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.
Getting a great deal or just getting something for FREE makes me over the moon, hit a home run kind of happy!
Cupcakes make me soooo happy!
So excited about your upcoming book! Love your site!
Something that makes me happy… Fresh Chocolate Sheet Cake!! Trying to resist the urge to make some right now :)
The cake with the one pink heart makes ME happy!
Cake stands make me very very happy!!!!
My children make me happy!
I love the one pink heart!
Love the blue….it looks vintage! Making my 1 year old laugh makes me sooo happy!
Cupcakes and Sparkly Luster dust makes me happy! :) ;)
Your website makes me HAPPY. I love looking at all your fabulous ideas. I received from a friend and I now keep on sharing with others. I love how you show pictures with your instructions, plus when others ask questions you QUICKLY reply back. You seem to be a simple, lovely woman. Thank you!
Cake makes me happy…..and shoes! And I guess my husband… :)
Mondays make me happy :)
Curling up with a blanket, a book, and a chai latte on a rainy day makes me happy!
testing new recipes make me happy.. :-) btw, your cake is gorgeous!
Eeek!! It’s my birthday and ohmigosh it would be so awesome to get this! :D
I’m such a sucker for blue.. and it’d be a peeerrrfect “something blue to include in my wedding on October 16!
but foreal though.. t’would be amazing!
My husband makes me extremely happy!
A clean house makes me happy! Thanks for the giveaway!
Today was the first day of school and reacquainting with all my friends was so fun, I was really happy to see them all again.
hiking makes me happy : )
Seeing my husband enjoy our new puppy makes me happy!
I love the blue & white combo, especially with the hint of pink. That would be a precious baby nursery without being to girlie!
Being with my family!
you make me happy bakerella! every day i can’t wait to look at your site for new creative ideas of supercute things. like this cake stand. cute, cute, cute.
Date nights with my husband.
A sunny day with fresh flowers, makes me happy !
It is beautiful!!! I love the bright pink heart! It says so much with so little!
Now all you need is a cake plate in every color so you could have a rainbow of tiered cakes. That would make me VERY happy!
Baking and decorating things make me tremendously happy! Reading is a close second…
spending all day on the couch reading makes me happy. also when I decide to make cake pops, when I’m all done with them, that makes me happy.
this blog makes me happy :)
Have a clean house makes me happy!
A Dr. Pepper first thing in the morning when it burns my throat going down! Ahhhh….
Having a cake I make turn out like I picture it in my head makes me happy. However, before I get to the happy part there is usually a lot of screaming, cursing, and ruined cake. Buuut when its finally finished, it makes all the hard work so much more satisfying :)
babies and little kids laughing make me happy.
Traveling makes me happy! Oh… and that blue stand does too! Love it!!
when i suddenly realize i actually love my job, even if its not what i ever pictured myself doing, that makes me happy. i like that life comes with surprises and I am capable of surprising myself! I love it actually…
the smell of fall :)
I just got back from my cousin’s wedding in Iowa and was able to see all of my cousins. I haven’t seen most of them in 5 years when I joined the Army. Also I was able to introduce my fiance to them all. Absolutely had a blast!
My daughter just started 1st grade, kindergarden was done w/ homeschool and so now I found a whole new thing that make me oh so happy!
When I pull up to the school and my daughter is getting her bag together and then when she spins around, hair flying around, and the moment she sees me, her eyes brighten,she grins a super shiny smile, and waves at me franticly! this is my new joy! atleast till she becomes embarrased of me! lol!!! :D
Colored glass makes me happy!
My dog makes me happy!
What makes me happy is the smell of cinammon-sugar biscotti baking in the oven. The smell is heavenly!
My precious grandbabies make me happy:)
I want itt!!!!! its beautiful!! you are great!
Spending time with my husband and miniature weiner dogs, Weiner Dog and Sophie.
Trying to convince friends to let me make their wedding cake makes me happy, because I have to bake samples! I’m SO baking this one next….
My fluffy kitten named Muffin makes me happy. Her and chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.
I absolutely love that pink heart amid all of the white. The colour just pops. Beautiful.
Your blog always makes me happy! Love the cake!
It makes me chuckle that you criticize yourself so severely, and your cakes always turn out fabulous. Baking is definitely my happy place.
My family makes me ecstatic! I love them all so much! I really like your website too! Thank you.
Chocolate, video games and sewing! Also all the delicious creations you post. Thank you!
winning a cake stand would make me very happy!
Looking at your cake makes me very happy! Love your style! xoxo!
My family, all the way.
SHOES!
seeing how happy the sweet things I bake make other people and days off work!
Reading your posts makes me happy!
Sneeeeeakin’ in with an entry. I’ve been swamped with the start of school, so I didn’t see it until now… so maybe you’ll feel sorry for this ol’ teacher? Hee hee. If not, eh, I tried! :)
Walking out of a party supply store with balloons in my hand. There’s something so happy about a bright colored balloon on a string.
Oh my goodness,winning that beautiful blue cakestand would make me very happy! As blue as the sky. Robins egg blue. I would put a big stack of while cupcakes on them, and take a picture, and send it to you.
My family makes me happy, but a close tie with CHOCOLATE….very close….. :)
This cake makes me happy!! I’m not sure I would have the patience to do all of that but think I might be willing to give it a try! Beautiful!
Taking naps makes me happy :)
baking cakes, rolling fondant, and cutting fondant stick ons makes me happy. Even cleaning the mess of making your own fondant makes me happy because the end result is wonderful
As an elementary school teacher, something that makes me happy is recess time. :)
Also, my baking hobby makes me happy……and last, but not least, your blog. :)
my new puppies make me happy!
Oh… now I (kind of) want to try this, but I’m scared it will come out awful.
Jadeite makes me happy. I have a cake stand just like this one in jadeite, and this one would make a perfect “mate”. :)
My lil punks laughter! It just brightens up my mood!
OMG!! How cute i love the cake… I have always been a crafter and it make me happy.. but a true passion i am learning i HONESTLY LOVE is photography.. I’ve been doing it for a few months and it seriously so fun! :)
I love eating! Especially cake!
Cooking something for my husband.
its a 1/6000 chance, but who knows? :) someone’s gotta win, right? for the record, that stand is gorgeous and would make me so happy. fingers crossed!!!
Sweet kisses from my 2 yr old daughter…………..well, that and chocolate, of course! ;0)
I love this! Red velvet with cream cheese frosting and a good book make me happy!
Putting my boys to bed and tucking them in makes me happy
One thing that makes me happy.. hmm…
the very initial moment a puppy sees you. they become so overwhelmed with happiness that it is contagious. a puppy is always happy to see you, so you cannot help but return that pure, innocent joy at first site <3
My cats make me happy. Just a little while ago I was resting on the bed and two of them were sleeping next to me. It was very comforting.
I love it so much!! Could totally see it in my kitchen.
Ohhhhh, blue is my favorite color!!!!
Seeing all the fun, new gadgets on your site makes me happy!
Baking for my fiancee and others makes me happy : D
My 3 grandchildren…precious, just precious!!
Breakfast, cupcakes, a new book and an afternoon free to read would make me the happiest ever.
Happy? Feeding cake or cupcakes to my three grandchildren! I made a tiered, fondant covered “Princess Cake ” for my grand daughter’s 5th birthday last weekend. So I can really relate to your post! Love the cake plate…
My family makes me very happy. I love do anything with them.
hearing my kids sing “rise and shine and give God the glory, glory” as they walk to my room!
The smell of something sweet baking in the oven makes me happy.
what a lovely stand! I want it :)
Eating makes me happy! Never fails!
Many things makes me happy. My family, my pets, my boyfriend, nature, and cute things. All these make me smile. (:
My dogs make me laugh at least once a day. And a good cup of hot chocolate in the winter makes me happy!
finish school. make and happy and being blessed evrey day i wake up to see my kids make me sooooo happy
the smell of a rain storm on its way!
Food, family and floss!
Being able to sleep in on many mornings!!
Fresh sheets on the bed
Watching my husband with our girls makes me happy…that and chocolate! :-)
Baking makes me HAPPYYYY
My sleeping kitties, my husband laughing with his brother, a clean kitchen, fresh-baked anything…
Candy Clay makes me happy! It’s such a great fondant alternative that is both taste and budget friendly in the kitchen. =)
Living in the US for 5 months makes me really happy!
I like it ’cause it just looks like something my grandma would’ve liked. She liked bright colors and fun things and that’s what this reminds me of. Good Times.
Singing makes me happy! I spent the weekend with my church choir, and it was just lovely.
Besides my wonderful hubby and 2 cute little girls… baking!! I love the feeling of baking something so yummy that everyone talks about!!!!
Checking what is new on Bakerella, after a crazy day at work. Getting ideas for my next baking day.
What a gorgeous cakestand (and cake!). I love it when my clock-radio goes off in the morning and a good song is playing. It makes me happy for the rest of the day.
Knitting cute little gifts and giving them to the people i love. Oh ya, and baking of course!
What makes me happy is my supportive husband, who puts up with my constant research and practice of Cupcake and cake recipes BEFORE I launch my @ home/delivery “Sweets” business….. :) :)
I love snuggling with my puppies and watching romantic comedies on a dreary day. It always makes me happy.
Trying new recipes (and tasting, of course) makes me happy!
My kids, and eating chocolate things make me happy. :) And I LOVE that cake stand!
Cake plate make me happy, and i need a blue one to add to my collection!
Sugar makes me happy! Period!
What a great cake…I love the blue plate and the single pink heart!
Watching my girls sleep makes me happy. They look so innocent and peacful!
i love staying indoors in pjs when it rains
What makes me happy is baking! :) Funny, I just did my first fondant covered cake this year. It turned out less than great, but this plate makes me want to keep trying.
If you had a hard time in this I don’t know what will happen to me that I haven’t baked much in my life or did anything remotely relative to cake baking and decorating. Big project to make a topsy turvy for my daughters baptism party. I don’t even know what kind of cakes are used. :D Beautiful stand though. Should think about that after I make the cake.
Baking makes me happy. Especially if I do it with my son.
Sitting in a nice comfty couch with my hubby and a foamy cup of capucchino.
Happiness to me is seeing others enjoy the treats I make!
Watching my kids playing nicely together makes me very happy. But making and decorating cakes makes me very happy too!
I am happy when sitting and talking with friends and family.
Birthday cake ice cream by Publix makes me happy. :)
Fall coming…I just love the cooler temps and all the fall colors :) Can you tell I’m ready for summer to be over?!!
Love your cake…great job :)
God makes me happy :)
trying to squeeze in under the wire!! great cake!
it makes me really happy when you put up a new post!! love all your treats!
Shopping for school supplies makes me happy!
Is it cliche to say baking makes me happy? Because it does! I made your Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops for my own birthday cake and everyone loved them =] I used marshmallow fondant instead of dipping them in chocolate for 2/3rd of them because one of my friends can’t have dairy. Not as pretty as yours but I still love them!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs115.ash2/39066_459738210350_678725350_6727753_1316153_n.jpg
Cake and Ice Cream makes me Happy!
seeing my friends when we come together for mini reunions :o)
Coming home to see my fiancee everyday!
my family and my new baby sister make me sooo happy!
also, the thought of potential makes me happy.
Cupcakes and all star cheerleading make me happy ! Along with my chubby chihuahua !
My daughter, Presley, makes me happier than anything in the world. I love being a mom!
blue plates make me happy!!!…..but most of all my kids make me happy when they are of course in a good mood
Cupcakes make me happy :)
seeing my friends eyes light up when they bite into my baked goods – it really is truly rewarding to see someone else enjoy something you made with your own two hands.
I had no desire to stack cakes and use fondant and now I do! You’re awesome!
vampire diaries! :)
and all types of sweets.
eating cake always makes me happy ;-)
Your blog makes me happy! (and also sweets in general)
When my daughter blows me kisses it makes me more than happy…. I think it makes me whole!
Shopping makes me happy :)
Right now I am happy with everything except Biology class :)
OH THIS IS SO CUTE! I am going to use this for my reception!
Having my laundry done and the house clean makes me happy.
Cooking a delicious meal for the people I love! Nothing makes me happier then to fill the bellies of my friends and family!
When my daughter hugs me and tells me she loves me and I’m the best mom in the world.
What makes me happy is that twinkle my kids get in their eyes when they are so happy their smile can’t contain it :0)
Oh my goodness…blue cake stands make me happy!! :) And, my special “last day” spent with my special kindergartner before tomorrow changes everything!
I love the cake!
Blue is my favorite color! My mantra is: If you are going to be blue– be a really bright blue!
Love it. My kids love my mistakes whe were talking about the baking kind.
Holding my newborn baby makes me happy. :)
Baking makes me happy!
Good job, btw.
Chocolate and reading, preferably together.
I love the single heart. Very cute. A good cup of coffee and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies make me happy…
Family
I’m expecting twins this spring :) That definitely makes me happy :)
Selling 6 cheerleader bows today makes me happy! :) Yay for my business’ first biggish order. :)
What a great sit, my wife loves this site and I love to eat what she makes from it.
Hot cocoa on winter nights makes me happy.
Knowing that as busy as summer was we enjoyed it all!!
OK, i live in France and i dont know if im too late ( different time zone) but here goes:
My friends, Japanese fashion, summer, cupcakes, lollies…( i could go oooonnnn and oooooon) make me happy.
Trust, friendship, Love from my little girl and hubby, and impressing people with cake pops I learn how to do from your site ;)
My family makes me happy! :)
I love to bake for people…it doesn’t matter what I bake it always brings a smile to someones face when you give them a homemade treat….it’s easy to be happy when you make other people happy.
puppies and babies make me happy
Love the cake stand!
What makes me happpy right now? The 48 yards of happy fabric I recently purchased to update our new-old 1985 motor home. (Actually, the cake stand would look great with the fabric!)
new floors at my house – and if I win, that will make me happy too :)
Checking on my sleeping children makes me happy. They look so angelic and I feel so lucky to be their mom!!!!
my fiance!
a fresh, new book
Hearing my 5 month old son giggle make me happy! =)
I made chocolate pudding today, and that makes me happy. So does getting a job!
The blue cake stand makes me smile :) and happy :)
aaauuughhh!! I have 5 minutes! I love that cakestand! I collect them!!
Cake makes me happy! (and my family..) :)
What a beautiful cake stand! Thanks for the opportunity to win it!
Oh my gosh that is so cute!
Eating cake makes me super happy :)
Just looking at your beautiful cake full of hearts makes me happy! and blue is my favorite color!
What makes me truly happy is laying in bed and looking over to see my wonderful husband asleep, it makes my heart pitter patter and puts a smile on my face. Nothing makes me happier than this.
The fact that I had a dream the other night about an Easy Bake oven pickup truck called Bakerella and that led me back to your site makes me happy. That color blue is amazing too!
Have not ventured into the world of fondant yet, a little intimidated. It looks great!!!!
Baking definitely makes me happy!
3 things: riding the train with my hubby after work makes me happy…coming home to my dog makes me happy…and Disney vacations make me happy.
Baking and sharing the goods makes me happy. Lately I have been into cupcakes and visited Sprinkles (Chicago).
The big news I found out this weekend makes me very very happy!!!!
Chocolate!!!
Must I choose just one? First off, that cake makes me way Haaapppppyyyyy!!! But most of all, being here at home with my little family of 4 – me, DH, and our 2 labrapuppies make me the happiest girlie of all.
Chocolate cake makes me happy!
Friday nights make me happy because I know I can sleep in the next day. :)
Creating new things makes me happy!! :0
I’m on a soft pretzel kick, they make me happy. And cupcakes always make me happy!
In right at the deadline. Many things make me happy but the most is my family. I love them with all I have. I love cooking, baking and just being the mommy!~
My kids make me happy.
Blue thrills me!
seeing my kids smile at me and tell me they love me makes me happy! and chocolate of course!