Solution Graphics
Loading...
Help me choose PCD's 2010 Featured Cake of the Year. Review the cakes below then choose your favorite in the poll.  All cakes were taken from my Featured Decorator Post of 2010.

2010 Featured Cake of the Year



A Tier Above

Pink Cake Box

Carrie Sellman Cakes

Cake Fiction

Patty Cakes

Confetti Cakes

Lulu Cake Boutique

Jackie's Cake Boutique
Read more »

In Labels: , , , on .


Well it probably isn't a new trick but it definitely new to me and I feel silly for not thinking of this sooner.  If you've ever stacked buttercream covered cakes like the one here, you know how easy it is to put fingerprints and smudges in your beautifully iced cake.  After years of this issue, it finally occurred to me that frozen buttercream smudges a whole lot less then chilled or room temperature buttercream.  I mean think about it, isn't that the whole idea behind the frozen buttercream transfer?

I start by icing the upper tiers first.  If we call the bottom tier, tier 1, I will cover tiers 2, 3, 4...etc. in that order.  As each tier is covered I place it in the freezer.  Once all the tiers are freezing I ice the bottom tier, dowel it and start stacking.  The cakes have only been in the freezer long enough to harden the icing for a moment so you will need to work fast.  And this doesn't mean you can hold the cake like you would a fondant covered cake because your warm hands will leave some kind of mark but, if you do need to touch the cake you won't leave a huge hole in your icing. 

Here are some other links to help you stack a cake...

Video Tutorial: Stacking Cakes
Video Tutorial: Using Dowels
Recipe: Buttercream Icing
Tutorial: Icing a Cake w/the Viva Paper Towel Method
Read more »

In Labels: , on .

Marshmallow fondant (MMF) is easy to make but can be tricky to work with when used for more than covering cakes.  As you may know, you can put your MMF in the microwave for a few seconds if it is too hard to knead.  This is an easy fix to the problem but, after it is rolled out it will stretch and change shape easily...not ideal for decorating.  To combat this problem I simply let the fondant sit for a few minutes after it is rolled out.  Once it cools down, it is less likely to stretch.  I also try to microwave the MMF just long enough to make it workable.  I let the kneading soften it further so that it is ready to decorate with from the start.
Read more »

In Labels: , , , on .

We have a very talented PCD fan out there.  Thank you again Reham for sharing your cakes with us.  Here are a few more great cakes...









Want to have your cakes featured on PCD?  E-mail your cakes to photos@pieceofcakedecorating.com and you could be next!
Read more »

In Labels: , on .


In this guide you will learn how to make a cake look like an Adidas shoe however, you are not limited to this type of shoe.  By learning the general techniques used, you can apply them to any style sneaker or shoe you like.

To make this cake you will need...

2 cakes from a small oval cake pan
cardboard cake board shaped like a shoe
1 batch of buttercream icing (white and green)
1/2 batch of  marshmallow fondant
gumpaste quilting tool
pizza cutter
decorator's brush & water
tips #1, #2, #3, and #102

















Directions:

Step 1

Use a template to cut your cardboard cake board in the shape of a shoe.




To use this picture as a template, follow these steps.
1. Right click on the picture and select "copy image."
2. Open Paint or Microsoft Word on your computer and paste it on the page.  You can do this by clicking on your work area with the mouse and then pressing CTRL-V.  You can also choose the "paste" option under the "edit" tab at the top.
3.  Re-size your photo to suite your needs.








Step 2

1 day in advance, level, tort, and fill your cakes.  Once you are finished, use your shoe shaped cake board to cut a shoe shape.

***Important*** You must now freeze your cake.  You might be able to get away with a few hours of freezing but for best results, I recommend freezing over night.  This will give you more control when you carve your cake in the next step.

Step 3

You are now ready to carve your cake.  This shoe has a gradual slope from the top of the shoe to the toe.  To get the right proportions, I started at the toe.  Once I was happy with the shape and thickness, I gradually carved up.  By taking a little off at a time I gave myself more control and lessened the risk of taking off too much cake.

Step 4

Once I was happy with the slope of the shoe I rounded off the edges.  Then, using a small spoon, I scooped out a circle to help give the appearance that the shoe was empty.  Here are a few pictures to help give you visualize the shape you are going for.


Step 5

If you are finding that your cake is very delicate you may want to freeze it again for at least a few hours otherwise you are ready to ice your cake.

Step 6

Cover your cake with fondant.  Be careful with the top of the shoe, it may tear.

Step 7

You are ready to work on the details.  Here is the first picture again so you don't have to scroll up and down.


For best results, complete the details in this order.  Unless otherwise stated, all cutting was done with a pizza cutter and attached with a decorator's brush and water..

  1.  Roll out your fondant and cut a small strip to go around the top of the shoe.
  2. Roll out your fondant and cut out the tongue.  I drew the shape on a piece of paper first to make sure I got the right size, then I used it as a template and cut the shape out with an Exact-o Knife.  Use a small ball of napkin to hold the tongue up until it firms up in the fridge.
  3. Cut two strips to run down the slope of the shoe.  The end of each strip should be cut on opposite angles as in the picture.  After attaching it to the cake, make 6 small holes on each strip for the laces.
  4. Roll out your fondant again and cut a very long strip to go around the bottom of the shoe.
  5. Using the gumpaste quilting tool, add the stitching details to the shoe.  This included the ridges on the toe of the shoe.
  6. With tip #102 and dark green icing, pipe the stripes on the sides of the shoe.
  7. With tip #1 and dark green icing, pipe the Adidas symbol on the tongue of the shoe.
  8. Using tip #2 and dark green icing, pipe the green details on the back of the shoe (sorry I don't have a picture)
  9. Using tip #1 and white icing, pipe the Adidas symbol on the green details you just added.
  10. Using tip #3, pipe your laces.

That should do it.  Another option is to use fondant for the all of the details.  I chose to use buttercream because I feel I work faster with it.  A third option is to use royal icing.  Once your details harden, you won't risk smudging your work.

If you found this tutorial helpful and want to share your cake with us, e-mail a picture to photos@pieceofcakedecorating.com.
    Read more »

    In Labels: , , on .





    This photo comes from a PCD reader.  Thank you Reham for sharing your cake with us.  I love this idea and your cake came out great!  Keep the photos coming!





    Want to share your cake with Piece of Cake Decorating?  E-mail pictures to photos@pieceofcakedecorating.com and you could be next!
    Read more »

    In Labels: , , , on .

    My next featured decorator comes all the way from Ontario, Canada.  Karey-Anne Large is the owner of the cake shop Kake Kreations.  You would not know it by looking at her cakes, but Karey only does this part time and, compared to most decorators, has minimal experience.  It is obvious that her work comes from a natural talent.  Here are just a few of my favorites so make sure you see the rest on the Kake Kreations website!




    This cake, and the next, remind me of my friend Donna's wedding.  Pictures on the beach...
















    ...and married by the water.  I love the sails.  I'm taking notes on this one!
















    Sticking with the water theme one more time...I know a few little girls that would love this cake.















    Maybe it's the colors, the design, or both but this cake is my favorite.















    Gorgeous!

















    The apples were an interesting touch and give a great pop of color.











    Thank you again Karey-Anne for sharing your cakes with us.  Your website is a definite must see!
    Read more »

    In Labels: , , , on .

    SweetArt Cakes is a licensed home bakery located in Stoddard, NH. Owner, Karen, takes pride in making specialty cakes for all occasions. Each cake is uniquely designed for the recipient. Be sure to check out the rest of Karen's work on the SweetArt Cakes website.

    Here are some of my favorites...






    I love the flowers on this cake!
















    I really like non-traditional cakes and I think this idea is a lot of fun.











    These sugar bottles are very impressive!














    The flowers here are fantastic...happy holidays!











    Thank you again Karen for sharing your cakes with us!  I hope you all check out the Sweet Art Cakes website to see what else she has to offer!
    Read more »

    In Labels: , , , on .

    Custom Cake Guides

    Having trouble finding instructions on how to decorate a cake? We can help. For a small $5 fee and our money back guarantee we will create a custom cake guide. Your guide will include step-by-step instructions and sketches when needed. Just simply click the "add to cart" button below and be sure to leave your e-mail address at the checkout. Once we have been notified of your purchase, we will e-mail you about your request. Please be prepared to respond with a detailed description and/or a picture of your request. If we are unable to help you for any reason, we will issue a full refund. We look forward to creating a guide for you. And remember, if you ever have a question about anything on our site, you can e-mail us at kseals@pieceofcakedecorating.com.