Most Popular Cake?

I frequently am asked if there is a particular cake which I have requests for time and time again. Unsurprisingly, I think, chocolate cakes are very popular and I am often given the remit of 'chocolate, chocolate & more chocolate'.

In these instances I usually suggest this design of cake. It is eminently adaptable and so can be individualised to each client depending upon their budget and degree of 'chocolateyness' required. The ultimate is to use Belgian chocolate cigarillos around the edge of the cake and this has become a popular choice for wedding cakes; but for occasions with smaller budgets, there are plenty of alternatives available which still give a stunning looking cake. It is also a good design option for cakes for men, who obviously don't want anything frilly & fussy! 

In the picture above the client chose chocolate fingers and crushed flake, but I have seen many different chocolate snack bars used for the edging and it is always effective. The version of this cake that I have done with the biggest 'wow factor' has to be this three tier birthday cake:   

 

The lines on the cafe-curls really add to the impact of the design and are a nice contrast to the concentric circles created by the chocolate balls used for the topping. The chocolate sponges were filled with chocolate ganache to give a really luxurious edge to the mouth-feel of the cake - yum yum! 

Guest Post - How to Make a Cute Coconut Cake

I am very excited today to be hosting my first ever guest post. Damian Wolf  is a part time blogger and online enthusiast. He contributes to many blogs, including cake decorating course Sydney , which is considered as one of the sweetest Australian websites. He has kindly offered to share with us his recipe for a scrummy coconut cake - read on below...

You will be the hit of the party or get together with this fantastically creative and delicious coconut cake recipe. Just about everyone loves coconut, and just about everyone loves cake. When these two favourites collide, it is like tasting a sweet tropical paradise. With its sprinkled coconut icing, this scrumptious desert adds a special touch to any celebration. This coconut cake takes the cake indeed!

Don’t worry if baking is not your specialty. This recipe is foolproof and very easy to follow. First, we will bake the two layers of butter cake and then we will tackle the frosting. Just follow each step and everyone will think you are a true pastry chef.

BUTTER CAKES

Ingredients:
32 tbsp soft butter, or a little over four sticks (450 g)
2 cups sugar (450 g)
4 tsp vanilla extract
6 eggs
4 cups sifted flour (380 g)
1 1/3 cups milk (315 ml)

Directions:

• Pre heat the oven to 175 degrees.

• Prepare two 9 inch round pans with either baking paper or butter.

• Use a hand mixer to beat butter, eggs, sugar and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Be sure to add one egg at a time to best blend the ingredients.

• Add half the milk & flour, and fold into the mix with a rubber spatula.

• Once these ingredients are well blended, fold the rest of the milk and flour into the mix.

• When the cake mix is completely blended, pour it into both cake pans and smooth over the top to make a clean and even top edge.

• Bake for 55 minutes at 175 degrees, using a fork or toothpick to test the center at the end of the 55 minutes.

• If the fork or toothpick has wet cake batter when you pull it out of the cake, continue to bake it for another five minutes.

• Let the two cakes rest outside of the oven for 20 minutes.

ICING

Ingredients:
2 cups sour cream (454 g)
1 ½ cups sugar (338 g)
4 cups shredded coconut (300)

**Adding a few drops of red food coloring will give the cake a fun pink hue that is perfect for a little girl's birthday party.

Directions:
• In a large mixing bowl, gently mix all ingredients together.

• Be sure to wait for at least 20 minutes for the cakes to cool before spreading on the frosting. To be on the safe side, set the two cakes in the fridge for a few minutes to cool.

• It is very important to frost one butter cake at a time. Set one cake on the plate you will serve the cake on. Set the other cake on any plate.

• Frost the cake that will be on the bottom first. Completely cover the cake, adding a thick layer to the top.

• Frost the sides and part of the top of the top layer.

• Using a large cake knife, or flat spatula, gently pick up the top layer of cake and set it down on the bottom layer.

• Frost the top of the cake.

• Top with a birthday candle and keep chilled in the refrigerator.

How to Make Coral for a Novelty Cake

I am decorating a nautically themed cake this week and the great thing about this kind of cake is that you can include loads of little details, which is always good fun. As well as obvious sea-life such as fish, crabs and seaweed, I like to add the impression of a coral reef as I think this sets off the theme beautifully. I used this technique previously when making Emily's Octonauts Cake and it really added something to the impact of the cake. I'm not sure where I picked up the technique (so I unfortunately can't credit anyone), but it's simple and quick and I am sure you will love it!  


So, all you need to make some realistic(ish) looking coral is some royal icing (any colour will do; the more the merrier!) and some grape stalks...yes, you read that right, grape stalks!

Cut the big grape stalk into smaller pieces that you think will look interesting 

Then go to work piping the royal icing onto it - it isn't an exact science so just stick it on there and you can always use a cocktail stick to manipulate it around the 'branches' a little if it's not looking quite to your liking

Once it's covered all over, leave it to dry and then

arrange it with other coloured corals, a bit of sea-life and some weed - voila, a mini-coral reef!

What do you think?

Black & White Cake with a Hint of Purple

This was a very last minute leaving cake for some friends who were leaving the area to start new jobs. As I had free reign with the design, I decided on a different, more simplified, take on a black and white cake. I think the little splash of purple sets it off perfectly - how about you?