning parties… a baby’s smile… the leaves changing color in fall… :)
My newborn adopted son is the joy in my life! I have never known happiness like this before.
Making beautiful cupcakes makes me happy.
YOU make me happy! haha! looking at your cute creations just put a smile on my face.. ;D but beside u.. my imagination make me happy! hehehe ^___^
My kids make me happy.
Learning new things makes me happy. I’d love to try a fondant class too! You did a great job on the cake – it’s so cute! And yep…I have a “thing” for cake stands too. Love that gorgeous blue.
Ahhh blue makes me happy also and the reason is: Drum Roll……………..In approx. 5 + weeks our new GRANDSON will be born ! ! ! ! ! ! Yahoooooooooooooo
Also, just being with family is the best in the world, now that our family will be extended soon by one more, even better !
A great session in the kitchen, at the piano, or in the art studio makes me happy :) Also a clean and organized home!
Being a grandmother for the very first time makes me REALLY happy!!! Also winning that wonderful cake stand would make me happy enought to bake a cake for that new granddaughter!!
Having all my teenage kids in their beds and safely asleep at night makes me happy.
Life makes me happy :)
i’ve recently discovered the joy of reading ppl’s blogs and that makes me happy.. that is such a cute cake + cake stand!!
baking with my neice and my daughter make me happy! Seeing the smiles on their faces when they complete a project is priceless!
Hearing my 3 year old daughter laughing makes me happy.
My life makes me happy. I’ve been blessed enough to have an amazing husband and friends
Sounds gushy, I know. . .but my husband makes me happy. :D
Baking with my almost 3 yr. old daughter (after my 19 mon. old son is asleep of course!) and playing with my kids! Also (b/c I”m a teacher) snow days make me happy too :)
my husband’s smile with his big dimples makes me happy :)
Falling asleep next to the love of my life :)
A lot of things make me happy but in the top of my list is taking care of my handsome son and baking a lot!!! By the way: your cake looks fantastic!!!!
It makes me happy to hear my daughter playing in her kitchen. She chatters on about making cakes, cupcakes, and cake balls then runs over with a “sample.”
Hearing my daughter play piano makes me happy!
This cake is amazing…great job!!
A Clean Kitchen after a messy cake baking session. And my kids helping.
bllue dishes make me happy! My dining room is decorated in all blue and white dishes, love love love them!
Beautiful cake!!! Looking at cute, decorated cakes makes me happy :)
Love the single pink heart! Might use this entire idea for my daughter’s bridal shower! Thanks for the incentive! You do an amazing job!
What makes me happy… The look on someone’s face when they see your cupcake creation for the first time. It is magical!!
What makes me happy? Laughing with family and friends. Watching a little boy laugh his heart out at Circe du Soleil. Seeing an elderly couple hold hands. A clean kitchen.
drinking tea from my orange fireking mug=happy morning for me.
Winning a blue cake plate would make me happy! Your stacked cake turned out great. So cute with the one pink heart.
What makes me happy? Completing something kick *ss. Like an awesome cake. Or the movie I made this past weekend. Finishing is my favorite.
Spending time with old friends – remembering past stories and creating new ones!
snuggling up with my husband and watching a good movie… oh, and anything chocolate! :)
Knowing that our first born will be here soon makes me VERY HAPPY!!!!!!!!! I love love love this cake stand! The cake too…makes me want to try it for sure!
I am happy when naptime for my daughter goes well and I get to have a break for more than 30 minutes! Oh yeah, and the cupcake thing too!
The rainbow after a storm.
Baking makes me happy! I love sharing the finished product or making my husband eat it when it does not turn out great.
eating cupcakes makes me happy.
Music makes me happy!
Friday at 5pm makes me happy! The week is behind you and the glorious weekend is ahead!
Adorable. And your fondant looks perfect, you don’t need a lesson!
What makes me happy? I baked the wrong shaped cakes for a wedding, so I decorated the oops cake and donated it to the volunteers at The Children’s Hospital. That made me feel good.
making cupcakes make me happy :)
Oh, how I love all things blue. What is making me happy most recently is picking out fabric for in my sunroom….different fabrics in blues! The cake stand would be a beautiful addition to my table in the sunroom. Perfect for a cake or morning muffins for the anticipated breakfasts with my hubby.
My family makes me happy!
That single pink heart on the cake make ME happy. I love little whimsy details.
My job makes me happy :)
your cake is so amazing!!!! Wow! What makes me happy?…cloudy skies…best for photo shoots. :)
Seeing someones smile on their face when they bite into a delicious cake.
Knowing I’m marrying my best friend in 3 weeks makes me happy :0)
OMG! I want one! It would look beautiful in my kitchen.
My first post on here…that makes me happy!! :)
Spending time with my sweet little daughter makes me the happiest of all.
What makes me happy is being with family and friends.
The FIRST thing I thought of was how happy I was that your post was the first thing I read! That simple little heart design is so perfect…it makes ME want to do it!!!!
Thank you for the smile this morning :)
Hugs and kisses from my daughter make me happy! Especially when she gives them for no reason in particular.
To join up with friends that I have not seen in a while …….
Popcorn and a movie! Oh, the happiness!
My six month old daughter makes me happy! Love the cake, Btw. Adorbs!
Baking with my daughters- nothing is better! My oldest is autistic but baking brings out the happy care free kid in her : )
My family makes me happy. Baking for my family makes me even happier!
Creating things (such as the dreaded fondant covered cake) makes me happy :)
baking then eating what i baked
the beach!
My kids and chocolate makes me happy!!!
My kids make me happy.
My husband makes me happy.
Baking makes me happy.
First of all giveaways make me super happy, and seeing your cake decor makes me excited to try that look out. I think it is darling!
Today specifically though I am happy that my kids are healthy. My son is headed to preschool, and my little daughter and I are taking on the monumental task of grocery shopping. I’m really happy about this though, because are starting some recipes from “Deceptively Delicious” and I can’t wait to see my family eat beans without knowing it !
my hubby and sons. Yep, they make me happy.
Waking up after a sleepover with my grandson. All that snuggling and early morning secrets.
My chickens make me happy……when I am having a rough day I can grab a cup of coffee and go watch/listen to them.
what makes me happy is my children laughing the cake is soo cute… wa thinking abot something like that for my daughters 2nd brithday cake too cute!
That single pink heart makes me happy. And let’s not forget paper! Awesome job on the cake.
My kids make me happy!!!
Rain in springtime.
the coming Fall makes me happy!!
So many things to chose from…but I’d have to go with an afternoon with my nieces.
When my family is happy, I’m happy!
cupcakes make me happy haha
Beautiful cake bakerella!!
Fall makes me happy! I love the chill in the air, the crunch of the leaves, and FOOTBALL! Lots of great opportunities to share yummy treats with friends while tailgating. GO UGA DAWGS!
My dog is always making me smile. She is such a sweetie.
Reading fun blogs and admiring great photography makes me happy!
Watching my 4 daughters all getting along and having a good time together.
Spending a long time baking something and having my friends and family say that it is the most delicious thing they’ve ever had!
Trees! Trees make me happy.
Spending time with my kids and husband makes me happy…..and baking of course!!!
Looking at my daughter when she’s still asleep. Just can’t believe she’s only 12 days-old and it’s responsible for so manny changes in our lifes. <3
I became a 1st time homeowner this summer and moved in 2 weeks ago so right now, remodeling my home makes me happy. And what we’ll make me even happier is when the kitchen is complete with the new counters and it will be ready for baking. :)
My family!
Freshly washed and neatly folded laundry makes me happy! With 4 boys, this accomplishment means I had some peace and quiet to do it all!!
Wow, great job! And the cake looks gorgeous on the blue plate.
my camera and of course my family:)
Cooking and baking make me happy. And, the blue cake plate would too. ;)
Would you believe that cake stands make me happy? They are perfectly small works of art… just like the edible art we put on top of them! Yep, cake stands make me happy!
Lazy sundays at home with my husband
the way my gal’s face lights up whenever i bake her something i learn from your website..
A good cup of coffee, my favorite mug, the kids playing quietly while I read the Monday morning Bakerella post makes me really happy!!!
I’m a happy girl all the way around…my license plate even says “SoHappi”! But I can tell you, I’m going to be a reeeaaallly happy girl next month when your book shows up in my mailbox! :)
Holding my precious new great niece.
Making a cake that is actually level makes me happy! And being with the kids and hubby!!
Movie nights with my family. All five of us curl up on the couch, make popcorn and drink soda. Happy, happy, happy!!!!
Well this website certainly makes me happy but of course I’m most happy when my 3 year old daughter smiles!
a warm blanket, a good book and a cup of tea on a rainy day.
Enjoying my heart out with a nice cake and a good book. :)
I’m a cake baker and decorator, too. What makes me happy is seeing people’s reactions to my cakes. It’s so uplifting because I see what I should have done better but they see all the things I did right.
I love seeing kids in the kitchen. Not only do they find it fascinating and fun to play with the ingredients, but it opens their itty bitty eyes to the endless possibilities to what they can create.
This blue cake stand is beautiful! Thanks for the opportunity to win it! :)
My husband’s hugs and kisses
Goldilock’s
a tall glass of sweet iced tea
a pretty cake
pianos
nifty fabrics
cancer survival
a good book
Lots of things make me happy! My kids, my hubby, a clean house, a cool day, kittens, fresh bread, pretty cakes – like yours! I guess I’m just pretty happy!!
less than a month until fall makes me soooooo happy!
So many things make me happy it’s impossible to choose. Playing in my kitchen for hours makes me very happy. Then of course I have to clean up, but it’s all part of the game.
love the cake stand! Baking makes ME happy! watching your blog for new creations makes me extremely happy! You are an ispiration and can’t wait to see your new book!
Time with my hubby!
Having my husband home this week…he’s traveled too many weeks in a row and it is nice to actually have him around (and have some help with the little ones!)
Getting a smile and hug for some small thing I’ve said or done makes me happy…for it to be noticed at all is the real kicker!!
My dog makes me happy :-)
Listening to a giggling 2 year old makes me happy
Knowing my family is happy, healthy and safe makes me happy.
You did do a good job on this. I took the Wilton Course on tier cakes and fondant and to me it looks like you took them also. Keep up the good job.
When I have nothing else to do but sit and enjoy my kids (which really means when I ignore all of the other things I have to do and enjoy my kids!)
Baking and decorating cupcakes makes me happy! :)
Looking at your blog is something that makes me happy.
Because I always get a bunch of good ideas what to bake next for my family and friends. :)
My grandaughter makes me very happy…she just turned 1 and is the light of my life!
My daughter makes me happy and so does nail polish. I have odd taste!
baking makes me happy =)
Making sugar flowers for the 1st time and they came out beautiful…I shocked myself !!
My son makes me happy, esp when he laughs
Candyyyyyyyyyyyy makes me happy :D
What makes me happy if being on vacation with my family and seeing the joy on my kids faces as we swim and go down the water slides and just act plain silly! That is bliss!!
My new baby, my husband and my puppy….they could pretty much turn any day around :)
I’m 8 months pregnant right now and spent an entire Sunday making cute cupcakes for everyone at my husband’s company. When I finally sat down to enjoy one, I started to feel much movement and excitement in my belly! What makes me happy is thinking about my little one already getting excited about cupcakes as much as I do!
I too am a very messy cook, my friends and family get on me all the time for it, but the foods good so I dont care. lol Things that make me happy are any kind of dessert, my boyfriend and my Jesus!
This time of year, air conditioning makes me happy!!
Coffee during nap time during a rain storm after a great morning with the kids:)
another vote for ‘my kids’… they are pretty great most of the time!
Today??? The excitement my kids have for the first day of school. No matter their age, they still seem to have the same nervous excitement…Grade 8, Grade 12, and Sophomore in college!
Getting to share happiness with my loved ones through cake makes me happy!
Knowing that I will be a mommy next April makes me happy!! :D
Happiness is love!
Bakers twine makes me so happy. On a box, a card, around a cupcake, as a bracelet….as a cat toy! Ok I choose my kitten tangled up in bakers twine! Did I just cheat? :)
A beautiful summer day makes me happy!
Sprinkles make me happy!
Having a loving supportive family makes me happy.
It makes me happy that you are willing to show up how you did this even if you aren’t 100% sure of what you are doing! :)
Desserts make me happy!!! :)
Finding oreos on clearance!
CAKE makes me happy :)
Anything pink and sparkly….not in that order in particular!!!
(love your site!)
xo
Alessandra
Baking and sharing makes me happy…and reading your blog! I smile at your fabulous creations.
Oh, and I have won several Cookie Exchanges (which were broadened to include cupcakes and bar cookies) by making cake pops! Chicks and flower cake pops…delicious AND the cutest little cakes on a stick!
Waking up every day to know that I’m in charge of my own destiny (with God’s help, of course), and that I’m blessed to be running my own business. Watching my kittens play every day makes me happy too. :)
My hubby, my kids, Zumba, cooking and your site all my me happy!
My new home on the water in Maryland. I feel like I’m on vacation everyday.
Sleeping well makes me happy.
A warm bubbly bath followed by a movie night with my boyfriend makes me happy :)
LOVE cupcakes … and anything else in the kitchen. THAT makes me happy. Oh, and the smile and stickiness of a little kid with a frosting coated mouth & fingers after their first bite of a delicious concoction … :)
Anything PINK makes me happy!! But this blue cake stand is mighty cute, too!! :)
My kids’ laughter, and when they dive into one of my cakes…makes me SUPER happy!
You know what really makes me happy? I got a bunch of large circular “sprinkles” a while ago, they are about a half inch in diameter, and they are great for making polka-dot cupcakes.
My best friend came down to see me at college last thursday for my birthday! It made me sooooooooooooo happy!!!
This is so lovely. I like the simple decorating on the cake.
Right now, a Diet Coke makes me happy :)
A new book to read, a plate of pretty pastries, a glass of wine and no kids within earshot. This makes me very happy :)
Being with my family and chocolate make me happy.
My husband coming home safe from fighting wild land fires makes me very very happy. :)
Baking makes me happy!
Anything yellow makes me happy. Also being in my kitchen “experimenting” with new foods and recipes.
Baking makes me happy! Especially with my daughters :)
The Fall season that is just around the corner is what is making me happy today!
Cupcakes, cakes and decorations make me happy!!
It makes me happy to be a woman with heart.
It makes me happy to have a men with heart.
It makes me happy to bake this heart-cake with this plate :o)
Seeing my son play college footbal!@….Makes me soo happy and proud!
Being in my husband’s arms while watching our kids play makes me happy. It’s something I treasure dearly.
Love your cake and the stand! believe it or not.. after I hae spent hours on a cake, delivering it to the client and seeing their smiles really makes me happy!
What makes me happy is making sugarflowers for the 1st time and they came out beautiful :-)
Quiet day at home….reading a good book with a cake in the oven
I think your cake looks amazing!
Your blog definitely makes me happy, but so does my little dog. He is so loyal and sweet! :)
relaxing in a CLEAN house =)
Baking makes me happy!
photography makes me happy! especially all of the inspiration on the world wide web.
thanks for dropping my name in the GIVEAWAY hat!
My family and delicious snacks make me happy!
Making treats for my children & there friends is one of my favorites things & there fav is a fluff -n- nutter. I need this for my sisters wedding shower.
Looking through baking books makes me happy, I get my cake hit without the calories! x
I get a happy feeling when I make a cake for a customer and they are truly happy with it. That makes me happy. But, I am also happy when my hubby is happy. Mostly, I feel happy when my shy 5 yr old does something new and different and loves it!
Nice hot bubble baths make me happy!
Sitting on the beach early in the morning watching and listening to the waves crash while reading a good book.
The fact that the temperatures are starting to cool off just a little here in the steamy South makes me very, very happy.
Especially since I’m 8 months pregnant.
Snuggling with my kiddos makes me happy.
What makes me happy? All sorts of things… Jesus, my family, baking, smiling, laughing…. the list goes on and on!
Seeing the look on my little girls faces when I’ve made them cupcakes or a special cake!
my kids coming to snuggle on my lap.
Oh, and cake. cake can always make me happy. :-)
CHOCOLATE!
A really, really good mac ‘n cheese makes me happy. With a frosty margarita.
My husband and our two little boys make me happy.
My beautiful daughter makes me happy! Every day.
Watching my son’s face light up each time he’s allowed to eat cake. :)
Today makes me happy because I’m one day closer to vacation!! :) :)
Waking up before the sun & watching it rise makes me happy. I could write a book on all the other things that make me happy, but this is how I start each day!
Knowing that there are bakers out here, that I really respect, that also don’t turn out perfect confections every time makes me happy :)
being part of an enormous, loving family.
Good food, family, friends.
PICK ME!!!
kindness
Playing games with my daughter. Laughing with my husband. Getting to see my Dad, Mom and sisters. They live far away. Hanging out with my friends. My dog.
Being around my family makes me happy!
Reading your happy colorful blog makes me happy. =)