Cake Making & Baking Group

[Arlandria]

HI everyone, I'm hoping to make a cake for Jacobs first birthday -that part I'm fine with, it's the fondant icing I'm not so sure about - I've never used it before so plan a trial run first. Can you offer me any tips and advice on working with this and also where can I get the little cutters for decorating it with stars and such like? Also how far in advance of the big day can I make and decorate the cake?

You can buy some fondant (aka sugarpaste/ready-to-roll icing) from supermarkets or online aswell as the cutters (see first page of this thread for address')

I usually use loads of icing sugar as 'dusting' to stop the fondant sticking to kitchen surface & rolling pins etc. I knead the amount I need roll out and I keep turning to also prevent from sticking. After Ive got the right thickness (for covering a cake you need quite a big piece and for decorations not so much!)

I cover the cake in buttercream first as this helps to smooth it out (crum coating) and after its set in the fridge I cover then decorate.

Best place for demo's is you tube hun X Hope this makes sense!

 

[craftymum]

Thanks Cassandra, sorry maybe I'm being a bit dim but do you mean you cover the cake in a layer of buttercream then put it in the fridge before putting the fondant on? Is it best to do a one layer cake or a sandwich?

 

[Arlandria]

Thanks Cassandra, sorry maybe I'm being a bit dim but do you mean you cover the cake in a layer of buttercream then put it in the fridge before putting the fondant on? Is it best to do a one layer cake or a sandwich?

Yeah, what I normally do is:

Bake my sponge
Let it cool down completely
Cut in half and put jam inbetween layers
Cut into shape (if needed)
Put on cake board and cover in buttercream to crumb coat
Let it set in the fridge
Roll out fondant
Cover
Decorate

Its usually advised not to put your cake in the fridge if its got fondant on as it may go tacky/sticky from condensating.

I try and do my cakes as close to the event as possible but if needed you can do a sponge cake and it should last about 5 days. Try not to let it get warm though in the kitchen etc

Anything else - we're all here to help! Good luck x

 

[craftymum]

thank you Cassandra, I'm hoping to do a little practice cake in the next couple of weeks and it's hubby's birthday in September so I will hopefully get plenty of practice

 

[KrisKitten]

Im preparing for my uncles birthday cake today, unlike normal i actually DO have a clue what im doing
He likes drumming and supports arsenal so there's my inspiration
His birthdays next week so im making the drum it today
Also i want to make a cake for my dad and stepmum to congratulate them as shes pregnant xxx

 

[Jo]

Cass your cupcakes look fab

 

[Glitterfairy]

Super cute cupcakes Cass.Love them...very pretty and girly

 

[Arlandria]

Thank you!

Well she only wanted 12 and I did enough for 16 (just in case!) and me and OH have just polished the extra 4 - oh they were so yummy! I filled them with jam also and YUM YUM YUM!!

 

[Georgie90]

has anyone got a giant cupcake tin they can lend me?

I will pay postage to and back

 

[KrisKitten]

mmm cassandra they look and sound lovely nom x

 

[Whoppy-pop]

Gorgeous cupcakes Cassandra, I bet your friend was thrilled with them!

 

[MrsBandEgglet]

Just come across this thread and now my diet has gone to poo! lol These cakes are amazing, you ladies are soooo talented
I was wondering, does anybody make cakes to order for a reasonable price? I know it's a way off but in case my gran can't do it I was looking at a back-up plan for my LO's first birthday. I'd like a Mr Man cake, preferably Mr Tickle but I know it could be quite hard. I thought about a medium sized cake of Mr Tickle and then about 12 cupcakes with different Mr Men characters on them. Is this a bit ambitious, would I have to go to a specialist place? My gran is very good at making cakes and I know she'd love to do it but I'm worried this 'specification' may be a bit too much for her xx

 

[Tsia]

See these!!!!!

Took lots of love and care to make>

https://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s51/tsia977/Image0781.jpg https://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s51/tsia977/Image0782.jpg

ABSOLUTELY GUTTED TODAY!

TOOK THESE LOVELY CUPCAKES I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON TO A LITTLE GIRLS FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY TODAY.. AND SOME DICKHEAD PULLED OUT INFRONT OF ME AT A ROUNDABOUT CAUSING ME TO SLAM THE BRAKES ON.. THEY WERE RUINED! ended up being crumb & blob cakes!!! I had spent ages on them!!!
feckin old dithering idiot who shouldnt be on the road!!

has anyone got a giant cupcake tin they can lend me?

I will pay postage to and back

I have a silicone one. I got it on ebay only £7. by the time you paid postage you may as well buy one. lol
when do you need it for? I have bought mine for Mylos christening/joint first birthday party on the 15th August and am practicing but after that date I can send it if you like. or do you need one sooner?
like I said, ebay are good

 

[Georgie90]

I need it for the 31st? Is it any good hun? Ill have to look on ebay?xx

 

[Arlandria]

See these!!!!!

Took lots of love and care to make>

https://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s51/tsia977/Image0781.jpg https://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s51/tsia977/Image0782.jpg

ABSOLUTELY GUTTED TODAY!

TOOK THESE LOVELY CUPCAKES I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON TO A LITTLE GIRLS FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY TODAY.. AND SOME DICKHEAD PULLED OUT INFRONT OF ME AT A ROUNDABOUT CAUSING ME TO SLAM THE BRAKES ON.. THEY WERE RUINED! ended up being crumb & blob cakes!!! I had spent ages on them!!!
feckin old dithering idiot who shouldnt be on the road!!

has anyone got a giant cupcake tin they can lend me?

I will pay postage to and back

I have a silicone one. I got it on ebay only £7. by the time you paid postage you may as well buy one. lol
when do you need it for? I have bought mine for Mylos christening/joint first birthday party on the 15th August and am practicing but after that date I can send it if you like. or do you need one sooner?
like I said, ebay are good

Aw you poor thing! They look lovely too xx

 

[Arlandria]

Just come across this thread and now my diet has gone to poo! lol These cakes are amazing, you ladies are soooo talented
I was wondering, does anybody make cakes to order for a reasonable price? I know it's a way off but in case my gran can't do it I was looking at a back-up plan for my LO's first birthday. I'd like a Mr Man cake, preferably Mr Tickle but I know it could be quite hard. I thought about a medium sized cake of Mr Tickle and then about 12 cupcakes with different Mr Men characters on them. Is this a bit ambitious, would I have to go to a specialist place? My gran is very good at making cakes and I know she'd love to do it but I'm worried this 'specification' may be a bit too much for her xx

Whens your LO 1? Feb?? Jac I *think* said she was going to start delivering but wasnt sure when...

And theres the rest of the lovely ladies who come here are excellent cake makers but dunno if they deliver etc..

Would you not want to have a stab at it yourself? You've got a few months to practice, and I'm sure we'll all help with tips and advice!

xx

 

[Whoppy-pop]

OMG I'd have been livid! What a crying shame x

 

[MrsBandEgglet]

Just come across this thread and now my diet has gone to poo! lol These cakes are amazing, you ladies are soooo talented
I was wondering, does anybody make cakes to order for a reasonable price? I know it's a way off but in case my gran can't do it I was looking at a back-up plan for my LO's first birthday. I'd like a Mr Man cake, preferably Mr Tickle but I know it could be quite hard. I thought about a medium sized cake of Mr Tickle and then about 12 cupcakes with different Mr Men characters on them. Is this a bit ambitious, would I have to go to a specialist place? My gran is very good at making cakes and I know she'd love to do it but I'm worried this 'specification' may be a bit too much for her xx

Whens your LO 1? Feb?? Jac I *think* said she was going to start delivering but wasnt sure when...

And theres the rest of the lovely ladies who come here are excellent cake makers but dunno if they deliver etc..

Would you not want to have a stab at it yourself? You've got a few months to practice, and I'm sure we'll all help with tips and advice!

xx

Yeah, I'm gonna have a go, but I'm certain it'll all go wrong; honestly I can't cook/bake/create (even) to save my life Thank you for the vote of confidence though My husband would laugh himself dizzy if I told him I was even gonna attempt it, especially as I can "make a salad inedible" xx

 

[Arlandria]

Just come across this thread and now my diet has gone to poo! lol These cakes are amazing, you ladies are soooo talented
I was wondering, does anybody make cakes to order for a reasonable price? I know it's a way off but in case my gran can't do it I was looking at a back-up plan for my LO's first birthday. I'd like a Mr Man cake, preferably Mr Tickle but I know it could be quite hard. I thought about a medium sized cake of Mr Tickle and then about 12 cupcakes with different Mr Men characters on them. Is this a bit ambitious, would I have to go to a specialist place? My gran is very good at making cakes and I know she'd love to do it but I'm worried this 'specification' may be a bit too much for her xx

Whens your LO 1? Feb?? Jac I *think* said she was going to start delivering but wasnt sure when...

And theres the rest of the lovely ladies who come here are excellent cake makers but dunno if they deliver etc..

Would you not want to have a stab at it yourself? You've got a few months to practice, and I'm sure we'll all help with tips and advice!

xx

Yeah, I'm gonna have a go, but I'm certain it'll all go wrong; honestly I can't cook/bake/create (even) to save my life Thank you for the vote of confidence though My husband would laugh himself dizzy if I told him I was even gonna attempt it, especially as I can "make a salad inedible" xx

Aw hun I cant cook - honestly! But I started small with a victoria sponge, then a devils food cake and then I wanted to have a go at covering in fondant. Its really about patience and confidence which will both go hand in hand!

I find round cakes are easier to cover than square imo. You could do an 8" round sponge, cover it in orange icing and for the arms use rolled icing like you would if it was plastercine ??

Something maybe like this?
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PuVOxMhQUO0/Sf-lgO9YG1I/AAAAAAAAAhI/19rxrHxdwEQ/s400/Mr+Tickle.JPG

And if you want to actually see someone covering the cakes etc I always go on youtube for the vids Xx

 

[Tsia]

its not bad,,, second attempt using cake release and letting it cool before turning out and made this from it>

https://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s51/tsia977/Image0758.jpg https://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s51/tsia977/Image0759.jpg

theyr good.. and not bad on price. If you havent bought one by the 15th august then i'll send you mine to use. I only bought it to make Mylos cake! my practacing is paying off! lol