Cake Class 1

Ok ladies! Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to learn how to decorate cakes! Im a nerd like that. Well, Im super excited about this! Im currently taking a cake decorating class from the amaza-za-zing Shaelyn! She is one of a kind (and a wonderful mother-in-law!) and has MANY talents... but the talent that she is sharing with us today is how to decorate a cake! Yumm! She has done many a cake in her day and is incredible! From weddings, birthdays, showers and every day occasions she has made beautiful creations to bless the lives of others! NOW, she is teaching us!

Tools: Cake leveler, Fondant smoother, Straight spatula, Wheel cutter, Non-stick rolling pin, Silicone fondant work mat, Food color paste, cookie cutters, Ingredients for frostings (see below)

So our first order of business!

Make a cake and frosting!

I just used a chocolate store bought cake. Bake it according to directions, let it cool and then wrap in plastic wrap and let sit over night. It helps the cake not to be so crumbly. Little did I know, chocolate crumbles the most, but owell. I worked with it. Next, the frosting... for inside the cake.

BUTTERCREAM RECIPE:

1 C Crisco

1 tsp clear butter flavor

1 tsp vanilla flavor

1 tsp salt

Mix well with hand mixer, medium setting

Add

2lbs powdered sugar (all at once)

1/2 C milk

start mixing slowly, gradually increasing the speed until high

It’s fondant making time! You will need:

1 pkg Mini Marshmallows

2 Tbs Water

2 lbs Powdered Sugar

(or you can just go buy your own fondant... this recipe tastes much better tho!)

If it’s not very pliable, stick it in the microwave for a few seconds until workable

Round cakes are easier to apply fondant so you may want to start out with a round the first time.

If you have any questions, or would like to share your creations let me know! Now go practice! Happy baking! Oh, and here’s some tips for you about working with fondant. Muah!

TIPS:

*Tip: Rolled fondant is versatile. It can be tinted, flavored, modeled, formed, twisted, imprinted, and shaped into numerous of decorative pieces.

*Tip: Before applying fondant, a "sticky" surface should be applied to the cake which will help the fondant adhere to it. Many spread a thin layer of buttercream before laying out the fondant.

*Tip: When using rolled fondant to make decorations from, roll it to 1/4-inch thick. Either place them flat on greased (use shortening) wax paper or over forms to dry for 24 to 36 hours. Use royal icing to adhere fondant pieces to a rolled fondant iced cake and for the fine decorating commonly used on wedding cakes.

*Tip: The cake to be covered with rolled fondant must be cooled completely, preferably 24 hours, covered. This will tighten the crumbs and make the cake more solid.

*Tip: Fondant dries quickly, so while working with it, always keep excess well-wrapped in plastic, as well as the parts on the cake you are not working on.

*Tip: Once wrapped, unrolled fondant keeps for 1 to 2 months at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze. If it gets too hard, put it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften; it will be easier to knead.

*Tip: To smooth out the fondant once it is put on the cake, use cornstarch on your hands to smooth out the fondant.

*Tip: If tiny cracks appear in the surface of the fondant, knead it a little - the warmth from the kneading or pressure from the rolling pin will make it smooth and satiny. Do not use water to smooth out cracks - water dissolves fondant as it is mostly sugar. Instead, use a bit of shortening on your fingertips to repair small tears.

*Tip: Cracking can also be caused if your fondant is rolled too thick. Fondant is heavy and if not rolled thin enough (1/4-inch thick is usually best) the excess can pull the fondant from the top of the cake causing it to crack.

*Tip: To cover a crack, try rubbing a little of the same Fondant over the crack in a circular motion, then using a smother or your hands to rub it in.

*Tip: Try to work with fondant in a cool room and on a cool surface. A warm room may make the fondant too soft and difficult to work with.