Ingredients
1 batch Good Quality Buttercream
1 package Fondant or Gumpaste
various Food Coloring Gels
1 set Piping Bags & Tips
1 set Offset Spatulas
1 Cake Scraper/Smoother
1 Turntable
various Sprinkles & Edible Glitters
various Edible Flowers/Toppers
1 set Paintbrushes (food-safe)
Instructions
- Bake and Chill Your Cake: Ensure cake layers are completely cooled. Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight to prevent crumbling
- Level and Stack: Trim cake layers flat. Apply a thin layer of buttercream to the cake board, then stack layers with your chosen filling, ensuring a stable, tall foundatio
- Crumb Coat: Apply a very thin layer of buttercream over the entire cake to trap crumbs. Chill for 15-20 minutes until firm
- Apply Final Frosting: Once the crumb coat is firm, apply a generous, even layer of buttercream or ganache. Use an offset spatula and cake scraper with a turntable to achieve smooth sides and sharp edges
- Execute Your Chosen Design Elements: Apply specific design details. This includes piping patterns with colored buttercreams, draping and smoothing fondant, creating textures with spatulas, or painting/stenciling with edible colors
- Add Embellishments: Finish with decorative touches like edible flowers, sprinkles, glitter, or personalized toppers
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the finished cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and decorations before serving
Notes
Always work with a well-chilled cake for easier handling and sharper edges.
Invest in quality tools like a cake turntable, offset spatulas, and piping tips to elevate your decorating.
Practice piping techniques on parchment paper before applying to the cake to build confidence.
Control buttercream temperature: chill if too soft, warm gently if too stiff.
Prepare colored buttercreams and fondant decorations ahead of time to streamline the decorating process.
Embrace flexibility: use alternatives like Swiss meringue buttercream, ganache, sugar flowers, or silk florals if preferred.
Experiment with color variations (ombré, color blocking) and sprinkle effects (rain, focal points).
Simplify intricate designs for beginners by using larger piping tips or basic swirls.
Store decorated cakes in an airtight carrier in the refrigerator for 3-5 days; freeze for 2-3 months by wrapping tightly.
Bring refrigerated cakes to room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 120 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Not Specified
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 275mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg