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.
A day at the beach with friends, while my daughter is playing at the sitter’s and having just as much fun as I am.
Kittens make me happy!
This cake is beautiful! The hearts with the 1 pink heart are a very clever idea!
After a long crappy week of working full-time and being a graduate student half-time, I just really like to get into my kitchen and make a mess baking. My boyfriend tells me I shouldn’t bake so much because I am on a pretty tight budget, but something about covering my kitchen in a fine layer of flour then diving into something sweet and homemade is comforting. Plus I love giving baked goods to family, friends, coworkers, random strangers, etc!
Hugs from my 2 year old son make me very happy! :)
this plate is gorgeous! Baking with my two little boys makes me happy
My family makes me happy! Beautiful cake!
In addition to my family and friends, your weekly posts certainly make me happy! Great job on the cake!! I <3 it!!
Reading the Sunday paper on Saturday night (thanks AJC) after my son has gone to bed makes me happy =)
Psycho Donuts in downtown Campbell, CA make me very happy!
I’m dying to try Sublime Donuts in Atlanta!
Coffee makes me happy!
My Family & Baking make me Happy !!!
being a mom to my wonderful twins makes me very happy. I enjoy spending every minute I can with them. This cake made me happy too because you always inspire me. Thanks!
Wow – that cake looks great! And my two little boys make me happy.
Singing at the top of my lungs in my car makes me happy. :D
something that makes me happy:
my son curled up in my lap while it rains outside
My baby girl, 11, my DH and spending time with my family.
hugs from my kiddos makes me happy :)
That cake plate is so gorgeous. Sunday mornings make me happy. Going to church with my family is something I hope I never take for granted. Your blog makes me happy, too!
Cake makes me happy so this ADORABLE cake stand would really make me happy! And, I happen to absolutely love the design you did on this cake and think there is some absolute genius behind it!
going on a walk with my boyfriend and my puppy ! :)
Wow, can I make this, like tonight?!? These photos make me happy! and seeing people eat my cupcakes… that first look of “oh wow”… yeah I love that!
Oh my, you did a fantastic job. I have not had much luck with Fondant, but hey, each time you learn things. That cake stand is B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing!
The idea of learning to bake a cake just so I can use that fabulous cake stand makes me happy!
Love the simplicity of this design. The single pink heart is adorable! Baking on a rainy day makes me happy!
Cupcakes will always make my day.
Right now, looking at my vacation photos makes me happy, especially since I’m back at work.
Cake makes me happy! And pretty cake plates! AND the color blue. And above all, Bakerella! :)
Snuggling up and reading with grandsons on the couch after a fun day of playing together! Doesn’t get better than that!
Happiness is a lazy Saturday afternoon spending time with the family.
My little girl telling me she loves me makes me happy! Beautiful cake … and stand!
My puppies make me happy.
Your cake looks great! I especially like it with the one pink heart. So cute!
Baking yummy goodies with my 2 daughters makes me very happy and creates the best memories!!
LOVE how you made just one heart pink, and LOVE LOVE LOVE the cake stand!
Baking with my kids on a rainy day makes me happy :)
My three kids made me extremely happy (most of the time, two are teenagers!)
Watching my family and friends devour anything I make makes me happy. Watching them enjoy my food brings immense pleasure.
my kids make me happy…and so does that blue cake stand! so very cute!!!! =)
Amazing – I love the pick heart! It makes the cake POP! I too need practice in covering with fondant. It’s not as easy as it looks!
making biscotti…or eating delicious Food!!
My doggies, all 13 of them, make me very happy.
Thanks,
Valerie
http://www.thecutecouponer.blogspot.com
P.S. Sometimes the dishes you put the food on are just as much fun as the food!
RIght now what makes me happy is knowing that I am going on vacation in 3 days. I can’t wait to get out of here.
hanging out with my baby nephew makes me happy :-) love the snuggles
Cute cakepops make anyone happy!
sunshine makes me happy!!!!!!.
when my family is together makes me happy!!!!
Sharing a lazy day with my husband and kids filled with laughter.
Giving your cake pops to my 2 year old niece and seeing her squeal with delight makes me very happy. I can’t wait for your book!
Kitchen gadgets make me happy (even if they don’t get used often)
I love to make and decorate sugar cookies – that makes me happy! : – )
I love when my boys flock to the kitchen because I’ve made something they love…that makes me happy!
Browsing your website makes me happy!
Aug. 25th makes me happy because my friend finally comes back from Korea after 2 months. (:
…..thoughts of eating cakepops in my freezer make me very very happy!!!
i love the blue cake plate it would look great on our picnic table
Definitely , my kids make me happy… and chocolate! BTW, the cake is FAB!
my family, listening to music, rainy afternoon with a good book, eating cake, making jewelry :)
The cake is gorgeous!
Sleep makes me oh so happy
Baking treats for family and friends makes me happy.
Lately, things haven’t been to happy for me. But, I have been going through old baby pictures of my boys, and that as brought smiles to my “blue” days. By the way, wonderful cake!
What makes me really happy? When my two adult children can both come over for dinner at the same time. :)
Looking in the rearview mirror, first day of school, at my first-grader wearing her hot pink ’80s sunglasses. “Can I wear these to school, mommy?” Well, it’s raining, but yes, yes you can. :)
The color yellow makes me happy.
A cozy fire, a cup of hot chocolate and my family…..it’s HEAVEN!
I’m happy this morning because it’s my son’s second birthday! Most mornings I’d answer a good cup of coffee. :) Beautiful cake!
my family!
spending time with my family makes me happy
Chocolate makes me happy:)
My children make me happy. My husband makes me happy. My family makes me happy. That beautiful cake and cake plate make me happy. I’d love to make my own cake and serve it to my family on that gorgeous cake plate!
My children make me happy
Fall makes me happy! Cooler weather, crunching leaves underfoot, back to school smells (crayons, pencils), leaves changing colors, pumpkins, my birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, evenings closing in…it’s a magical time of year!
Baking in cute aprons make me happy.
Baking with my 3 year old makes me happy!!! And, when my husband cleans up the kitchen after we’re done….that REALLY makes me happy!!!
Having time to putter in the kitchen makes me happy. Trying something new and having it come out perfectly makes me even happier!
I am most happy when my 22 month-old son grabs my cheeks with his hands and kisses me. He is my sweet ‘lil nugget!
Sadly I not only love to bake, stack and decorate cakes, but I love to watch my family eat them. I know it sounds crazy, but I do it for their enjoyment and that makes me happy to see them eating and enjoying something I made.
Giveaways!
So many things make me happy:
loving husbands
dogs
a good meal with friends
photoshop
Thinking about my vacation, which is less than a week away, makes me happy!
I ? everything you create! It is pleasing to the eye…
Discovering your blog made me happy and getting updated every time you post something new makes me happier! Thanks for sharing your hard work with me!
listening to children laughing and seeing them smile makes me happy!
looks great. I think I need to play with fondant!
my family makes me very very verrrrry happy
Horses make me happy….
And cold stone ice cream. I could go for a little of both I think.
LOVE that blue, so would my mom.
Eating your cake would probably make me REALLY happy! I’ll have to settle for the stand, and make my own I guess!!
Walking through the isles of Michaels craft store..especially the baking sections. It makes me even happier when I actually get to buy a new tool or pan to use.
Getting my Bakerella emails make me HAPPY
!!!!
Snuggling with my baby girl makes me so happy!!
fall evenings with a fire in the fireplace make me happy.
My sweet grandkids make me happy. I love spending time with them!
New car smell and Dr. Seuss books make me happy. : )
I just started a new diet. I’m going to say carbs make me happy. Mmmmm… carbohydrates…
I have an addiction to pastries.
So those make me happy. :P
Causing a genuine laugh makes me happy!
that blue color and learning super cute and unique baking ideas from your site make me happy!
Baking and sharing my baked goods with friends and family makes me happy. Makes THEM happy, too :)
Crafty projects make me happy.
…and, I would be making up reasons for cake, just to use that stand!
I love baking, especially cupcakes I gave some away during national cup cake week…baking calmes ths soul..makes me very happy…..
The fact that my roommate finally moved out makes me SUPER happy. Now I get to clean and paint that room :) Time to play!
Spending time with my husband and my son makes me happy! It’s the little things… :)
I will keep on dreaming of making a cake with that many layers myself… That looks amazing!
The song “What a wonderful world” by Louis Armstong in a rainy day is what makes me happy. :)
Ice cold Diet Coke makes me very happy.
My two kiddies make me happy. I love them so much!
warm baths and fluffy bathrobes make me happy
Donuts and cupcakes make me sooooo happy.
Dinner with my family makes me really happy!!
What makes me happy? The satisfaction of looking at the photos of something I just cooked. I know you understand!
Cake makes me happy!
An email from my husband makes me happy. I still get excited when I see his name in my inbox.
My two little angels. Rose and Iris.
Having the day off today makes me happy!
Today, the fact that school starts tomorrow makes me super happy! Just think about all the uninterrupted baking time!
This cake makes me happy. Too cute!!
Cute aprons make me happy!
Listening to little kids laugh and play makes me happy.
Decorating cookies, and seeing a whole bunch of them on a cute plate makes me happy.
The german chocolate cake truffles I made this weekend make me very happy. As does my little toddler son who keeps trying to steal them from the fridge.
the smell of rain on a hot sidewalk makes me very happy!
Hearing my twin boys giggling together. And hearing “mmmmm” when they take a bite of something I baked.
This cake is beautiful! As a mom of two young boys, I’m happily too busy to attempt something this grand, but what makes me even more happy is the prospect of having enough time sometime in the future (5 years maybe?) to give it a try! Thanks :)
Baking makes me happy.
chocolate cake makes me VERY happy! =]
it makes me happy to see that you are still learning as you go. That means that maybe I too will one day be this amazing at decorating. Well practice makes perfect (and that makes me happy too)
Spending time with family (especially me nephew) makes me happy !
Reading about your adventures in cake stacking makes me happy because now I know I’m not the only one who has difficulty!
What makes me happy? A good book, my kids and my pretty cakes I have learned to decorate and would look beautiful on this blue cake stand!!
Love your site!
Watching my son smile in his sleep makes me happy. It makes me think he’s talking to angels.
That cake is phenomenal! I love your work Bakerella! I have a chocolate business and I am so happy when I get to see people enjoying my sweets.
My hubby and my hound dog!
My kids running and playing in the yard without a care in the world.
I have a pastry addiction, so all things pastry make me happy.
The kids started back at school today – that makes me happy!
my boyfriend makes me happy, he soothes my college nerves.
Great Job! Decorating cakes makes me happy! I am obsessed. Any reason to bake and decorate i do! My daughter was having a potty dance party with her little buddies and i made a Potty cake! My new obsession is Marshmallow Fondant! Easier to work with and tastes better than regular fondant!
Cake decorating makes me happy, and seeing an absolutely adorable cake like this makes me happy!
My sister-in-law collects cake plates but I win this one she’s not getting it. because I love the color blue and it’s a beautiful plate.
feeling my little one move inside the womb!
Beatiful cake. Just wondering how yummy it tasted.
I love the color of that cake stand!
Cupcakes and donuts make me very happy.
Eating butterscotch cookies with friends makes me happy
Love the cake!! The little pink heart is so cute.
Being with my family and boyfriend makes me happy :) And reading a good book
Watching my kids lick the bowl after making cupcakes makes me happy!
My husband makes me happy.
BTW…….LOVE the blue cake plate…..I hope I win. Thanks!
Me husband… He is my best friend, and I am lucky to have found him :)
My wonderful hubby and beautiful daughter!!!
I just made my first carved cake this past weekend. It was Iron Man’s mask, for my nephew’s fourth birthday. I was so proud of the cake, and my fondant skills (first time as well) that it made me very happy! So now I’m signing up for a cake decorating class, GLEE!
Saturday mornings with my family make me happy!
my babies make me happy.
My kids hugs and kisses make me happy.
You did an amazing job on the cake! I can’t believe it was your first one!!
my upcoming trip to london and paris are making me SUPER happy!!!!
thanks for all the fun posts you do!
Watching my 10 month old daughter pretend to cook when I am in the kitchen makes me happy, that and Karo cookies.
My baby girl’s sweet smile first thing in the morning.
coming home at the end of each day to my sweet husband … very happy!
Cake plates, esp vintage ones make me happy!
Spending the day with my husband and making dinner together! That makes me really happy!
Cuddling on the porch swing with my kiddos on a sunny day.
Una comida en familia, las risas de mi hija, los abrazos de mi nieto, terminar una tarta y saber que está bien hecho… todo eso me hace muy feliz.
Por cierto, no se nota las irregularidades del forrado y en lo simple está la elegancia.
Precioso trabajo!!!!
Fridays make me happy!
Looking at my neighbor’s English garden makes me happy. She’s 85-ish from the UK and she putters around in it daily, such a sweet lady.
My boyfriend makes me happy. :)
He’s my dearest. He’s a really simple guy, that’s why i love him.
Great job on the cake! I love the single pink heart! Right now, anything blue makes me so happy. I am drawn to it everywhere I go so this beautiful cake stand would be perfect for me!
my sweet kitty makes me happy!
I am in awe–I guess I’ll have to win this cake so that I can practice all of these techniques. :)
Non-whiney kids make me happy!
Cupcakes with lots of icing make me happy!
Thinking about our wedding next year makes me happy. Budgeting for it, however, proves to be quite stressful. A Fishs Eddy cake stand would make a fantastic wedding cake stand for our small and budgeted wedding!
xox Katy
Baking for my family makes me happy… and it makes my family REALLY happy :)
Baking makes me happy :)
Chocolate makes me happy. Every time.
I really need to learn to use fondant, it looks so nice!
Watching my kids sleep makes me happy! If I get to eat a cupcake while I’m doing that it’s even better!
Sloppy, wet kisses from my 18-month-old son make me happy.
When my kids do something cute. Oh, and coffee!
That my wife makes desserts that I can sample.
Making unexpected sweet treats for people makes me really happy. I just baked a little cake last night for a friend who just found out she was pregnant and that blue cake stand would have looked just perfect with it.
drinking a glass of wine after the kids go down makes me happy. =)
My family and my dog make me happy. Baking’s up there, too – but they’re the best.
It might be a little strange, but rainy days make me happy. Especially if I can stay curled up inside with a good book and people I love.
The color blue makes me happy. So do cupcakes, black lace, jeans that fit, and winning things.
That fall is just around the corner.
Coming home to my fluffy dog makes me happy. It doesn’t matter whether I’ve been gone 5 minutes or 5 hours, she is thrilled to see me. I love it!
This is probably the most common comment but cake makes me happy!
I had Piece of Cake’s red velvet for my birthday this weekend and it made me very happy :)
Oh, pick me, pick me! I love blue and you!!
It makes me happy that I made my cousin and his new wife a wedding cake — it makes me extremely happy that it looked good and tasted even better!
Baking makes me happy!!
cake stands make me happy!! they are even part of my blog name so if you choose me i will have so much joy!
My Kids!!
My husband and my little girl.
Creating Things! I like to both bake and craft. And that makes me happy!
PS- I heart your blog!
Driving in my car with the music loud.
First of all-WOW-I love the simplicity of your cake and the one pink heart-swoon!!!!
What makes me happy? When I bake and it doesn’t turn out perfectly but I am in such a great mood that I don’t care and just feel proud! That doesn’t happen often but when it does I feel GREAT!
Cupcakes make me happy, especially my eyeball ones at Halloween! :)
My children playing nicely together makes me happy.
The simple things make me happy…my family, morning coffee, a sunny day…
Cooking/baking for my family makes me happy! :)
My son randomly telling me he loves me. So sweet.
Getting to spend time with my mom, sister and new nephew makes me happy!
What makes me happy:
Serving a non-vegan friend an amazing vegan dessert and having them say: “No way! This can’t be vegan, this is the best Cake/Pie/Cupcake/Cookie I’ve ever had!!”
ahhh, pure bliss :)
my brand new niece!
Cupcakes make me happy. My husband thinks I’m weird for that. Oh and so do coupons. I heart those as well.
I tried my hand at making a CAKE (I usually make cupcakes) and wow, that was hard. It didn’t help that it was 90 degress in my house so the cake was actually melting as I was putting it together!
What makes me happy today is that I have a permanent job working in a field that I love and in a city I adore.
And the fact that it only rained on us once while we were out performing in historic clothing :)
You are such an inspiration and that cake is beautiful.