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::——-Chocolate
Chocolate cake, chocolate frosting……just chocolate :)
Thinking about this gorgeous beauty sitting on my kitchen counter makes me super happy!!! ;)
and I just recently broke my favorite cake stand, well not exactly me, my daughter did ;). So this would be an amazing replacement!!
And gorgeous job on that cake!! It looks awesome!!!
My family makes me happy. And that single pink heart.
~a
The smell of warm gingerbread baking in the oven mixed with the slightly tangy scent of pine needles as I watch snow gently coating the ground.
My kids :)!
Since I am pretty hungry and on my way to do so, I will say that going out for breakfast makes me happy.
Watching my husband and 4 year old son ask for seconds for dinner!!! Watching anyone enjoy my cooking makes me happy.
Can’t wait to try the cake recipe. Thanks!
My kids make me happy
Raspberry iced tea makes me happy.
While burning cookies doesn’t make me happy, the reason they go burned does…my daughter learning to potty like a big girl!
I love to bake with my children!
Reading cookbooks makes me very happy!!
Waking up to a clean kitchen the morning after I had a baking free-for-all makes me happy. Thank you hubby :)
Making a special dessert and seeing an empty plate after it has been devoured….that makes me happy!
Anything red makes me happy!
All things cupcake make me happy.
What makes me Happy…. snuggling with my kids. Who say’s you have to stop snuggling, even if they are teenagers now?
Laying out in the sun with icy Diet Coke (or beer!), a good book, and a few hours to myself. That’s what makes me happy.
Smelling my babies heads….swoon….
Baking Totally Makes Me Happy, And then sharing it with Friends,Family, and Neighbours to make the World a Better Place! :)
Watching my kids struggle with our recent move (2 high schoolers and a middle schooler) and knowing that they look forward to coming home to tell me about their day. A sweet smelling home doesn’t hurt, either!! They don’t even care if it isn’t perfect, just that it is made with love, for them. They are my happiness and inspiration!
I love making things on my own – so crafting makes me happy, fold some paper, crochet, bake etc.
it makes me happy that whenever the ups man comes, he brings a treat for my little dog toby.
Sitting on the beach with a book and cocktail makes me happy!
My husband having a 4 day weekend this week makes me very happy.
These days, the idea of having a kitchen with drawers is making me very happy!
I’ve never tried to cover anything with fondant, I find it to be way to intimidating. :)
Listening to the rain through a tin roof makes me happy. :) P.s. I think you did a great job! Love the pink heart!
Love the blue. Pick me pick me! =0)
A pot of tea and my kindle while the kids nap makes me happy.
Celebrating my little guy’s birthday today! Gotta get decorating his train cake soon!
I baked two rainbow cakes today… and frosted it and iced it for my friend’s birthday – now that made me happy. (:
Fall weather makes me happy!
My kids make me incredibly happy!
Your cake is beautiful, btw…awesome job!
People enjoying what I’ve made makes me happy. Whether it baking, sewing or crafting…the enjoyment of others makes me so happy and worth the fuss :)
Reading through my favorite blogs (yours being one of them!) each morning makes me happy!
My kids!
Either baking something, or driving to Denver to go to Mermaids with my friends. Always makes my day!
What makes me happy is to make others happy – plain and simple =)
Looks pretty!!! I still haven’t been brave enough to use fondant!!!
My family makes so happy no matter the day, time or place.
My daughters make me happy!
Sunbathing and eating cherries
gardening, reading, & cooking make me happy – I love you took on the challenge of cake stacking – and then shared with us!
Psycho Donuts make me happy.
Having a morning off and drinking blueberry tea outside under a tree makes me happy
There are so many things that make me happy. My husband is number one. When he is around, that is the greatest joy for me! A flower or a pretty tree makes me happy, or just the first cup of good freshly brewed coffee in the morning makes me very happy too! I could go on and on and on…
Sitting outside on a nice day while reading a book makes me happy.
This cake is amazing by the way!
A good night’s sleep makes me happy.
pretty cake stands make me happy and cakes make me super happy!
love all your creations
Baking pretty things for people that aren’t expecting them makes me happy!
Making handmade gifts for friends make me happy….and my bed!! It’s my happy “safe” place! I LOVE your posts!!! Thanks for the chance to win!
Making decorated cupcakes, mini cakes and buying at bakeitpretty.com makes me soo happy. =)
My beautiful antique cake plate makes me happy. It ‘s just clear glass but intricately etched and given to me by an ex-boyfriend’s mother! My husband doesn’t know where I got it!
A good cup of coffee!
Sending the kids of to school on Monday will make me happy! =)
Baking does it too, and the reactions from the people on the receiving end of it!
Looks pretty!! I had a cake decorating teacher tell me one time that you are the only one who see’s all the little mistakes!!!
You are brave with the fondant…I still haven’t tried it!!
my daughter makes me happy!!
Blue is my daughter’s favorite color, will love to win.
The smell of sweet lemon makes me happy!!! :)
I even call my lemon-scented candles my “happy candles”!
Playing games with my husband makes me happy.
Falling asleep and waking up next to my husband makes me very happy. Pefect way to end and start a day.
Cake makes me happy. Any type of cake. And if I’ve baked it? Well, that might even make me dance =)
My kids!
Weddings make me happy… I always love going to weddings!
Cannoli’s make me happy! I know you were probably looking for something poetic like the smell of my children after a bath, (which that too makes me happy) but cannoli’s make me happy because my mom and I used to make them together when I was a child and now that she’s gone they bring me fond memories to reflect upon…
Serving bowls, platters and stands make me happy. A little too happy. Also today makes me happy, because it is my birthday.
Oxford shirts make me happy.
Wow, what makes me happy? There is too much. Being promoted to Head Pastry Chef makes me happy and the thought of learning to make wedding cakes scares me to death.
Fishing makes me happy (and chocolate too, of course).
Baking cupcakes makes me happy!!!!
Beautiful cake! I am making a three tier cake for my daughter’s first birthday. I did it for my son’s birthday, so now it is her turn! Currently what makes me happy is planning my daughter’s first birthday. All the decorations, desserts and favors are going to be homemade by ME! Doing this makes me very very happy!
Just being a mom!
my kids–most of the time!!
Seeing my son do well at something he loves makes me happier than ANYTHING (even brownies).
Naps make me happy.
First the smell of freshly baked bread and then that first slice….always always makes me happy!
I love snuggling up with a good book on a rainy day….and a hot cup of cocoa, coffee, or tea!!!
bring on the rain!
Rainy days with a good book and peanut M&Ms is what makes me happy!!
Creating some wonderful goodie to share with family and friends makes me happy.
This is a beautiful cake! It looks fabulous!
The beautiful things you bake make me happy.
This cake stand makes me happy!
Having a clean home and a good book to read makes me happy!
crumb coats make me happy because I can be messy and then they help me make it alllllsmooth!
What a beautiful cake! I love your site.
My kids make me happy.
What an adorable cake!
relaxing weekend naps make me happy!
Watching the sunset makes me happy!
(and reading your latest posts!)
my friend gave me a sweet magnolia blossom and i placed it in a little glass on my kitchen window sill. that made me happy every morning i got to see and smell it!
Raspberry buttermilk muffins.
So lovely!
Aprons.
Red Velvet Cake makes me really happy!!
Watching my 5 month old puppy be silly makes me VERY happy.
Barrel racing makes me happy : )
Finding a new recipe and having it be someones favorite makes me happy!
Decorating cakes, cookies, and cupcakes makes me happy. (and you!) That cake is gorgeous, would make someone a beautiful wedding cake. Your creations are awesome.
My son’s laugh makes me happy!
Your cake came out so cute! I don’t have much experience with stacked cakes or fondant, but I want to try. Practice makes perfect. Love the cake stand too!
Gorgeous! I’ve come to accept my cakes may not always look beautiful, but they always taste great. A secret (and convenient) trick I’ve learned for super moist cakes? Freeze them, wrapped in plastic wrap securely and slipped inside a large ziplock bag for at least 24 hours. Thaw on counter, then frost. What an incredible difference! Thanks for the chance to win the amazing cake stand!
Cupcakes and pink make me happy!! If it happens to be a pink cupcake then my heart be still!! :o)
Che BELLA! Love it!
Having dinner with my crazy family!
Flowers make me happy.
Being in the passenger seat.
My husband dancing around like a fool to make me laugh. And cake.
Gorgeous cake. I love the white with the single pink heart, it really lets the blue cake stand shine. I love cake stands but have very few. I have made 2 MM fondant cakes, and though it is a hard process, the results have always been worth it. I also understand why bakers charge so much now! Being with my family makes me happy!
My family make me happy…love them!!
That cake is adorable!!! I want to make one!
What makes me happy – snuggling with my kitties.
Green makes me happy, I bought a green cake stand just like this recently. Having a blue one would make me even happier! :)
Baking treats and sharing them with loved ones makes me happy. Surprising a neighbor with a morning muffin or some cakeballs at the end of the day can really make a difference- for them and for you!
Baking for others really makes me happy. I love it.
Getting the big hugs and kisses from my kiddos every morning! By the way, I absolutely LOVE the blue cake stand. I’m a sucker for cake plates and pitchers!! Thanks for the giveaway.
Oh my! So cute! I think you did a great job. Laying on the couch watching silly reality tv like bachelor pad!
Being back in the same city as my fiance’ makes me happy.
What makes me the MOST happy is my son! Even when he is not on his best behavior, I try to remember how blessed I am to have a heathy baby! Oh… and my husband makes me pretty happy too ;)
An unexpected kiss from my 2 year old makes me happy!
When you walk outside here in the midwest and can sense the change in the air that means an end to the hot humid summer and beginning of a cool, crisp autumn.
Driving my 55 chevy
Sharing homemade blueberry crisp with my husband makes me happy!
Pastries make me happy.
My husband makes me happy. And today is our two-year anniversary!
When my husband come homes from TAD. (he’s a marine) That makes me happy.
Reading your blog makes me happy :) That cake is SO adorable!
You don’t give yourself enough credit. I thought you cake was genious…espeicaly the singe pink heart!
Sewing and baking make me happy!
Being with my family makes me happy.
Your cake looks so pretty! I love the one pink heart.
Snuggling up on the couch with a romance novel on a lovely rainy day makes me inordinately happy. :-) Throw in some fancy cheese with crackers and hot tea (or white wine…) — heaven!
Snuggly puppies and dogs
Getting Bakerella posts in my email makes me smile!!! Everything cake makes me smile! <3
Coffee with an old (or new) friend makes me happy!
Baking makes me happy! Your cake and stand are adorable, great job as always!
planning family parties and what to bake for them makes me happy. This cake stand would be the perfect way to display my next cake! :)
Rain outside my window makes me happy. Finishing a project & having it turm out well makes me happy. My hubby makes my happy…And, seeing a new post from you! How beautiful this cake is– simple design, yet elegant, and whimsical all rolled into one! :-D
Blue makes me happy as well, but right now the idea of FALL makes me super happy. Cooler temperatures, football, pumpkins, deep red clothes, …I could go on, but you get the idea :)
What makes me happy?!? A new post in my inbox from Bakerella. I loved this post.
singing makes me happy!
My grandkids make me happy! Just thinking about them makes me happy.
when I get the creative bug makes me happy…and getting an emaily you have a new post..love your Blog..
A clean house makes me happy! (among many other things)
Well, of course winning this would make me happy ;)
Love the cake stnad. you did a great jobon the cake.
Chocolate makes me happy. But honestly, stacking cakes scares me to death. One day I will get brave and try it out.
snuggling my kids :)
p.s gorgeous cake!
Watching my 2 little boys making each other laugh
Cookies and chocolate make me very, very happy.
A sunny day while I’m watching my granddaughters frolic in the pool makes me happy.
Baking makes me happy…and then eating the results makes me happier!
Holding/snuggling with my little grandson makes me a very happy Nani:) Shhh, don’t tell his Daddy & Mommy…….but letting him taste a little fresh baked cake puts a smile on my face:)
A tall glass of Coca-cola with crushed ice on a hot summer day makes me happy. I love the fizzy bubbles.
Baby belly laughs. It’s the best sound in the whole world!
Being in one of my favorite places makes me instantly happy and removes layers of unease and sadness that occurred since the last visit.
People enjoying the cakes and sweets I make, makes me happy :-) I <3 the one pink heart on the cake…great idea
Snuggling with my kids, and new dishes. :)
Cooler weather. I’m ready for fall because it makes me sooo happy! :)
That looks AMAZING, Bakerella! Beautiful job (and I adore the single pink heart! ). I LOVE CAKE. And cookies. And cupcakes. But mostly CAKE. And your pictures ;)
Blue makes me happy, too! In fact, that’s the color I painted my laundry room; laundry doesn’t make me happy, so I need to at least be surrounded by happy color when I’m in there.
Reading dessert recipes with step by step photos makes me happy (and hungry). Thanks for the tip on the crumb layer. My cakes are usually a bit on the messy side.
Squeals of delight make me happy. Which is just what you’ll hear if I should be lucky enough to win that lovely cake stand.
Crossing my fingers.
KellyK
My fiance and my puppy Bella make me super happy!!
Spending time cooking with my husband makes me happy.
Donuts and cupcakes make me happy.
Holding my daughters hand at the bus stop this morning on her very first day of school made me very very happy.
Starting a new book with a gooey chocolaty treat makes me deliriously happy!
I’m sitting here trying to think of an answer your question and I’m coming up with so many things to write…THAT makes me happy!
My hubby and girls (and chocolate!) make me happy!
Hi there!
Thank you for the chance to win!
So many things make me happy right now – hugs from my husband, enjoying time with my best friends and their daughters, family, good food, Jack Johnson music….just to name a few… :)
This cute blue cake plate with darling cupcakes for my sweet family would make me happy! :)
my daughter’s smile/laugh … and chocolate cake!
Ah, a break in the heat and a cool morning to perk us up on our way out the door. This makes me very happy! :)
Oh, that is so cute! I have been in the process of figuring out what makes me happy and so far, here is what I’ve got: fresh bread, my diaper-clad 18-month old asking for shoes, my 3 year old singing, my husband kissing me, new fabric, sprinkles on pretty cupcakes.
My kids make me happy. On a related note, sleeping makes me happy.
Very cute cake!
LOVE makes me happy. It has the power to change anyone.
Today is my Birthday and what makes me happy is having all my kids together to celebrate this special day. I am very lucky to have raised three beautiful and wonderful daughters.
Baking special things for special occasions and knowing that homemade, with all its imperfections, means made with love… that’s what makes me happy!
Mmmm….SOOOO many things make me happy!!! Do I have to choose just one? ;) If so, I would definitely say my husband and kids. =)
Baking…it makes me happy! (eating the finished product does, as well)
baking with my teenage daughter – we have enjoyed being in the kitchen together lately
My baby girl makes me happy. What a great giveaway, thanks! :)
I love it, and love the heart idea and the one pink one.
That plate sets it off just perfect. How do you find these wonderful finds?
The smell of my lavender fields in bloom makes me happy.
The first cool day after a long, hot summer…when you open all the windows in your house and get that nice “fall is just around the corner” breeze blowing through. That makes me happy.
LOVE the blue..very modern..but the cake looks even better, and that would make me happy!
getting to lick the beater makes me happy :)
The look on my mom’s face when I tell her about another thing I’ve learned to bake/cook. I never paid much attention to her talents in the kitchen growing up, so now I think she really enjoys me finding my inner Betty Crocker.
Drinking coffee on a rainy day makes me happy.
LOVE the cake stand! My kids make me happy…well, when they listen, that is =D
Chocolate makes me happy — but blue is a close second!
Anything heart shaped and edible makes me happy!
My kids make me happy! Every time a make a cake my 3 year old son asks “Mom you made that cake?” and I say, yes. He always replies, “Alright! Good job mom!” like it is the first cake I ever made. It makes me laugh every time!
Seeing my daughter’s smiles :)
Waking up in the morning with my 5 year old on one side of me and my 3 year old on the other!
what makes me happy is some chinese food and a great book.
Love it! …….I have an idea!…..instead of hearts, little white flowers and just one colored, I think that will be as beautiful as this one.
Cooking makes me happy… to me there’s nothing like carefully planning a menu, putting on some music, serving myself a nice cold beer, and cook up a storm in the kitchen. Then, the best moment, seeing everyone enjoy it! It’s the best therapy in the world!
Having a low-key day with my family makes me happy! Relaxing yet full of excitement. Ahhh, love it!
What makes me happy is when buttercream is the perfect taste, and texture. What makes me even more happy is when the cake or cupcake is just as amazing as the frosting.
I love anything blue – it always makes me happy – especially when it’s my birthday today!
spending time with my family makes me happy!
Cooking or baking in the kitchen with my kiddos. We always wind up laughing about something, and it warms my heart and makes me happy that we can share these times together.