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.
guinea pigs and scottie dogs turquoise book shelves, dancing children good deeds, and of course delicious baked goods.
love the one pink flower!
Watching my 4 year old son learn something new and get so excited about it really makes me happy. Today he learned how to replace the toilet paper in the holder which makes me VERY happy!
Finally having my baby’s furniture put together for her arrival at the end of September.
What makes me happy? BAKING with my little girl!
The bulk candy bins at Wegmans make me happy!
Feeling my first little baby kick inside of me makes me happy and giddy with excitement!
My first morning cup of sweet, creamy coffee makes me happy!
my kids- especially when they’re getting along and not fighting….
Ooo this is so pretty! I LOVE the single pink heart. I need to translate this look into cupcakes! :) LOVE IT!
What makes me happy? Cupcakes & true love.
Definitely cupcakes! Pretty decorated ones… =)
baking with my 4 yr old son…he LOVES it, & so do I!!!
A thoroughly clean kitchen makes me happy. New shelf liners, organized cabinets, and sparkling surfaces.
I LOVE THIS PLATE!!!!
cooking with my niece and nephew – i have never seen two kids get more excited to put on their aprons and help.
Spending time with my husband makes happy!
Making cakes for my family and friends makes me happy. I like the look on their face when they see it. :)
Hugging and kissing my grandson Kyle!!!!!!
Riding in the car and singing at the top of my lungs with my sister.
Knowing that an hour or so after I get home from the gym, my best friend will be at my house and I can meet my new little niece! That makes me very happy!
The old tradition of baking Christmas cookies with my sister and remembering when I baked with my Mom.
What makes me happy is coming home after a long day at work and getting to see my husband, but winning this would make me happy too!!
Baking cupcakes and nice surprises make me happy :)
omg this looks so cute
ummm give me a cup of coffe and a good book,..thats all u need to make me happy,..
Blue sky & sunshine
Simply adorable!
“Blue as the sky, blue as the sea, blue as in that cake pan I want to use it, PLEASE!!!!” ~Christina W. Milwaukee, WI
11:30 makes me happy today…that is when my baby gets out of kindergarten after his first day away from me EVER.
I love the cake stand, and look forward to your posts each week. I love the sound of my little grandson’s laugh.
Knitting makes me happy. :-)
My girlies make me happy especially when the three of use bake together. However, I just have to look at what we make sitting on my blue hobnail glass cake plate and that makes me happy too!
I just wanted to comment on the lovely cake, it’s so very pretty !!! (oh and plse don’t enter me in the giveaway since I live in Europe and shipping would be too much)
talking and laughing with my family
This website makes me happy!! After discovering it (oh…about 3 days ago) I know what I want to do with my life! My mother and I have put into plan to start our own party planning/sweet confections company! THIS truly makes me (and my mother) happy!! :)
Cake and shopping makes me happy!
Yellow and green makes happy! That is the color of my kitchen. I love this blue cake stand, though, I can see why you would need to buy two!
Thank you!
Eating cake makes me happy!!!! Or cookies. I had three chocolate chip cookies with my coffee this morning =O
what makes me happy: drinking tea with a good cake
Wow! I think your cake looks great. My daughter makes me happy and I love baking her gluten free cakes. I’d love to win this beautiful stand. That would make me happy, too!
I teach first grade, so starting a new school year makes me happy!
Reading the paper in the morning and not rushing to work!
My son makes me happy!! I love to bake treats for him, and I find this stand ADORABLE!! :)
Baking makes me happy!
I want one! That single pink heart makes me happy!
Payday!!!
polka dots, my children, and my kitchen!
Baking makes me happy!
My husband makes me happy!
Coffee.
Rainbows.
Pink Tulips.
My husband…(nuff said)
My boys
warm socks
icee’s
they all make me happy!
You always have great ideas!!!!!!!
Chocolate makes me happy =)
My daughter makes me very happy when I hear her giggle. Best thing in the world next to the kisses and hugs she gives. :)
Sunflowers make me happy.
Planning my little sisters wedding makes me happy!
Reading your blog makes me happy!
Having a bad day at work then coming home getting on the computer to unwind and looking at your posts to see all the wonderful creations and someone who truly loves what they are doing is what makes me happy! Thanks for the outlet.
watching my kids play when they don’t know i can see them makes me happy.
Football season starting makes me HAPPY! Go Bucks!
Your website makes me HAPPY!
Baking for other people! Nothing makes me happier than sweetening someone’s day with a cupcake or cookie.
chillaxin’ at home
A relationship with God through Jesus Christ gives me joy….as well as my beautiful family!…and sewing, running, reading, singing, etc…
Movie night with my hubby and 3 children! Oh and Nutella~yum :-D
Bakerella and all your ideas makes me happy… sharing with my family everything, makes me happy… my dog Canela (Cinnamon) wagging her tail which in turns makes her shake her booty more than Shakira, makes me happy!!!
Simply lovely!! What makes me happy? Watching my kids wake up to a new day while the dog wags his tail and licks their faces. Adorable!
What makes me happy? My husband and cupcakes!
Good health… great children.. I am blessed and HAPPY!
My family makes me happy….and cake.
My kids make me happy. They make me crazy- but they make me happy. LOL And that cake is Beautiful!!
BAKERELLA makes me happy! I love to bake, but you inspire me to try new things. Just this past week I attemped piped icing on cupcakes, and piped royal icing on cookies for the first time, and they came out great. happy, happy HAPPY!
Glad I’m not the only messy baker! Your cake is adorable…nicely done! My puppy Bonnie definitely makes me happy! She’s a goofball! :)
My sweet husband and baking makes me happy :)
This cake is beautiful! Disney World with my kids makes me super happy!!
Reminiscing about our son, Markus. He is a senior in high school. My husband and I have been re-living these past 17 years of pure bliss. What a fantastic kid he is! He of course makes me happy, but to stroll down memory land these days. .. This is what makes me happy.
A large piece of cake and a cup of coffee…
Watching my husband and daughter play “Princess”. My husband always has to be the ugly stepsister and I think he secretly loves it.
Being at home with my husband.
So many things make me happy! My husband and son. Going to thrift stores. Volunteering at the food bank. The smell of old books. Vintage cameras. The entire house smelling like my baking. Hula hoops. My best friends. Good music. Cupcakes. Soft t-shirts. Belly laughter. (I guess I’m a happy person!) :D
Books!!
Chocolate makes me SO happy :)
My wonderful boyfriend makes me happy!
Planning my little sisters wedding is what makes me happy!
Aspiring to make such cute treats as Bakerella makes me happy! I can always find great ideas on your site.
well, cake makes me happy! :)
I just woke up for the longest work week ever. Right now, going back to sleep would make me very happy.
Peach Muffins from Honey Dew Donuts make me happy.
I love that pink heart! Just looking as if it would be saying, “Look at me!”. What makes me happy is giving back to my community. There are people in need all around and helping to make a difference in their lives puts a smile on my face! :)
My son’s smile. :-)
Making beautiful cakes and seeing my grandsons smiling with my creation makes me HAPPY! It makes everything worthwhile!
Lazy Sunday’s home with my husband make me happy.
my twins!!! Almost 4 and about ready to start kindergarten in 2 weeks! My daughter loves baking and that makes me happy. She chooses and then she helps measure, stir and then loves to watch things rise in the oven. And of course, she always gets the first taste as she’s head baker! I am HAPPY to be at home with them and enjoy special moments like this.
smiles make me happy. I guess that’s kind of obvious, but it’s true.
Baking!! My mother recently passed away due to Breast Cancer & I am taking all that she taught me & putting it into a small business. Nothing ever made me feel closer to my mom than being w/ her in her kitchen.
baking!
Winning stuff makes me happy.
Everything my two-year old daughter…especially her pure heart and the love and joy she has for everything, like decorating cakes with Mommy!
Girls night out!!!
Spending time with my husband makes me happy. We’ve had some hard times lately, but it’s nice to know that no matter what I have him.
enjoying good health makes me the happiest!!
& a little dark chocolate!
thanks for including me in this giveaway!
Raindrops on……wait, no, that’s someone else.
Lots of things make me happy – really amazing food (I flirt with it if it’s good enough.), books about wizards and dragons and such, getting to work a fire all day long, but what really makes me happy is my girlfriend, Meg. Sappy, I know, but she makes me smile all the time – even just thinking about her. See, I’m smiling right now.
Fishs Eddy makes me happy! I love wandering around their store in NYC – so many toys…so little money. :)
It makes me happy to read that I’m not the only one who can’t make a perfect fondant-covered-cake just like that! (and has to be a bit creative to cover all the flaws) :)
Watching my granddaughter playing in my jewelry box trying on rings, earrings and necklaces and humming “my oh my, this is beautiful”.
The smell of butter and vanilla baking makes me happy :)
Btw…that site you got the cake stand from is trouble! Too many cute things to count!
WOW…what a cute cake, I love the simple look, whatever the reason, and the single pink heart. Would make a great wedding cake!
Going for a walk with my boyfriend to take our puppy to the dog park makes me happy :)
Pink Makes me Happy but I love this cake stand and the cake with the single pink heart – its the small things in life, that makes life worth living :)
Cupcakes make me happy. And sleep. And my son. =)
Reading makes me happy!
Kisses from my sweet puppy make me happy!
having my whole family together, just to hang out!
cool, rainy days make me happy.
This cake plate makes me very happy!! Just broke my good one :(
Oh my goodness, those cake stands are gorgeous. And that cake looks AMAZING. Well done!
What makes me happy is those little moments where I realize that I’m finally starting to like myself – after years of self-loathing it feels very freeing.
My family.
Making others smile makes me happy.
Then there is always a cupcake-that works too!
Hope.
Snuggling with my daughter, eating a cupcake and giggling with her makes me happy.
Spending time with my sisters and my friends makes me happy. Baking for them is a plus ;)
getting my roots done!
a beautiful sunshine makes me happy
potluck dinners make me happy. :)
Baking makes me happy…but also, taking care of my sick mommy makes me happy, not because she’s sick, but because I can do that for her :)
warm summer rain
Seeing my co-workers smile when I bring in my latest cake creation :0)
My new pooch makes me happy :).
I love being in my bed. That’s always been my favorite spot. I have the best bed in the world. When I have a crummy day, I just crawl into it and doze off or read. Then I’m very happy,
my husband & 3 girls make me deleriously happy. or maybe it’s just delerious. :p
My kids butt cracks…always peeking out of their pants. My middle guys missing tooth, the youngest and all of his naughtiness. The non perfectness of Mommyhood.. That is what makes me happiest!
A sleeping baby makes me happy :)
My kids make me happy!
Bakerella recipes!!!
Baking cupcakes makes me pretty happy:)
Here’s 2: being outside camping with my family. When a cake is done and I step back and can’t believe I did that :)
cake, of course! and reuniting with my husband after a trip. your cake is lovely! thanks for the chance at the gorgeous stand :)
My sweet boys make me happy….them and fresh homemade salsa and an ice cold Coke zero at 7 AM. Those both make me extremely happy right now. Winning this cakestand would make me even MORE happy ;) Thanks for the chance!
winning makes me happy
i’ve never won anything
Making cupcakes makes me happy :)
Anchors make me happy (a look back at my sorority days, I suppose). Your posts also make me happy…and now I want to make this cake with anchors instead of heart cut-outs. That would be REALLY happy.
Thinking about my upcoming vacation (in two weeks!) makes me extremely happy!
What makes me truly happy is LOVE and cuddling and laughing with my husband! and snuggling with my little 6lb puppy Magie Moo. oh, and a really amazing piece of a bigm did I say BIG?, chocolate layer cake. Just sayin’…it’s pretty great!!!!
Cupcakes make me happy!! I love baking and decorating them. Cupcakes have basically taken over!
I love your cake design. The single pink heart is brilliant!!
My daughter makes me happy.
All the different ways my husband shows how much he loves me.
A clean house, a good book & a few hours to enjoy them both.
Walking in to my daughter’s room in the morning and being greeted by a huge smile makes me happy. A fresh new scented candle makes me happy. The smell outside after a fresh rain makes me happy.
Oh, I love the blue. It would good perfect in my kitchen. I will be trying this cake, also!!
Love the cake – it’s so delicate and cute!!!
What makes me happy? Family nap time on Saturday afternoon; it’s so peaceful.
Finding bakerella makes me happy! I LOVE this site/blog! So creative and I’m not even a “baker” I prefer cooking but you make me want to bake! Oh an my favorite color is blue!
Spending time with my kids!!! Seeing them laugh, smile and love each other.
running!
My kids going back to school tomorrow makes me happy :)
Baking with my daughter makes me happy!!
Eating delicious food with friends….or a sunny day!
My sweet little girl laughing and baking makes me super happy.
My kids’ laughter makes me happy =)
Love it!!! I hope I win ;)
Cuddling with my kids make me happy.
my 8 month old twin boys make me happy. when they are both laughing i’m in heaven. also, ice cream for breakfast makes me pretty darn happy too :) i love this blue cake stand! it’s super cute!
love the cake! great job! what makes me happy? laying in bed with my husband, baby daughter, and two doggies. oh and food also makes me happy lol
When my kids wake up early, they sneak in my room, whisper if they can cuddle with me, and turn on the tv quietly to watch while I nap and they hold my hand… so sweet.
First of all, I think your cake turned out fantastic. The pink heart really sets it off.
What makes me happy is (of course hanging out with my son,) and baking. I am starting Cake Decorating classes in September, because like you, I want to learn to make the flowers and bows. I can’t wait!
Health and great people!
Drinking coffee with creamer early in the morning at my parent’s house makes me happy. I don’t get a chance to go home enough (my husband is in the military, so we stationed far away). My parents live on 30 acres of wooden land on a river. Nothing is more peaceful than drinking coffee early in the morning, watching the woods wake up. :)
Your cake makes me happy . . . it’s pretty darn cute!
that cake stand is adorable! it would match my kitchen beautifully! and yes, cake stacking and fondant are tough but they make such pretty cakes!
Sunday afternoons make me happy.
Holding my 8 week old daughter and watching her smile in her sleep
Spending time with my loving family…enjoying their company along with a freshly baked treat!!!!
Riding my motorcycle makes me very happy….
Love the cake stand! Cooking in the kitchen with my son makes me happy!
the fall – some of the trees are starting to change colors here and it’s lovely!
Baking with my two little boys! (and eating what we’ve baked, of course :)
What makes me happy? – Watching my Corgi dogs walk – their little behinds (with no tails) wiggle with anticipation!
Oh, and eating freshly baked pie crust crackers (left over from a peach pie baking) – I love the custs and it makes me happy that I can eat them all – myself – without sharing!
Baking makes me happy
Laughing with friends, over a great dinner and thought-provoking conversation.
Many things :) Enjoying the last few weeks of undistracted time with my son before his sister comes (having a hard time you can love 2 as much as you can love 1!) Looking forward to meeting our little girl…A long overdue family weekend. Pretty much, just being in love with my family.
Love the pink heart! Perfect!!
Snuggling on the couch after a hard (or easy) day at work with my husband makes me happy. It’s sharing the little things of life with someone you love that is so special.
Hearing my children laughing & playing.
Chocolate also makes me smile too ;)
My kids and husband make me happy!! But so would that cake stand!! LOVE IT!!
my baby makes me happy :)
My sweet little boys make me happy! They love when mommy bakes! :)
This is just beautiful!! Excellent job!
And what makes me happy? I took the kids (ages 2 and 4) to a pool party yesterday. It was their first time ever to go swimming (crazy tubes in their ears forever!). They were so happy, that made me happy!
The first sip of coffee out of a mug of *good* coffee:)
That cake is gorgeous, blue stand or not! Do you let your family eat these beautiful creations?! The stand is lovely too! Thanks for sharing!
Baking on a beautiful sunny Saturday morning makes me happy! With the early-morning sun beaming into the kitchen. :D
Cake makes me happy :)
You did a fabulous job– don’t get discouraged with fondant coverings. It’s a little tricky, and practice makes perfect!
Adorable!!! I love it!!
Deanna
I’m the happiest when I’m making special cakes for the special people in my life. Made son’s wedding cake, Daughter in laws Baby shower cake and grandson’s 1st birthday smash cake. Love getting you emails and seeing what you have done for the week. Your my inspiration. Thank you
Cupcakes make me happy!!
baking and looking at all of your creations!
Having found Bakerella makes me happy.
Chocolate makes me happy !
Spending time with friends makes me happy.
Doing something about things instead of crying over them makes me happy!
sooo cute
Petting my new fuzzy little kittens makes me super happy! :)
very cute. I have some pie plates in that same colour!
Baking makes me happy! Yesterday I worked 9 hours, but still came home to bake because it’s one of my favorite things to do, and always makes me happy.
A lot of things make me happy! But especially miniatures and beautiful cakes!
My four-year-old daughter helping me make cakes makes me happy. :)