Party Ideas and Event Planning Tips » Cake Decorating

Tips for Choosing Your Cake Toppers

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:48:43 +0000

Top Tips for Choosing Your Cake Toppers

Types of Cake Toppers
Our cake toppers can be used for weddings and other occasions. Not sure where to begin? Here are just a few of the types of cake toppers that might be fabulous atop your cake. Claddagh Cake Toppers have a traditional symbol that consist of two hands holding a heart with a crown over the top. There are several interpretations including…

Continue Reading Article by That’s My Topper

218+ Ways to use a Cookie Cutter

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:52:28 +0000

From our friends at ThePartyWorks, comes these great tips on 218+ ways to use your Cookie Cutters.

Use them as balloon weights.

Use as a stencil on colored cardstock to make name tags .

Make paper ornaments and wall cut-outs to match any party or shower theme.

Use to draw patterns for kids to color and have fun as a party activity.

Read more about 218+ unique ways to use Cookie Cutters!

Kaiser Bakeware Patisserie Six Clover Cookie Cutter Shape
These cutters will bring joy and imagination to your cookies. The Patisserie clover cookie cutters will make fun shaped cookies, that kids of any age will love to decorate! With its heavy guage steel the cutters are an easy clean and provide a sharpness that will cut through any mound of dough. Features: -Various shapes -Nonstick coating provides easy cleanup -Sharp blade cuts through the thickest of dough -Great for decorating cookies Specifications: -Material: Stainless steel -Cleaning and care: dishwasher safe

Kate Aspen 14029NA Fall Leaf Cookie Cutter in Autumn-Themed Gift Box- Case of 96
every guest will leave with sweet memories and fall for this maple-leaf cookie cutter–guaranteed to rise to the occasion and roll out delicious memories of your event each time they use it. delicately decorated with a sheer burgundy organza ribbon and leaf-design for you tag the clear-covered gift box perfectly echoes the crisp cool colorful season with burgundy beige and gold leaves that give the 2.5 x 2.5 cookie cutter its timely shape. the seasonal box measures 3.5 x 2.25”.

Kaiser 611211 Flower Ring Cookie Cutter
this set of cutters will bring joy and imagination to your cookies at lunchtime. the linzer cookie cutters comes in a variety of shapes including 3-hole cutter heart cutter and a clover cutter. with its heavy guage steel the cutters are an easy clean and provide a sharpness that will cut through any mound of dough. features: flower ring shaped nonstick coating provides easy cleanup sharp blade cuts through the thickest of dough great for decorating cookies

Cake Decorating Supplies

admin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:05:54 +0000

Whether you run your own Cake Baking Business or are making cakes for your family and friends and special events, here is what’s new and hot in cake decorating …

Be sure to search our site for all of your favorite cake toppers, cake pans and cake decorating needs!

Tags: cake decorating supplies, cake pans, cake toppers

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Cars Cake Pan

$10.12

Dinosaur Cake Pan

$17.99

Paula Deen 11'' Cake Pan

$26.97

Fire Truck Cake Pan

$11.99

Guitar Cake Pan

$14.99

Tinker Bell Cake Pan

$16.99

Mini Heart-Shaped Cake Pan

$5.98

Strawberry Shortcake Cake Pan

$14.49

Soccer Ball Cake Pan Each

$10.99

Heart Cake Pan Set

$19.98

Abigail Heart Cake Topper

$89.00

African American Take the Plunge Cake Topper

$36.00

Linked at the Heart Cake Topper Pearl

$17.99

Bolt Cake Topper

$4.99

Crystal Initial Cake Topper

$148.00

Lettered Swarovski Crystal Cake Toppers

$22.00

Best Occasion Now I Have You Cake Topper

$15.00

GUND - Party Supplies - Goober Birthday Cake Topper Number 1

$3.00

personalized circle cake topper

$28.00

"Unity" Double Heart Porcelain Cake Topper

$19.99

Simple Joys Cake Topper

$24.99

Elegant Monogram Personalized Cake Topper

$29.95

Anniversary Cake Topper

$17.95

Sesame Cake Toppers (4 count)

$5.99

Boys 1st Birthday #1 Molded Candle

$3.49

Pooh's 1st Birthday Molded Hunny Pot Candle

$4.99

Happy Birthday Pick Candles Pkg/14

$2.99

Birthday Girl Pick Candles (10)

$2.59

Golden Molding Paste 8 oz. jar extra heavy gel/molding paste

$8.39

Fondant Icing Writer Red

$2.09

Gum Paste Mix 16 Oz

$5.24

Wilton 10'' Show N' Serve Cake Circles

$3.74

Wilton Orange Candy Melts 14oz.

$4.88

Precious Impressions Keepsake Kit Memory Mold

$11.74

Wilton Student Cake Decorating Kit

$18.74

Wilton Cake Decorating Practice Board Set

$6.74

Wilton? Peanut Butter Drizzle Icing

$3.74

Wilton Course III Student Cake Decorating Kit

$22.49

Wilton Wedding Scroll Invitations, 50 count

$19.00

Wilton Performance Pans Round Cake Pan - 8''X2''

$7.49

Wilton Jumbo Sprinkles - Daisies

$2.99

Wilton Cookie Master Plus Cookie Press

$29.99

Bareroots Birthday Candle Mat Pattern

$4.49

Wilton? Brownie Duo Cutter Mini Oval

$2.99

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Magic Rabbit in Hat Cake

admin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:54:21 +0000

If your magician-in-training has an upcoming Birthday party, why not delight your favorite birthday child with this precious rabbit in a hat cake?!

From our friends at Celebrate Express, here are the directions for making this cute cake:

Rabbit in The Hat Cake Directions

Prep. Time: 1 hour (Ready in 2 hours, 55 minutes)
Makes 12 Servings

Ingredients
CAKE:
2 (18.25-oz.) pkg. Pillsbury® Moist Supreme® Yellow Cake Mix
2 1/2 cups water
2/3 cup oil
4 eggs

FROSTING:

1 (16-oz.) can Pillsbury® Creamy Supreme® Chocolate Fudge Frosting
1/2 (16-oz.) can Pillsbury® Creamy Supreme® Vanilla Frosting

DECORATIONS:
2 oblong cream-filled oval-shaped cookies
2 (8 inch) bamboo skewers
1 large marshmallow, cut in half
1 miniature marshmallow, cut in half
2 blue candy-coated chocolate pieces
6 small pieces black string licorice
2 strips strawberry fruit roll by the foot

Directions
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 10-oz. custard cups, two 8 inch round cake pans and one 9 inch round cake pan. In very large bowl, combine cake mixes, water, oil and eggs; beat at low speed until moistened. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed. Spoon 3/4 cup batter into each greased and floured custard cup. Divide remaining batter evenly into greased and floured cake pans. Place cake pans in oven first, then custard cups.

Bake at 350°F. Bake cakes in custard cups for 25 to 30 minutes; bake cakes in round cake pans for 45 to 55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes. Remove cakes from cups and pans; place on wire racks. Cool 45 minutes or until completely cooled.

With serrated knife, trim tops of all cakes to level. Place one 8 inch round cake on serving plate, trimmed side up. Spread small amount of chocolate frosting on cut surface of cake. Top with remaining 8-inch round cake, trimmed side down. Frost sides and top of cake with chocolate frosting.

Place 9 inch round cake, trimmed side down, on top of 8 inch layer cake to form brim of hat. Frost with chocolate frosting.

Spread small amount of vanilla frosting on cut surface of each trimmed custard-cup cake. Place frosted surfaces of cakes together to form ball. Place ball on top of 9-inch round cake for head of bunny. Insert bamboo skewers through head and hat to secure; about 2 inches of the skewers will stick out of top. Insert cookies onto skewers for ears. Frost bunny head and ears with vanilla frosting.

Cut large marshmallow in half for paws; place on cake in front of body. Cut miniature marshmallow in half for eyes; flatten slightly and place on head. With small amount of frosting, attach blue candies to marshmallow eyes. Use licorice for whiskers. Cut fruit roll into pieces for nose, inside of ears and bow.

HIGH ALTITUDE (ABOVE 3500 FEET): Add 1/2 cup flour to dry cake mixes; increase water to 2 2/3 cups. Bake at 350°F. Bake cakes in custard cups for 20 to 25 minutes; bake cakes in round cake pans for 35 to 45 minutes.

Tags: magician party cake, cake ideas

Happy Birthday Cakes for Kids

coordinator — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 14:36:47 +0000

Fruity Roll-Ups
Packaged fruit-flavored roll-ups can be rolled flat and cut into shapes with a knife or cookie cutters. This cake was decorated with cutout circles and a band, but squares, diamonds, flowers, or dinosaur shapes would be fun, too!

Red Ladybug Cake
You’ll need a jar of professional paste food color to create the red frosting. Decorate the top with dots of licorice, M&Ms, or circles of frosting. Black licorice strings make the face and wing designs. Green frosting was piped around the cake’s base to look like grass.

These great cake ideas are brought to you by Better Homes and Garden.

Tags: birthday cakes,birthday cake ideas,childrens,birthdays,cake decorating,ideas,theme cakes

FishBowl Cake – Great for Mermaid and Under the Sea Parties!

coordinator — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 14:32:29 +0000

Source: Better Homes and Gardens
The candies at the bottom add color and texture beneath the frosted fish.

Fishbowl Cake
Shaped like a fishbowl, this clever cake is sure to bring cheers.

What You Need:
1 recipe White Confetti Cake (see below)
Creamy White Frosting
Liquid or paste food coloring in peach and blue
1 cup small pebblelike candies, such as Nerds
Purchased tube blue piping gel

Instructions:
1. Set aside about 1/3 cup frosting for making fish. Tint remaining frosting a light blue using liquid or paste food coloring. Tint the 1/3 cup frosting peach using food coloring.

2. Spread about 1/2 cup blue frosting on the bottom side of one of the cake rounds. Top with second cake round, placing it bottom side down. With a sharp serrated knife, remove a 1-inch slice from one side of cake. This will make a flat place for the bottom of fishbowl.

3. Then make another thin slice on opposite side of cake for top of fish bowl. Carefully stand up cake and place on serving plate. With a small metal spatula spread blue frosting over cake. While frosting is still moist, press small pebblecake candies into frosting at bottom of cake.

4. Place the peach frosting in a decorating bag fitted with a medium rose tip. Pipe an oval shape for fish body. Make little ruffles for fish tails and fins.

5. Place remaining blue frosting in a decorating bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe a border at top of fishbowl. If desired, add a small round tip and pipe stripes on fish. Using blue piping gel, pipe bubbles above the fish. Cake serves 12.

White Confetti Cake
Source: : Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening, butter, or margarine
1-3/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 egg whites
1-1/3 cups buttermilk or sour milkDirections
1. Grease and lightly flour two 8×1-1/2-inch or 9×1-1/2-inch round baking pans or grease one 13×9x2-inch baking pan; set the pan(s) aside. Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl beat shortening, butter, or margarine with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until well combined. Add egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each. Add dry mixture and buttermilk alternately to beaten mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan(s).

3. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean. Cool layer cakes in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove layer cakes from pans. Cool thoroughly on racks. Or, place 13×9-inch cake in pan on a wire rack; cool thoroughly. Frost with desired frosting. Makes 12 servings.

Tags: fish bowl cake,fish cake,goldfish cake,birthday cake,cake decorating,ideas,cake ideas,birthday cake,under the sea cake,under the sea,fish,luau party cake ideas

Cake Sizing

coordinator — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:46:24 +0000

The Round
Round cakes can range in size from 5 inches to 12 inches and can be a single layer or many layers. The standard is a two layer round cake which may range from 8 to 10 inches in diameter. These sizes are the most popular size in the baking industry and offer 8-12 servings. The round cake generally holds three to five words. Just the right size to say Happy Birthday Jillian!

The Quarter
Quarter Sheet cakes are, just as the name describes, approximately one quarter of the size of a full sheet cake. The dimensions are generally 9 X 12 inches and may come in single or multiple layers. Quarter sheet cakes are typically rectangular making them a great choice on which to add graphics, Frosting art, or a nice message such as “Thanks for all you Do”. 15-20 servings per 1/4 sheet cake.

The Half
The Half Sheet cake is approximately 11 X 15 inches in size and are typically one layer, but some bakers may create two smaller layers so they can add a filling. The Half Sheet is a party size cake serving 30 to 40 people. Perfect for office celebrations and easily decorated with creative messages.

The Full
The Full Sheet cake is the choice for any grand event – approximately 18 X 24 inches in size and typically one layer. The Full Sheet can serve 70 to 80 people and is a wonderful centerpiece. Perfect for grand openings or a celebration for the entire company.

Fire Truck Cake

coordinator — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 13:50:51 +0000

Fire Truck Cake

What you’ll need:
1 cake mix
1½-16 oz. containers of ready-made pink frosting
Red food coloring
6 pieces of black licorice to make the ladders
6 Hostess™ chocolate mini donuts for the wheels
2 Hershey’s Kisses™ for the headlights
3 gum drops for the siren lights
1 small tube of black writing gel to outline gumdrops and windows
1 cup of white butter cream frosting
1 piece of red string licorice for the hose

Does a BIG birthday cake taste better than a small cake? No, but a really big cake sure is fun to look at, and makes a great centerpiece for a birthday table! The following guidelines will give you an idea of what size to choose for your party:

9″ X 13″ Rectangle pan – 1 mix: serves 12-18 guests
18″ X 13″ Rectangle pan – 2 mixes: serves 18-28 guests (If you are using this size pan, just double the amount of frosting…all other ingredient amounts will remain the same.)

Because you are cutting the cake into a shape, you will be discarding some of the cake, and will need to adjust the size accordingly. If you are serving more people than can be accommodated by 2 boxed mixes, we recommend that you either bake extra cupcakes, or an extra rectangular cake. All can just be frosted simply, and cut and served behind the scenes.

Cut and assemble the cake according to the diagrams below.

Using white frosting, add windows. Next, frost entire engine with the red frosting. Outline windows with the black gel. Add ladders (use two whole pieces, and cut one to make ladder rungs,) headlights, siren, door handle (a “ladder rung”), and the red licorice hose (we added a tiny piece of tin foil to the end of the licorice to create a nozzle.) Enjoy!

Birthday Cake Recipes

General Cake Tips

coordinator — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 02:42:47 +0000

These great tips provided by Shindigz!

EQUIPMENT:

Bakeries today are turning out cakes that are gorgeous, and ever more creative. However, many of us still prefer the tradition of baking our own cakes to recognize special times in the lives of those who are most important to us. Starting with the right equipment will give you perfect results every time. To bake any cake in our party tip section, or for just about any shape you could want to bake, we recommend that you invest in three special pans, and a few other items. Trust us…you’ll use these things over and over again.

16″ round commercial grade pan – straight sides
18″ X 13″ rectangle commercial grade pan – straight sides
Wilton™ ball pan
Flexible metal spatulas – one with a narrow tip for small areas, and one with a large tip to smooth frosting on large flat areas.
Paste food colors
Pastry bag and couplers
Cake decorating tips – several (2-3) writing tips, and a star tip for starters.
Cake boards
All of these items can be purchased at specialty baking stores, and many craft supply stores now carry them.

MIX OR SCRATCH?:

Historically, the main reason to take the extra time to make a cake from scratch was that mixes created cakes that were more tender and crumbly than cakes made from scratch. It used to be difficult to cut a “mix” cake into a creative shape, because the crumbs would infiltrate the frosting. Not today! We have tested and tasted all the boxed mixes on the market and can share with you the birthdayzbyshindigz.com favorites. The overall winner for great taste and ease in cutting and frosting is the Betty Crocker™ Super Moist Cake Mix™. A close second was the Pillsbury™ Moist Supreme Cake Mix™. Both have plenty of pudding in the mix, and they really are delicious. If you have a favorite family recipe, or just enjoy baking scratch cakes, our hats are off to you! If you are in the mood for something different, make a rice crispy treat “cake”. The shapes will work equally well, and it tastes delicious with frosting.

FROSTING:

In order to achieve a “bakery perfect” smoothness on your cakes, use a standard recipe for buttercream frosting. This type of frosting generally tastes quite sugary, and uses either lard or shortening to give it a “stiffer” consistency. The favorite of birthdayzbyshindigz.com staffers? Not only is ready-made frosting easier…we think it tastes creamier and less sugary. Try Pillsbury’s™ Creamy Supreme™ frosting, or even Cool Whip™. The photos (coming soon) of the cakes in our cake tips section are all made with ready-made frosting hence they are not bakery smooth, but they were all very tasty to eat! For best results, refrigerate the frosting first, and keep chilled while decorating.

In order to achieve bright, vibrant colors in your frosting use paste food coloring. They won’t thin your frosting like liquid colors will. Some colors can be difficult to achieve without changing the taste of the frosting. Look for “no taste” pastes, or try the following tricks to make the two most difficult to achieve colors. For fire engine red frosting, start with a pink (strawberry, raspberry) ready-made frosting. For black frosting, start with a brown (chocolate) ready-made frosting.

SIZE:

1 boxed mix = enough to serve 12-14 guests
2 boxed mixes = enough to serve 24-28 guests
3 boxed mixes = enough to serve 36-42 guests

If you are serving more people than can be accommodated by 3 boxed mixes, we recommend that you either bake extra cupcakes, or an extra rectangular cake. All can just be frosted simply, and cut and served behind the scenes.

Use the following guidelines when choosing a size:

8″ Round pan (2) – 1 mix
12″ Round pan – 2 mixes
16″ Round pan – 3 mixes
9″ X 13″ Rectangle pan – 1 mix
18″ X 13″ Rectangle pan – 2 mixes
Wilton™ Ball Pan – 1 mix

Remember that if you are cutting the cake into a shape, you may be discarding some of the cake, and will need to adjust the size accordingly.

CAKE ASSEMBLY:

Many decorated cakes are too large for standard plates and platters, or call for a more creative display. Before assembling your cake, prepare your cake board. Use standard cake boards, foamcore, cutting boards, 2″ X 6″ boards from a lumber store (a ski cake), cookie sheets or other large flat services. Cover your “board” with foil, greaseproof paper, plastic wrap, a piece of brightly colored plastic tablecover, paper doilies, or well-cleaned indoor/outdoor “turf”. The possibilities are endless, and can change a simple cake into a WOW worthy creation.

After your cake has cooled at room temperature, place it in the freezer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The cake will be firmer, and easier to cut and frost. When you are cutting your cake into a shape, or in pieces to assemble together, don’t worry if it breaks. Think of your frosting as a combination of glue, and cover-stick! No one but you will ever need to know. After the cake is assembled and in place on your board, spread a very thin layer of frosting over all the sides. Let the base frosting dry for a few minutes before proceeding. This base coat will help seal in the crumbs, and prevent them from showing up when your cake is completed.

Most of all let your creative juices flow! Use little “props” related to your theme to assist you in your cake decorating, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The recipient of the cake is sure to be touched and thrilled by your effort. ENJOY!

Be sure to visit Shindigz! for great party supplies and cake decorating items for your next special occasion!

Rubber Ducky Cake

coordinator — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 20:48:12 +0000

Prep Time: 1 Hour (Ready in 2 hours, 40 minutes)
Makes 12 Servings

Ingredients
CAKE:
1 (18.25-oz.) pkg. Pillsbury® Moist Supreme® Yellow Cake Mix
1 1/4 cups water
1/3 cup oil
2 eggs

FROSTING:
1 (16-oz.) can Pillsbury® Creamy Supreme® Vanilla Frosting
Yellow gel or paste food color
Red gel or paste food color
Blue gel or paste food color

DECORATIONS:
Toothpicks
1 (6-inch) bamboo skewer
2 blue candy-coated chocolate pieces
Black decorating icing
2 wedge-shaped grapefruit jelly candies or large yellow gumdrops

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 1 1/2 quart ovenproof bowl, two 10 oz. custard cups and one 6 oz. custard cup. In large bowl, combine all cake ingredients; beat at low speed until moistened. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed. Pour 1/2 cup batter into each greased and floured 10 oz. custard cup and 1/3 cup batter into 6 oz. cup; pour remaining batter into greased and floured bowl. Place bowl in oven first, then custard cups.

Bake at 350°F. Bake cakes in custard cups for 20 to 25 minutes; bake cake in bowl for 50 to 55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in cups and bowl for 15 minutes. Remove cakes from cups and bowl; place on wire rack. Cool 30 minutes or until completely cooled.

Reserve 1/2 cup white frosting for water; reserve about 1 teaspoon white frosting for eyes. Place remaining frosting in medium bowl. Add yellow food color; blend well. Reserve 3 tablespoons yellow frosting for beak.

Trim tops of all cup cakes so that top is flat. Cut about 1 inch off flat side of bowl cake; reserve for later use. Place bowl cake, flat side down, on platter or foil covered cardboard for body of duck. Cut 6oz. cup cake in half crosswise to form 2 wing pieces. With toothpicks, attach wing pieces to side of rounded cake.

Spread small amount of yellow frosting on flat side of one 10oz. cup cake; place second cup cake, flat side against frosting, to form head. With bamboo skewer, attach “head” to “body.” From reserved 1 inch thick piece, cut two 1 inch triangles for tail piece. Place small amount of yellow frosting on 1 triangle. Place triangles together; attach to “body.”

Frost cake with yellow frosting. Spread 1/2 teaspoon white frosting on each side of head for eye; place blue candy in center. Outline “eye” with black decorating icing.

Add red food color to reserved 3 tablespoons yellow frosting; blend well to make orange frosting. To make beak, use wedge shaped jelly candies. Or, flatten large gumdrops and cut into two 1 1/2 inch triangles; insert toothpick into short side of each triangle. Frost candies or triangles with orange frosting. Position on cake for beak.

Add blue food color to reserved 1/2 cup white frosting; blend well. Frost platter around “duck” with blue frosting to resemble water.

HIGH ALTITUDE (ABOVE 3500 FEET): Add 1/4 cup flour to dry cake mix; increase water to 1 1/3 cups. Bake as directed above.

Find this recipe and more Cake Recipes at Birthday Express

Tags: rubber ducky cake,cake decorating,cake ideas,rubber ducky cake recipe