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.
Oh that’s an easy question. Reading this blog makes me happy every day :)
Ah! Beautiful! I hoped you’d get into making tiered cakes, as I’ve always wanted to see what your take on them would be.
…so that’s what makes me happy – that you showed me how to make a tiered cake! :)
A nice glass of wine or a red velvet cupcake makes me happy!!! ;)~
Aw thanks for the cake stacking help! I will be trying this soon, for sure. My hubbie makes me happy, it’s just us two and I ? him :)
My husband and my baby makes me happy.
What makes me happy – when I can actually clean frost one of the cakes I make!! I can decorate with the best of them but that crumble coat done evenly and neatly and them that clean coat of frosting done perfectly id SO hard – so I am happy when I get it to go well!
dogs make me happy :)
The impending end of summer. Cooler weather, less children under foot.
cupcakes make me REALLY happy. i want one now… :) I love the blue on that cake plate!!
My family makes me happy.
Hi, I don’t even know if I’m eligible (all the way from Israel) but what makes me happy is knowing that tomorrow the sun will rise again, a new day will begin and what I started yesterday and worked on today can be finished tomorrow.
Thanks for being such a wonderful inspiration!
Read a good book on a rainy day…
So many thing make me happy… a new nail polish… a clean house… and BAKING! Just to name a few :)
i just love your website and am anxiously awaiting the arrival of your book!! You are a cake pop, cake crafting genious!! Keep up the great work and I just can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
That single pink heart makes me happy!
hot chocolate with mini marshmallows and cuddling with my weiner dog makes me happy!! :)
baking makes me hapy^^
Crisp autumn air and fall colors make me happy
My true happiness comes from my relationship with our Great and Awesome Creator God.
Bubbles and cotton candy make me happy!
spending time with family and friends :] ?
This beautiful blue cake stand makes me happy. I love how fresh and fun the color is!
when my son falls asleep with his head tucked by my neck and i can smell him :-)
photography makes me happy :)
Going out to dinner with friends and family.
Amazing cake! Winter makes me happy :)
A good morning facelick from my puppy.
Inspiring blogs that make me want to get off my butt and do something creative and fun!
Watching my babies grow up health & happy, makes me happy!!!
This cake makes me happy. That’s for sure- the one pink heart reminds me of how one person can stand out from the whole bunch for just having a heart. It makes me happy to share a slice of cake and a cup of tea with a good friend. I wish I could do that daily.
Wow, that cake stand would make me happy – it’s gorgeous!
Spending time with my family makes me happy.
I love being home with my kids, seeing beautiful cakes and painting.
Just a little comment about using straws for stacking a cake. The baker that did my sister’s wedding cake used straws and the morning of the wedding, the cake toppled to the floor. Dowls are a much better choice.
We had a great in town grocery store bakery that came through with a replacement- that was a very happy moment. :)
Good book, roaring fire and glass of dry red wine!
that is gorgeous!! Three things that make me happy are:
Color, ruffles and cake stands. I love them, but can never afford them, but that cake stand is amazing!
Cake makes me happy. Mainly eating it, that is. But I love making it too. Whenever there’s a meeting at work I don’t want to go to, or I’m bummed, or feeling blah, cake makes it all better. Especially a light chocolate layer cake, with whipped cream frosting, and maybe some fresh banana filling. I can eat cake anytime. I’ve also been looking for a cake stand with some personality FOREVER! They’re surprisingly harder to find than I thought.
I love you Bakerella!
My family makes me happy.
My wonderful & energetic puppy makes me happy!! :o)
cupcakes.
What an adorable cake plate! Playing with my son makes me happy. He’s a rowdy little 2 year old! :)
cool days that feel like fall make me happy! My kids make me happy! School and football season make me happy! Pretty serving platter, cake stands, and big beautiful bowls make me happy!
Awww blue is my new favorite color! Love this cakestand!
This cake is beautiful being a cake decorated myself I think you did a fabulous job, and the place is beautiful!!
Food makes me happy! =)
trying out a new baking feat, failing miserably and eating the “mistake.”
My crazy puppy make me happy and keeps me laughing!
Small, silly things usually make me the happiest! Like the other day when I went into CVS to get some shampoo and the Halloween candy was already out! Two bags of candy corn for me! Hurrah!
Cupcakes make me happy!
Adorable cake pan!! What makes me happy is peeking around the corner and seeing my children playing nicely together. Unfortunatly….they’re not doing it right now!
“Armchair baking” while reading this blog, makes me happy.
Doing it while knitting makes me even happier!
Keep up the good work so the rest of us can keep on baking vicariously.
!-)
Eating Cupcakes and my children make me happy!
So cute! Summertime & hanging out with my family makes me HaPpY!!
…when my kids are playing together, without arguing, without my interference.
watching my kids laugh as they play outside TOGETHER lol!!
New recipes, dessert inspiration, and successful baking makes me happy.
Ohh!! I love it, so pretty!!!
When my daughter giggles!
What makes me happy? Listening to my husband playing with my kids.
Watching Wipeout with my kids makes me happy. I maybe should be embarrassed to admit this.
Everything makes me HAPPY!
I work at a seniors lodge, and you gotta be happy!
Ohhhh…cake stands…especially beautiful, blue cake stands. They make me very happy!!
uncontrollable laughter with my 2 yr old son makes me happy!
My kids makes me happy !!!
My happiness comes from My new short haircut. Huzzah!
Talking to my brother in Iraq :)
Wow! I love it!
On most days, my husband :-)
Making cupcakes with swirls of icing on top on top, my dog, watching good eats on food network to inspire me to cook, getting on websites like yours to also enspire me to bake, eating bacon, and laughing with my friends thats what makes me happy!!! :)
~Sarah age 12
Watching my 10 year old stepson stand up and be heard in church with no fear makes me happy.
My three boys make me happy :)
My husband and children.
When my teenager or tween tells me they love me or give me a random hug.
the blue is soooo pretty! and i only have one cake stand (white)… pick me pls! :D
Decorating Cookies makes me happy!
I LOVE THIS CAKE STAND! YOU ARE SO, SO TALENTED!!
Tea, fresh eggs, and cheese.
Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies
I would love to win this. Love love love the color!
Autumn makes me happy!
The smell right before its about to rain *** which usually means a day of baking is ahead!
People eating the things I bake makes me happy.
Watching my baby girl sleeping…she’s 19 and when I see her sleeping I think of her as a toddler….awww cuddly-times!
Knowing I have two tickets to the Dave Matthews concert this weekend!
my puppy J.R. makes me UBER happy!
Knowing that my 28week Glucose Tolerance Test is over and that I could eat about 3 pieces of that cake before the results of the test even come back. . . that makes me HAPPY! ; )
i love ALL of your creations…you make everything (at least for me) easy to make, with your pictures and instructions…YOU make me happy :)
snuggling my baby girl makes me happy. and cupcakes. and the thought of one day baking cupcakes with her!
This cake plate is sooo cute! I have definitely been inspired by you to do more creative baking.
I’m happy when I am snuggled up in bed, with the cool breeze from the window tickling my face, in clean sheets and rubbing my smooth just-shaved legs. The only problem is: in the morning, my legs probably wont be smooth anymore :).
Reading a good book on a rainy day. Perfect!
Haaaarrryyyy Potter. That makes my life a thousand times better!
Spending time in the kitchen with my twin sister (who’s also my best friend) while we listen to music and dance around as we bake and cook together. So much fun! Def makes me happy! =)
I think you did a faboo job on your cake! Way better than I could do. And the cake stand is so lovely, I think I shall buy one if I don’t win anyway. Thanks for sharing everything you do!
A hug of my boyfriend makes me happy!
My husband and my cats make me happy!
My kids giggling and playing happily together makes me happy!
My dog, Abby.
standing in front of a display case of cake decorating supplies – sprinkles, glitter, rainbow frosting, pearls, ahhhh
Baked goods that look like they belong in a cartoon make me happy…like this one you’ve made here!
watching my 9 month old try to walk…
I love baking…just like you! Whenever I’m stressed or nervous I just bake something (anything) and I’m instantly happy! I’ve been this way since I was a kid!
Laughing with my daughter who will be leaving soon for another year of college..
Kisses from my bf make me happy! Lovin’ is always the best!
My gorgeous, grown-up children!
Making yummy cookies and cakes; growing vegetables and making them into tasty chutneys, for my friends and family make me happy. And reading American baking blogs…
Diet Coke makes me happy!
My daughter’s smile and ice cream : ) And seeing a new post on your site!
Playing in mud makes me happy ;-)
My husband makes me soooo happy!
Anything kitchen related makes me happy.
my cats!
Too cute! I want to be able to make high cakes too :)
Cute!
Chips and Salsa, served up with Dr Pepper. That makes me happy.
my kitty cats make me happy! not so much when their fur gets into my baking…
i always need more lessons in cake decorating! Your cake looks beautiful!
Swiss Meringue Buttercream frosting makes me happy ;)
lOVE the cakestand. and you are too hard on yourself – i’d buy that cake as a wedding cake any day!
Seeing my family. Im a 15 hour drive from the closest family and about 23 hour drive to most of them. I dont get to see them very often but when I do its awesome
There are a couple things. Chocolate. My kids. And Chocolate.
:)
when my son (he’s two yrs) tells me he wants to cuddle … that makes me so happy!! :)
Coming home and seeing my corgi sitting at the front window waiting for me. it melts my heart.
Gorgeous desserts that taste better than they look make me happy!
So with the zillions of comments, you probably won’t get a chance to read this one, but anyway… I like to use bubble tea straws in place of dowels, for tiers less than about 8″ or 10″ tall anyway. They’re thicker and more sturdy than regular drinking straws, and much easier to cut than dowels. Only available at Asian markets (very cheap!) or online, though.
Good luck with other awesome cake stacking adventures, your first one looks great! (Just check out Cakecentral.com if you don’t believe me. Yeah, there’s some professional stuff on there, but I find a lot of what not to do too.)
Checking into what is new with The Pioneer Woman makes me happy!
sweets and family
My dog makes me very happy!
long naps make me happy!
The way my son looks very serious when the Star Wars theme plays.
When people enjoy my baking is what makes me happy :) I only got into baking recently and I think, after 16 years, I’ve found my talent :D
Spending time with my family.
I love that, all of it. The cake is beautiful. what makes me happy, grandkids. baking cupcakes with grandkids is always great.
Eating peanut butter fudge makes me extremely happy… especially at 9 months pregnant!!!!
Hearing my 2 daughters (1 & 2 year old) laugh & play together… Music to my ears.. Can’t cherish them enough.. that’s what makes me happy.
What makes me happy? My daughter, Lily, giving me spontaneous hugs….or telling me she loves me without me having to ask her!
Sharing my wonderful creations with friends and family and watching them enjoy eating it all as much as I enjoy making it all :)
My kids make me happy.
Being in a clean house makes me happy….even better is when I am the one who didn’t clean it!!!!
My toes in the sand at the beach makes me happy.
trying new decorating techniques on cakes with a great way to display it makes me happy!
the thought of wearing scarves and baking pumpkin doughnuts and drinking spiced cider with loved ones as summer turns to fall makes me very happy!
Summer time makes me happy!!
Quilting makes me happy, along with homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Delicious ooey gooey chocolate cake makes me happy!
My 9-month-old’s laugh makes me happy, even on the worst of days.
Banana bread…
That my daughter still wants to hold my hand whenever we go anywhere even walking into the 2nd grade this morning.
my lil’ dog Zeke
Spending time with my extended (but close-knit) family always makes me happy!
i want one!
Baking with my kids! Most find it stressful, me however I find it relaxing!
Beautiful Cake!
Worship music makes me happy!
dark chocolate and my kids napping
Seeing my kids accomplish new things is one of the things thats makes me happy!
Seeing my kids accomplish new things is one of the things thats makes me happy!
Simple and elegant!
Bakerella makes me happy! The step-by-step instructions and the “you don’t have to be a professional” tone makes me feel like I could attempt some of these projects. (And for the record, I love the way fondant cakes look but I will never, ever perfect the art of working with it. And I’m okay with this.)
i LOVE cake stands!!!
That single pink heart make me happy!
Spending time with my family
My husband makes me happy.
Reading and drinking coffee while listening to the rain outside.
NOTHING MAKES MKES ME HAPPIER THAN MY 2 YEAR OLD SAYING SHE “WANTS TO HOLD ME!”
Photography and my family (not in that order!) make me happy@ By the way, I think your cake is awesome!
My son makes me happy :)
The random dances my two-year-old son comes up with. He’ll be playing toys and all of a sudden he’ll bust a move! It’s adorable and no matter the mood I’m in the dances always bring a smile to my face! : )
Big hugs from my kids, a good book, laughing with friends, and a perfectly balanced, sweet-but-not-too-sweet buttercream icing.
What a beautiful cake! My dog makes me so so happy.
Red velvet cheesecake makes me happy.
What a lovely plate! Baking for loved ones makes me happy! (Recently made 400 cake balls with my niece for a church function – phew!)
My family… but also this cute blue stand!!!
Saturday afternoon naps make me really happy, cuddled on the couch with my boyfriend and cat. Also getting new things to bake or decorate with!
My two dogs, Henry and Oliver. They make me smile every day. I love a cute cupcake, too :)
We just bought our new home…that’s something makes me happy!
i LOVE it, it`s so pretty, great job on stacking those cakes =)
That cake! With it’s one little pink heart.
watching my children experience new things and having fun while doing it makes me happy
my 4 year old..he is my world.
Going overboard on everything makes me sooo happy. I hate simple. Nothing is ever simple with me.
hugging my husband :) and crafting makes me happy!
My husband and kids playing
Relaxing at the lake with friends.
Blue also makes me happy, it is my team color!
I totally want the cake stand….can you throw the cake in too?!?!?
I love it! The cake stand would go perfect with the bridal shower I am throwing for my sister and that would make me happy ;O)
I know it sounds cliche, but my hubby and my two little kids make me happy… what can I say??? Thanks for sharing… even if I don’t win
My bouncy greetings from my little puppy every time he sees me.
My husband and children. <3 them!
All of the great ideas on this website make me happy! This heart cake is beautiful.
My husband and Popsicles make me happy. We celebrated 3 months as a married couple yesterday. :-)
When my sweet boyfriend brings me dessert because he knows it makes me happy! Even when I tell him not to, he still brings it becasue he know’s I can’t pass it up! :)
listening to my kiddos giggle uncontrollably!
I recently made my first wedding cake. Now I have an additional wedding cake to make as well as two birthday cakes!! Needless to say….it makes me happy.
My kids greeting my husband when he comes home from work. It is the sweetest thing and I know it makes him feel so loved!
Your site makes me happy! I love it!
I love cake! :)
Snuggling on the couch with my hubby, watching a movie and eating a sweet treat. and also my pup warming my feet.
This blue cake stand makes me happy!
My awesome husband makes me HAPPY! Today is our anniversary. After 4 years, 2 kids and the military, he is still my best friend and makes me happy in every way. (Oh! and chocolate makes me happy too)
P.S. I looked up the plate on the website, I like the name Bonnie Blue very Clark Gable ;-)
Love the cake, super cute :)
Planning holidays always makes me happy and a bit giddy, and obviously baking! Love it!
xx
I am about to go on my favorite vacation which mostly involves things that make me happy: hiking, hanging with friends, eating mexican food and watching movies!