The Rose Cake

Last summer, I was looking for cake inspiration for my sister-in-law's bridal shower cake. The other bridesmaids were decorating with hydrangeas, so I thought I should find something to match. While searching for images of hydrangea cakes, I came across the tutorial from 'i am baker'. I followed along, using the colors from my sister-in-law's theme and came up with my own version of hydrangea cakes.

Every year, my friend, Erika, orders a cake for her trip to Martha's Vineyard. Last year, I made her a Lilly Pulitzer cake because her favorite colors are pink and green. This year, I thought I'd try something new. I'm lucky because Erika loves my cake. I figured that even if I screwed it up, she'd still eat it.

I was looking for something different and stumbled upon the Rose Cake tutorial from 'i am baker'. She is really my new cake hero. (If you get the chance, check out her Patriotic Rose Cake on YouTube - she's awesome and the cake looks like so much fun.)

So, I decided to make Erika a pink and green rose cake for her annual trip to Martha's Vineyard. It's fun, summery, and in her favorite colors. I only made one large layer, but this cake technique is really versatile and easy. I can't wait to try it on a multi-layer cake and play with the colors.

Here's the finished product:

Rose Cake

What do you think?

I'm ready to try it again, so feel free to place an order!

**Don't forget that if you're in the Boston area and need some cake you can:

1.) send me an email (thecakebeast@gmail.com) 

or 

2.) use the contact form on the right sidebar to tell me what you need!

By the way, did you remember to stop by and "like" my Facebook page?

And don't forget to follow me on Twitter!

A Cast of Characters

A lot of my cakes are ordered for children's birthdays. Anyone who knows kids, knows that they usually have a favorite movie or TV character that they're into depending on their age. Here are some of my favorite "character cakes" that I've made. (If you're looking for princesses, you can find them here.)

This whole cake thing really started when I made my first cake for my oldest child's 2nd birthday. At the time, he was totally obsessed with Bob the Builder. I bought the pan, followed the instructions, and the rest is history...

A little inexperienced, but not too shabby

My son really wanted a Star Wars cake for one of his birthdays. When one of my friends saw it, she ordered a small one for her boyfriend, too!

This one was for my son

Matching light saber cupcakes

A "grown-up" Star Wars cake

Video games always seem to be popular. Here are a couple of cakes inspired by the Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario himself

"Mushroom" cupcakes to match

Mario wouldn't be complete without Luigi!

The character cakes I've done have really run the gamut. From cartoons, books, and video games there have been quite a few. Here's a random sample:

Mickey Mouse

Elmo 

Angelina Ballerina

Harry Potter

Batman

Spiderman

Spiderman cupcakes

Snoopy 

The Wild Kratts

Thomas the Tank Engine (complete with rock candy "smoke")

Ninjago

Lego Firetruck

Skylanders and the Portal of Power

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Daniel Tiger

Strawberry Shortcake

Hello Kitty

There's a cast of characters in cake. If you have a special request, send it along... I'd love to add a new character to my repertoire!

**Don't forget that if you're in the Boston area and need some cake you can send me an email (thecakebeast@gmail.com) or use the contact form on the right sidebar to tell me what you need!

By the way, did you remember to stop by and "like" my Facebook page?

And don't forget to follow me on Twitter!

The Three Cake Weekend

Last weekend was a 3 cake weekend. Friday, I volunteered to make a cake for the kids' end of the year potluck at school. Saturday, I was booked for a christening. And Sunday, I made a birthday cake.

Unfortunately, I got so wrapped up in those cakes, that I didn't think to make one for Father's Day. (I owe you one, dad. With extra frosting!)

Needless to say, my counters had lots of bowls going all weekend long. Chocolate batter, strawberry batter, and many colors of frosting. My apron got a real workout. 

This was the cake for the kids' potluck. The school logo got a little wobbly, but I figured kids will eat anything and decided not to fix it.

A friend at work was having her daughter, Grace's, christening. 

Somebody else ordered an Abby Cadabby cake for their daughter's birthday. They also wanted strawberry cake so that it would be pink inside. The whole kitchen smelled like strawberry while it baked!

And this is what the counter looks like when I start coloring all of the buttercream frosting. Abby Cadabby was a colorful character!

Other than the four dozen cupcakes I made for my son's class party (at 4am), I don't have any other cakes booked this weekend. So, if you're hungry for homemade cake, you know who to contact!

**Don't forget that if you're in the Boston area and need some cake you can send me an email (thecakebeast@gmail.com) or use the contact form on the right sidebar to tell me what you need!

By the way, did you remember to stop by and "like" my Facebook page?

Let's Make This Happen...

I never post much on this blog. Today, I'm making an announcement.

This cake baking thing has been a really fun little hobby for me. It started with me making cakes for the kids. Then, the occasional person would hire me to make a cake for them.

Now, I'd like to get serious. Summer vacation is fast-approaching and I realized that I am going to have a lot more time on my hands. What better to do with that extra time than to make more cakes? 

So come on, people. It's time to place some orders. Send me an email: thecakebeast@gmail.com or use the handy contact form on the blog's right sidebar. I'd like to start expanding my repertoire and I know you'd like some homemade cake, wouldn't you? 

If you're looking for a cake, or you know someone who is, feel free to send me an email and spread the word. I'm ready to do some serious baking!

Inspired by Lilly Pulitzer

Pirate cupcakes for a party on the Pirate Cruise

The (hand cramp-inducing) hydrangea cake

The "funky girl" birthday cake that Lucy requested

**In or around the Boston area and want to order? Contact me at thecakebeast@gmail.com (or use that handy contact form on the blog's sidebar)!

While you're at it, why don't you stop over and "like" my Facebook page? Thanks!