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.
Cake makes me happy!
Ice cream. You can turn any of my bad moods around if you offer me ice cream. So happy.
Warm baguettes make me happy. Chili dogs make me happy. Coffee makes me happy. But not all at once.
My very funny 10 year-old son makes me happy!
Reading a good book, and eating chocolate! :)
You know what makes me happy? Finally finding “MY PEOPLE” ! I am new to all of this bloggging. I am living in a new place and have yet to find someone who likes to be the one who goes the extra creative mile. I am so happy that I have found your blog. I look forward to getting the new bits of creativity! I already feel like we are close buddies. That is a good thing since I don’t really know people here in Dunwoody. Keep on creating and baking my soul sister! not only does it bring you joy, but the people you share i yourself with!!
–t
Wine! Is it 5pm yet?
trying new and complicated recipes
My granddaughter makes me happy!
When I have a lot of friends over for a board game day. I love just looking around the room at everyone’s faces.
Also: Sunny weather. I’d love to live in a place without streetlights right outside my window, so I could keep the curtains open and wake up to the sun flooding the room… on the rare occasions THAT happens :D
ops…something that makes me happy!?dream that one day I’ll be able to do a cake like this ;P
tomato avocado sandwiches make me happy. very happy.
When my kids are playing together, laughing, and sharing.
Oh, and cake makes me happy. Especially on a pretty blue cake stand. :^)
my sweet little rabbit Margaret Mae who lives in the corner of my condo makes me happy!
making chocolate cake and chocolate buttercream icing on a tuesday night and having a slice and sharing the rest with neighbours who don’t bake! Then they tell me that was the best cake I made since it was from scratch and I made it by hand!
My Sweet Hunter-man and Maggie-Moe make me oohh so happy! Love the cake! =)
two different colored socks.
candy and cupcakes makes me happy! but that blue stand would me me happier :D
My sweet babies make me happy….and a little chocolate never hurts either! ;)
having my cakes come out of the pan with no effort makes me deliriously happy. That and buttercream icing. :)
My growing baby I’ll get to meet in March makes me happy! :)
My puppies make me happy! (And looking at delicious cakes)
Not having to do the dishes!
very unique – love it!
I love eating cake…it makes me happy :P
The sun reflecting through vintage, colored glass bottles in the kitchen window at my great-grandmothers. So much warmth and color in the kitchen as we sit and eat cookies; enjoying stories of our ancestors.
Baking with my best friend!
Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting makes me extremely happy!
Enjoying a sunny afternoon relaxing with The Mr is my idea of happiness!
I made a cake on Friday and my husband said, “Now you need a nice cake stand.” This one would be PERFECT!!! I wish my cake came out as pretty as yours…. :)
my stuffed bunny Natashia makes me happy. (and no, I am NOT too old for her)
That plate makes me really happy, for one, but also, you writing this blog makes me happy. I attempted a layer cake the other night and it turned out awful. Thanks for the how to and the tips!
Reading Bakerella and then making some yummies in the kitchen especially when its cold outside makes me happy!
What makes me happy is EATING a really delicious moist cake. Especially red velvet… MMMMMMMMMMMM.
That cake stand would make me happy! Or any cake stand… I really need to start buying cake stands… afterall – I make a bunch of cakes! I have a rocket ship cake coming up this week for my son’s 4th birthday – I have 2 boys, and they make me happy (almost) every minute!
Eeee this cake looks so pretty! And the thought of making smores cups on Wednesday makes me happy. :)
Everything Sweet :D
Going for a walk with my 7 year old and having a chance to hear whatever she wants to tell me because she has my undivided attention makes me happy. This would be what I’m doing tonight, so I can hear all about her first day of 2nd grade!
Making my kids birthday cakes makes me happy. I love seeing the excitement on their faces when I bring out their cake!
My 3 week old Theo makes me very happy!!
Spending time with my dad on weekends when I’m home from school makes me happy. :)
One pink heart and dozens of white ones surrounding it make me happy!
When my children are happy, I’m happy!
What makes me happy is folding out the fold-away couch and watching scary movies with my boyfriend. What makes me happier? When I almost die laughing because he hides under the covers when the scary parts come. Hilarious!!!
lovely little blogs like yours make me happy!
Baking for my friends makes me so happy! They’re my guinea pigs to test all my experiments. :)
brightly colored sprinkles and puppies (not together) make me happy!
yesterday I said something something sweetheart to my 2 year old and he looked up and said “Okay sweetheart” it made me smile and laugh and than he said “I funny momma?” It was so cute. Love those moments.
My #1 thing that makes me happy is coloring with jumbo crayons. ^_^
Playing with my husband and our two silly dogs!
My son Max makes me super happy! :)
my family
A good book makes me happy!
When I make something from sratch without any disasters along the way, and the end product is incredible! :)
spending a week (rainy and cold so far) at the beach with my entire family (sister, niece & nephews, mom & dad). life doesn’t get much better :)
We just dropped our daughter off at college for her freshman year. That made me happy (for this new oppportunity and experience for her) and sad (how can my little girl be this old?).
Reading about cake decorating — a hobby I can FINALLY sink my teeth into — makes me happy.
My husband and my kids!
Baking something for someone and watching the smile on their face makes me happy!
my hubby and babies make me happy!!!
most backed goods make me totally happy :)
Coffee on an early (sunny and not too hot) morning when the house is still quiet. Ahhh, I can just picture it now!
My hubby :)
a fresh coat of paint on anything!
I love that cake! My mom used to be a cake decorator. What makes me happy is when she teaches me how to make cakes.
Lovely cakestand!
I think it looks smooth!! You must have a great camera that hides any wrinkles :-D
Spongebob makes me happy!
My husband. My dogs. 9 hours of sleep.
I just love reading your “baking instructions” they’re always so creative and you make me feel like I can make any of these goodies and I don’t have to be perfect. When I read these I feel like we are long time friends and we’re sitting around and having tea and goodies. Thanks for the smiles.
Sherri
Baking for friends and loved ones.
I’d love this for my big annual party coming up
making a birthday cake for a friend’s birthday makes me SO happy. I get to eat cake with friends – what’s better than that?!
Getting to be home with my kids while they are young make me happy. Oh and after a long day spent with those kids, bedtime!
seeing my domed cake plate filled with cookies makes me oh so happy.
Snuggling with my son Landon and talking with my husband who is in Iraq on Skype!
Watching my kids get excited when I pull something out of the oven . . . even if it’s just a package mix of brownies . . . that makes me happy. Almost as much as pulling something yummy out of the oven does! (No, just kidding – my kids excitement makes me happier.)
Today is the first day of school here. My brand new Kindergartner makes me happy. She is the best.
My little brother makes me happy :)
Snuggling on the couch with my husband and puppies!
what makes me happy? Dewdrops on pineneedles. The sound of rain on the roof of a tent. Puppies, puppies, puppies. Good friends and warm Cappucino. And knowing that no matter what storms may blow my way, God is always in control.
Having coffee waiting for me in the morning makes me happy….
Naptime for my three kiddos makes me happy.
Wearing my Bakelove pink T-Shirt makes me happy!
Something that makes me happy will be returning to school to work with children.
My life makes me happy……….especially my kiddos:)
Hitting snooze and climbing under the covers for FIVE more minutes. Aaaah. Love it.
Looking at photos of my almost 11 month old great nephew makes me happy. When new photos aren’t available… listening to music makes me happy.
Cooking for my family makes me happy!
This pretty cake and cake stand make me happy.
my kids make me hapy!
Fresh tomatoes and basil from the garden!
Ice Skating and Baking make me happy! Or is it the look on my kids faces when I tell them they can EAT the creation?? !!!
My bf makes me happy!!!
Baking cookies makes me happy!
I love making galettes! They are so fun and easy to make.
thinking of this cake plate with my sons birthday cake on it makes me happy. how cool would that look. oh i hope i win.
My lil’ ones giggling! ….and chocolate too!!
My kids make me happy….esp cooking for them.
Spending time with my family at the farm.
Eating a cupcake and then ending up with frosting on the tip of my nose makes me happy :)
Golden Girls reruns make me happy. They also make me want cheesecake :-)
Sleeping in on a rainy day makes me happy.
This cake is beautiful!! I love it. I love the cake stand. I love the lone pink heart. Very very cute!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Kelly
doing a random act of kindness makes me happy. And seeing my grandparents…that always puts a smile on my face! :)
A relaxing weekend day at home with my hubby, maybe including good food, a bath, time watching TV or a movie on the couch, and a nap makes me happy. We’ve been traveling for over 2 months straight (like to other continents), which makes me long for time at home!
My 3 year old son makes me happy AND the fact that I have 33 days left before I give birth to a second son. That makes me extra happy!!
My family! Both when we’re hanging out together, and when they go back to school and the house is quiet for a few hours.
As an aspiring pastry chef i am a religious bakerella follower! Something that makes me happy is peace, love, and well cupcakes of course!
Sunflowers make me happy. That’s why I names my cookie business the sunflour shop(where cookies bloom).
Knowing that my husband will be coming through the door soon, and calling me gorgeous. And giving me the best back cracking hug that makes all your headaches go away.
My happiest moments are when I think about my son finding the love of his life and their marriage next March.
Baking and kneading dough and then sitting down with a good book with whatever I just made.
Watching my wee daughter do her “food dance”. She LOVES to eat and when something really strikes her fancy, her whole body shows it!
What makes me happy? The first day of school!
baking makes me happy!
My daughter sleeping in my lap makes me so happy.
McDonalds makes me happy, but thats because I cant cook worth a darn!
These posts make me happy! I am trying to learn how to be a cake decorator…..so reading something like this from someone who is learning how along with me helps! I do have a question, I have no clue where to buy fondant, what brand to use, or what recipe to use, any suggestions?
My kids, grandkids and reading! : )
Reading my favorite food blogs…esp. Bakerella….and Pioneer Woman.
organized closets make me happy
eating the yummy things that my wife bakes with love
Blue makes me happy because my mother collected blue Delft and blue glass and everything blue for her kitchen. Now my daughter has all that Delft and glass and dishes in her blue and white kitchen. She is also an excellent baker (has her own chickens for eggs, even!). This blue cake stand would make her extremely happy, which in turn would make me even happier. Blue is a very happy color!
That cake makes me happy.
Also, my dogs, my boyfriend, baking and reading make me happy.
cake plates make me happy. and so does your cake. it’s amazing! i don’t believe for a second that it’s not perfect. i need therapy after making stacked cakes too. they make me crazy. CRAZY. but, with so many cake plates to choose from, it’s hard to not make more cakes. right?
When something I did for someone makes them smile.
Frozen Yoururt with my grilfriends on a summer night makes me VERY happy!
Getting new ideas for baking and party planning from blogs like yours makes me happy!
And the pretty blue color of the cake stand makes me happy too!
When my husband makes me dinner, that makes me a VERY happy woman!
GORGEOUS cake!!!
Cake always makes me happy! Awesome cake :)
spending time making and decorating a cake for a friend who really apprciates it.
What makes me happy…hmmm…mix tapes…a peaty scotch…the smell of bread (that has risen properly) baking in the oven.
Fantastic job! If this is your first time, you’re amazing!! I think winning the cake plate would make me happy – it’s beautiful, and would cheer up my day!
Eating anything with sugar makes me happy!
The thought of eating that cake makes me happy!
I love spending time with my family and any time I can make someone laugh, even a stranger.
My family and friends make me happy. I love getting together for dinner. I love to cook for everyone but I really love it when I get invited to their houses and I don’t have to lift a finger.
Spending a rainy day under a blanket with a book and a cup of hot chocolate
Driving with my sunroof open on a sunny day makes me happy!
making cakes for and with my children!
Baking yummy treats makes me happy! Eating them does too!
Watching my poodles run makes me happy. They look like fluffy bunnies.
volunteering as a “dog walker” at the Humane Society makes me happy. Those happy wagging tales is enough to put a smile on anyone’s face! :)
My son’s smiling face!!
Fall weather! It’s just now getting cooler outside and it’s amazing!
Spending time with my husband makes me happy :) Beautiful cake work there!
cUpCaKeS!!!
I love this! Cakes make me happy!
That is the most beautiful color blue ever! I would love to win it! Watching other people watch a video I made (and love it!) makes me happy!
What makes me happy is after all the stress of making a cake, and wanting to pull my hair out when it’s crunch time, the person looks at their cake and says, “I love it!”
My little four month old sweet boy smiling at me.
I think we should all take the time to use the things we love more often. New/old cake stands and our wedding china and crystal. If they make you happy then use them, right?
… and a blue cake stand would definitely get used in my house :-)
Coffee and chocolate covered caramels. Happy. MMmmmm
When my 6 month old daughter is having a good day and smiley… That makes me happy. :0)
Just being alive makes me the happiest girl on the planet! Life is truly good and Such a blessing, NO matter what’s going on!
Your cake is beautiful! The blue cake stand is to die for!
All the best to you!
How can that adorable blue cake stand NOT make you happy! So cute!
What makes me happy? Getting post mail! Not e-mail, but actual mail, especially when it’s a present!
I just started to feel my baby kicking yesterday, that makes me really happy!
OMG – your book makes me happy – I have requsted it from my kids for my birthday (which is this weekend, by the way)
Would love to have this beautiful cake stand to go a long with it!
Watching my kids goof off together!
Oooh how adorable is that!!! LOVE it. I also love the single pink heart idea. Totally what I would do :)
Baking makes me happy. No matter how crappy a day I’m having when I get home and bake it all goes away!
Spending time with good friends, usually over good food and a cup of coffee.
Something that makes me happy: Sunday morning, hot coffee, cuddly cat, and a good book!
cooking and baking with my now 6-year old daughter. (Her birthday was last Friday, the 20th)
Eating chocolate with family and friends makes me happy!!!
My Family makes me happy! :)
blue makes me happy, too! especially when it’s blueberries:)
Lately baking for my husband and spending time with my dogs has been making me happy
Watching my two girls laughing their hearts out. Best thing in the world. =D
Oooo! Cake makes me happy :)
Coffee flavored ice cream mmmm
It would make me happy to see the smiles on my kids faces when I make a cake and put it on this beautiful blue cake stand!
Riding bikes in the rain!
The wind in my face makes me happy…don’t ask me why!
My children’s smiles make me happy! Lemme tell ya that ANTS don’t make me happy (they have invaded my house today, ugggh!)
Kisses from my daughter and husband make me happy….a big slice of chocolate cake is a close second :0)
The thought of that beautiful blue stand sitting on my counter with a carrot cake on it makes me VERY happy!
Clean, folded laundry makes me happy.
Being with the people who care about me most is was makes me happy. Oh, and a good, gooey brownie =)
quiet mornings make me happy :)
Seeing my children playing easily, happily and with their imaginations. That’s the best way to make me happy.
Cake. And video games. And books.
I love your heart cake…really…really like it….
What makes me happy is a little songbird sharing my patio with me in the morning.
AHHH! I love cake plates, every color, every height. That blue is to die for.
cake makes me happy, camping makes me happy, smiles make me happy, Christmas makes me happy . . . . Oh just one thing?
My daughter who is two makes me really happy!!
I love bright colors! They always make me happy/cheer up :D I love the bright pink and blue additions to this cake. It definitely makes the cake look absolutely wonderful.
Napping! :)
This cake makes me happy! I want to make one just like it!
Watching Mad Men makes me soo very happy.
Cool cake stand – fingers crossed!
My Family!
Baking makes me very, very happy!
seeing that one pink heart made me happy. so cute.
Hearing my children laughing with each other in the other room. Knowing that when they are laughing, they do not have a care or concern in the world and that all is good. That’s what makes me happy.
blue makes me happy too! my house is accented in blue :)
baking also makes me happy!
Riding my bike makes me happy <3
Receiving flowers makes me happy &&doing silly little things for others make me happy. =]
Cupcakes make me super happy :)
My husband and my son playing cars on the floor… makes me happy! :)