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.
Bicycles make me happy! Gorgeous cake, by the way. Love your blog :)
Spending time at the beach makes me happy!
Chocolate makes me happY!!!
My healthy happy little boy and a wonderful makes me happy every day!
What makes me happy? Sticking my face into my kitty’s giant floofy tummy and feeling the vibrations from his purrrrr
Unicorns, glitter and baby animals make me happy. I’m okay with never growing up!
My husband!
My upcoming wedding – & the fact that we are doing cakepops as our favors!!
kikisescapades(at)gmail(dot)com
My family makes me happy- well that and key lime cupcakes!!!
Your cakes looks great and I love the accent of the one pink heart!!! I am starting to explore my baking side and right now making cupcakes for my two lil ones makes me happy!!! :0)
My silly 4 year old makes me very happy!
Ok, that cake is adorable!! Getting kisses from my 9-month old and hearing her babble makes me happy…actually everything she does makes me happy!
The way my dog looks at me when I get home from work.
My baby girls sweet little giggle.
So cute! I love the single pink heart!
The thing that makes me happy is spending time with my 2 baby boys.
Snuggling and spending time with my children makes me happy!
my silly/crazy/goofy/loving family….
I think your cakes looks lovely and I adore the one pink heart!!!
I love that stand!
Baking yummy treats makes me happy. :)
After my lil man wakes up, I pick him up out of his crib and he gives me the biggest hug! LOVE IT!
My puppies make me happy! Even though they’re getting way too big to still be called puppies =]
something that makes me happy? being on stage <3
My babies, my husband, sparkley things, chocolatey things and sunshine all make me happy.
oooh lovely! I love the rain the desert and creme bruleeeeeeeeee!
Seeing the satisfaction on people’s face when they eat food/cakes that I make :)
this post makes me happy
the single hot pink heart makes me happy
a 2 week vacation from nursing school makes me happy
baking makes me happy
baking things that people bite into and absolutely love makes me happy
seeing people happy makes me happy :)
Snuggling up with my husband, it makes me happy on the nastiest of days
Hugging and kissing my kids brings a smile to my face that nothing else can match. <3
I’ve never tried these tall cakes. I like your cake pops though. They make me happy. I pre-ordered your book. Can’t wait!
My son’s kisses make me the happiest!
Spending time with my family or relaxing with a good book makes me happy!
Simple things make me the happiest. But most of all, waking up to my dog Charlie resting his head on my bed makes me smile first thing in the morning.
your blog makes me happy! thank you for always being so inspiring and bringing joy to my lackluster work days!
“Blue” makes me happy too… he’s my 13 yr old RESCUED Weimaraner!
I’ve started a cake business recently, and decorating them makes me happy, I love the final product. This stand would be a welcome addition to my business:) !!!
Watching my 3 yr old son devour some of my cookies with a smile and then hear him say “I love Monmy’s cookies!”
Baking things for people to enjoy (my family) makes me happy!
What makes me happy? Chocolate!!!
My husband makes me happy!!
spending time with my daughter and getting some sewing done too makes me happy.
A really good Margarita makes me very happy :)
Baking and shipping care packages to my fiance makes me happy :) Getting inspired by your creations to make my own variations makes me happy! I love the one pink heart! Beyond adorable!
Going on a family bike ride is a happy day for me. <3
A full pot of coffee and happy baby make me happy.
Fridays!!
Making homemade pizza is my go-to stress reliever – which makes my continually hungry husband happy as well!
Love it! I think you did a great job!
Having a cup of coffee with a sugary treat makes me happy!
Baking something successfully makes me happy.
This tart crust I’ve got in the oven is NOT making me very happy right now. Ugh.
so many things make me happy :) decorating cakes, training my doggy (check out my blog about agility training maybedogagility.blogger.com), and reading your blog!! Thanks for all the inspiration you’ve given me!
Cupcakes, chocolate, my bf and my dog make me happy!
Music, cooking, baking, and friends :)
what makes me happy……. when my mom and I get to do something fun together :)
The mountians make me happy!
this cake is really cute! thanks for all you do, for sharing your knowledge and experiences!
foodies, and fellow bakers who are willing to share their talent and knowledge with others makes me happy!!
Making and eating good food, while sharing with family and friends makes me oh so happy! Lovely giveaway Bakerella!!
Cheers!
chocolate(:
Oh how beautiful! I’d love to have one
What makes me happy…. when my husband walks in the door..after a loooooong day with my kids! :)
Sunday dinner at my Mom’s with ALL our family…
Laughing so hard I pee my pants!
and……the discovery of your website!
Picnics make me happy!
My happy place is hands down the beach. :)
The sound of my boys laughing and begging to “tickle the armpits” again and again!
the one pink heart made me happy. Oh, and fishing.
I love trying out all these yummy recipes!
Making them and watching my family & friends enjoy them puts a smile on my face and make me happy!!!!
My kids laughing, kisses from my hubby & cooking/baking/eating with my family!
A good book and some peace and quiet make me happy!
i get really happy when i see bakerella has a new post!!!!!!!!
Blue makes me happy, too! But, for my entry I’ll say that my new red Kitchenaid Professional stand mixer makes me VERY happy!
Well this post just made me pretty happy! I dont think I have ever come over to the Bakerella site and not smiled!! Love it!
my new baby–she’s only 6.5 weeks old and her name is lucy evangeline!
phone calls from my kids at college make me hApPy!
Knowing I’ve accomplished something. Whether it’s baking, sewing, putting together an outfit, or rearranging my apt.; that satisfied with myself feeling is wonderful! Especially knowing you can’t get it the easy way!
Being creative and seeing what other creative people are doing… not only makes me happy but inspires me as well…..
Love your cake! the all white hearts and one hot pink one…. If its ok… I think I steal your idea for a scrapbook page!
Thanks for the inspiration!
A lot of things make me happy but I really enjoy having my whole family (hubby and three sons) in the kitchen with me while we make a cake for someone we really care about. That makes the cake perfect, despite all the imperfections no one but me ever sees!
Right now? Sunflowers. :)
Snuggling up with my boyfriend with my favourite flannel blanket and sharing a warm london fog. :)
Love you big!
Squeezing my kids is the best feeling in the world.
What a beautiful blue plate, and your cake turned out very pretty too :) Seeing my kids smile makes me happy.
Thinking about making the cake for my cousin’s wedding next month makes me happy. (And scared to death!) Thanks for the inspiration :D
Being a mother makes me happy!
My family makes me happy…but so would a pretty blue cake stand =)
The fact that it is my two year wedding anniversary today makes me happy! :)
When all of my boyz are happy, I am happy! I love this blue cake stand. So pretty!
Finally finishing a massive cake after staying up all night…and then seeing delight on the recipients face!
Warm chocolate brownies make me very happy.
Spending time with my hubby and our 2 yr old son makes me happy.
My two year old daughter telling me she loves me makes me happy. …So does frosting.
Real buttercreame frosting makes me happy!
an evening reading on the sofa with my husband and our daughter makes me happy :)
Spending time with my two darling granddaughters makes me very very happy. I love cake stands, so winning this would also make me very happy.
I have an obsession with cake stands! OBSESSION! I can’t help myself when I find them! I buy them wherever I see them! Fortunately we just bought a house with a large, large pantry that I’d prefer to fill with cake plates than food!
My little girl makes me happy!
The sounds of my two year old daughter’s laugh makes me happy.
fresh crayons and an empty coloring book make me happy. Yes I am 24, why do you ask?
feeling my twin baby girls move inside my tummy makes me so happy!!
you are my dessert hero…you always make me want to go bake like RIGHT NOW.
being able to enjoy home cooked meals and desserts with family and friends makes me happy!
My red Kitchenaid stand mixer makes me happy ~ it brings back memories of my grandmother using hers while she taught me to bake & it makes baking easier for me now too!
The last of my kiddos had their first day of school today and everyone was so excited
Getting to sleep in past 4:30 am makes me happy. :)
LOVE this cake stand. The cake is amazing as usual and the pink heart addition is awesome. My family makes me happy and we all love your site!
Walking into a cake supply store and being overwhelmed with the sweet smell of buttercream and endless possibilites makes me happy!
Having heart-to-heart talks with my daughter :)
Curling up on the couch with my husband, our new dog and a bowl of popcorn makes me happy!
Staying home (as in not going to work) makes me happy. I wish I could do it all the time!
My little chihuahua Priscilla makes me happy! Just sitting and watching her play and how much she loves me melts my heart.
Cute cute cute!! The cupcakes I could make look cute on that stand!!
my life makes me happy! :)
My family…..
Warm chocolate chip cookies (the kind made with browned butter)…mmmm.
My kitten and baby nephew give me a happy heart. Baking gives me a happy stomach! Love this cake stand :)
the way my daughters laugh using their whole bellies! no sound better in the world!
My daughter laughing :D Nothing can top that :)
I liked the single pink heart too, looks great :)
Oh bakerella, visiting your site makes me indescribably happy. happy beyond joy. these cakes, the icing, the pillow cookies, the decor, the pictures – i’m overwhelmed with happiness every time i visit. it’s becoming my dose of caffeine every morning – who needs starbucks!
Getting things crossed off my to-do list makes me happy!
that’s just absolutely amazing!
my dog laying on my husbands pillow after he already got out of bed.
The feeling of fall in the air makes me happy.
making people happy by baking and snuggling in for a movie with my new dog when the weather is bad.
cake stands make me happy :)
I love your cake! So I love that, and also the fact that there’s a slight crispness to the air and a little fall feeling to the breeze this morning!
I love your website! This pan is beautiful. I am happiest when I am with my two girls. Have a great day!
Eating, and holding newborn babies :o)
But not necessarily at the same time.
Friends, My Dog, Family, Sweets, Mashed Potatoes, Movie Nights, Cupcakes, Babysitting, Outdoors, Reading, Tickling People, etc. etc. etc. The list could go on and on!
A clean house makes me happy! Nesting has kicked in and I feel like I’m living in a world of chaos if my house isn’t cleaned!
Waking up a couple hours before the baby and having some “me time” in the morning makes me happy.
Winning a tall blue cake stand makes me happy! :)
I worked a 60 hour week last week and on Saturday, I came home to a clean house that my husband had worked so hard on. That made me super happy and we were able to spend the evening together on the couch watching our favorite cooking shows. (Your blog makes me smile every time I read it!)
Blue dishes make me happy! Seeing this post made my day!
Warm sunlight on a cool day makes me happy!
My question is: Who eats all the cake/cake balls/cookies/brownies/cupcakes you make?
Both my children and Husband ; )
Coming home to a puppy at the door with tail waggin’ makes me happy!
Awww!!! I was thinking there will be another wedding proposal at the end..
Haha!:D
Baking/cooking/traveling with my boyfriend or just simply hanging out with him makes me happy.
Those awesome cupcakes and the compliments I got for them makes me happy.
Shoe shopping makes me really happy as well.;)
OMG! that cake plate is sooooo awesome! I must have it – it will go great in my tropical inspired house (in the northwest) :)
You did a great job!
Baking sweets and having everyone at work get excited when I bring them in makes me happy! Also being lazy and watching my boyfriends hunting shows on the couch with him makes me happy…because I know that makes him happy!!! :)
Cake really makes me want to do a herkie. But, it has to be really good cake. :)
Kids going back to school one week from today makes me very happy!
Hearts make me happy – every item of jewelry my husband has ever purchased for me is heart shaped. That includes my engagement ring!! So this cake is so fabulous to me :)
My 3 1/2 year old nephew and 13 month old niece make me the happiest. My face hurts from laughing and smiling so much after spending time with them. I love them dearly.
What makes me happy is teaching my niece and nephew how to bake and make chocolates. To see thier eyes light up after they have finshed making a cupcake or goodie. They can see how well they have done. That is happiness….
Seeing my kids playing and laughing together… instead of fighting.
Be with my little angel make me the happiest!!!!
Reading with my children makes me happy. Reading by myself makes me happy. Reading in general makes me happy.
Giving away cupcakes makes me happy :)
Oh and zombies and transformers <3
Being with my boyfriend, doing absolutely nothing, just laying there…but still having the time of our lives. That makes me happy.
Those pink and white hearts are adorable!
Something that makes me happy is my 3 year old niece. She always makes me smile! :)
Smiles…..that is what makes me happy to see those I love with a smile across their face….nothing better!
weekends make me happy, but happy monday anway!
Blue makes me happy too! I don’t know what it is about blue but it soothes my heart and makes it sing. :)
What a great cake! The one pink heart really puts the finishing touch on it.
Getting flowers from my husband at work makes me happy!
Baking!!… If I’m a little cranky my hubby likes to say “would you please go make some cupcakes and cheer up!” :)
I got to see my baby’s heartbeat for the first time on Friday. Happy doesn’t begin to describe it :)
My beautiful niece’s smiling face always makes me happy. But I think cooking & baking are a close second!
Sifting thru the sand at a secret beach looking for beach glass with my best friend. It’s like treasure hunting and I get so happy when I find each tiny jewel.
gerber daisies. They just look so fun, and you can’t help but smile when zee husband brings them home :) I also get so stinkin’ happy when I hear my kids giggle. A little girl giggle is the best sound anyone could hear :)
My dog, all 70 pounds of her, makes me happy! :]
Baking make me happy
Cuddling up in my bed with a latte and watching tv.
Baking with my daughter in the kitchen makes me happy! Oh and just finding out my sister in law is pregnant with her first child on Sunday made me pretty happy too.
Letters from friends!
This stand totally makes me happy!
Sleep. When I sleep, when my 4 week old sleeps, when my 2 yr old sleep. Right now, today, that makes me happy… plus cake…with buttercream frosting…
My girls make me happy. Watching them learn and grow makes me happier than I ever thought possible.
Beautiful pictures like this make me happy! Oh, and eating anything that would closely resemble that amazing cake on that gorgeous cake stand would make me very happy!!
I love the single pink heart!
The smell of fresh cut grass makes me very happy! Even more so if it was cut and then it rained.
Heaven!!
Goodness, I was impressed when i pulled off a 4 layer German Choc. cake. All those layers! Good work, especially for your first try!!!!
Something that makes me happy – well, 2 things. The first day of school and the last day of school.
My favorite color is blue :)
Looking up new recipes to cook :)
baking… baking makes me happy. It makes my friends and family happy too :O)
Sitting down to dinner makes me happy. No matter hoe much time I spent (or didn’t spend) making dinner, there’s always that sense of satisfaction of being able to enjoy my handy work. Ha. Thanks for the chance to win! This plate is gorgeous.
One thing that makes me so happy is a good used book store. I love the smell of old books, and I especially love coming out with a huge stack of books for less than $10!
My 4 month old daughter’s giggles make me happy! And licking the frosting bowl right after making a cake! :)
Sleep makes me happy, especially after frying donuts since 2:00 a.m. :)
Bakerella makes me happy!
When a cake turns out better than I had planned…. and also it’s sweet aroma that fills the room.
Desserts period makes me happy! But my favorite is tiramasu!
When my hubby returns from work and walks in the front door saying, “Honey, I’m home!” Well, he doesn’t always say that but it’s that moment that usually makes me smile!
Sleeping late and reading in bed while it’s raining out makes me happy! And that cake plate would also make me happy!
Dancing makes me happy. And my kids who always make me smile.
My friends make me really happy! And cupcakes!
Baking with my 3 year son. He gets so excited when we are finishe he can’t wait until his dad tastes what we just made.
My 5 month old son’s belly laugh…it is priceless!
Yes, please~ Baking things for my family and friends makes me happy!!
Seriously, all your desserts make me happy. Every time I see one of your posts, I want to make it! :)
Tell me, who gets to eat all your yumminess? Accepting volunteers?
Your yummy blog makes me happy!
Family, Friends and love ake me happy
Lately, learning how to sew is making me very happy!
A lot of things make me happy, but the top 3 are:
1. Going on long walks with my new doggy Sunshine.
2. Baking cupcakes and cakes for others/events.
3. Spending time with my family.
rain storms and hot chocolate make me happy!
Having a maid makes me happy.
My little boy standing at the door waving at his dada coming home makes me happy!
smelling freshed baked cake makes me happy.
My husband makes me happy :)
beautiful cake stand. and i’m in desperate need of one too!
my silly little gal makes me sooooooooo happy! :)
A hug makes me happy. Its really just the simple things in life.
Rainbows!
Making a perfect cake makes me happy!