Crumb coating a cake is a simple cake decorating technique that can help improve the appearance of your finished cake.  While many home bakers don’t bother with this step, it is one I would recommend, particularly for special occasion birthday cakes.  The result is a smoother finish that is much easier to decorate.

Below are the simple steps for how to crumb coat a cake.  But before that, let’s take a look at why you crumb coat.

Why Crumb Coat A Cake

A crumb coating acts like a seal on the cake.  It seals in any loose crumbs that could make their way into the icing if this isn’t done.

So when you crumb coat a cake, you will be adding two layers of icing.  The first layer makes it possible to achieve a smooth, ‘crumb free’ second layer.  Your second layer of icing can be buttercream or fondant, whatever you like.

How To Crumb Coat

Step 1 – Assemble your cake

It is possible to crumb coat a single cake, but most often there are several cake layers stacked together.  Get these prepared and placed onto your cake plate or board ready for icing.

Step 2 – Prepare your icing

You can use just about any butter cream recipe for your crumb coat.  Prepare your favorite recipe and make sure it is not too thick.  You want it to be easy to spread to create a nice thin layer over the cake.

Step 3 – Spread your icing

Start by applying a little bit of icing across the top. Then work your way around the sides.  Once all areas are covered, smooth the icing out with a cake spatula like this one.  This set is also a good option and includes a turntable, spatula and icing smoother.  Use your spatula to wipe away any excess icing.

The crumb coat should be even and very light.  The idea is to not pick up a lot of the icing when you come back and add the second coat of icing. You just want to apply just enough to cover your cake.

Step 4 – Allow to set

Once it is all smooth and finished, put it in the fridge and let it set for about 45 minutes.  This will firm the icing ready for the second coat of icing.

Now your can ice and decorate your cake without worrying about any crumbs or lumps.   Here’s a short video.

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Those Star Wars movies just keep coming, and as a result, so do the requests for Star Wars cakes.  With some many great characters, vehicles and robots, there is also plenty of inspiration.

One tricky part about Star Wars cakes that puts many people off is the level of detail.  But there are a few ways to get around this and still make an amazing cake.

Here are 5 ideas for making a Star Wars cake that will look amazing that anyone can try at home.

Idea 1 – Character Cake Cut Out

This is super simple, even for anyone who considers themselves not creative.  Basically you cut the cake/s to the shape of the character you want.

You will need the usual things to make your cake/s (here’s my favorite birthday cake recipe) plus a guide of some sort to help with shaping the cake.  This could be a stencil, picture or model of the character/object you are making.

From there, bake the required size and shape of cake (you might even need more than one), then cut or carve the character/object out of the cake. The beauty of this method is you can make the cake as big or small as you like, plus any flavor can be used.

Sometimes you will need to create several pieces and join them together.  But once put together, iced and decorated, it is all one piece.  Here’s a couple of examples.

R2D2 Birthday Cake

Starting with a 1 x rectangule and 1 x round cake, R2D2 can begin to take shape with some careful cutouts.

Once assembled, it’s time to ice and decorate using a picture or model to give the detail.  Here’s what you get…

This cake idea is via Nest of Posies.

Ewok Birthday Cake

This one is even easier as only one cake needs to be baked and the cutting is straightforward.  Use a cookie cutter for the ears.

And then ice and decorate.  Very cute.

This cake idea is via The Joys of Boys.

Star Wars X Wing Fighter Cake

Using one box mix,  1 x rectangle pan and 1 x mini loaf pan and creative decorations, this cake looks fantastic.

For detailed instructions visit Easy Birthday Cakes.

Idea 2 – ‘Draw’ The Character Onto The Cake

This is a simple formula that you can read more about here.  It’s one I’ve used time and time again and it’s always a hit.

For this you will need a stencil, printable, drawing and/or a steady hand to help draw the character/object onto the cake.  Finding stencils and printables is easy with a bit of googling.  Here’s a couple to get you started:

Darth Vader stencil via Sewing Rabbit, Yoda stencil via Free Stencil Gallery (they have lots of others too so search around.  Here’s Darth Maul). Death Star stencil via Baby Center  (click on the image to open the printable).

Here’s some examples of Star Wars cakes that have used this technique.

Darth Vader Cake

Simple but very effective particularly with the colors chosen.  This one is from Boyish Charm.

Stormtrooper Birthday Cake

A variation of this idea is to dust the stencil outline with icing sugar.  It gives a great effect, particularly on a chocolate cake like this one via PolishJediArt.

Idea 3 – Character Fondant Cut Out

This is an adaptation of the idea above.  Instead of decorating straight onto the cake, cut out your character in fondant and then place it on top.

Yoda Birthday Cake

Here’s a great example of this for a Yoda birthday cake from Sweets by Sue.

Darth Vader Cake

Make Me A Cake has a detailed tutorial on how to use a stencil to create a fondant cut out.  Here’s the result for a Darth Vader Cake.

Idea 4 – Create A Scene

There are many infamous Star Wars scenes that can be recreated using figurines, toppers and a bit of imagination.

Star Wars Episode III – Anakin vs Obi Wan

An epic scene, an epic battle and this is an epic cake from One Perfect Day Blog.

It’s actually some rice crispy treats combined with chocolate cake and lots of chocolate.  Like I said…epic.

Trash Compactor Scene

It looks like there is a lot going on here, but it’s mainly just crackers, candy and chocolates cleverly put together.

Cake inspiration from This Tasty Life.

Darth Maul vs Obi Wan

Using several cakes, a large cake board and lots of frosting, this cake was put together in less than an hour!

Cake idea via The Happy Housewife.

Idea 5 – Character Shaped Pan

If all the above ideas seem too daunting, try using a character shaped pan.  These will give the perfect shape and detail to make a great cake.  The pan will usually come with detailed instructions to guide you every step of the way.

Here’s an example of a cake made this way.

This cake was made using the Wilton Darth Vader pan.  See the steps for building a cake like this at Sheri Lynn’s Cakes.

Other Star Wars pans you can buy include R2D2, BB-8, and Stormtrooper.

Even if you don’t believe you are creative, any of the ideas above can be tackled at home.  Before you get started be sure to check out my secrets for decorating cakes.

I hope the ideas give you inspiration to make a Star Wars cake some time soon.  Whoever you are making it for will be delighted, even if it isn’t perfect.  Plus, you’ll have a lot of fun along the way.

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Not only is it easy to make, it is easy to customize too. This cake can be made in different colors, with different size bricks…whatever you like.

You Will Need

• 1 box cake mix – yellow or pound cake is best (to make your own cake, follow this birthday cake recipe)
• 1  stick of butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup of water
• Rectangle cake pan
• Food coloring – yellow, green, red, blue, or whatever color you like.
• Cream frosting (or you can make your own Buttercream Icing)
• Big marshmallows (like these)

Now let’s put it together.

Step 1 – Preparation

Preheat oven to 350F (180C).  Grease cake pan with baking spray or butter.

Step 2 – Bake Cake

Mix the cake ingredients together – box mix, butter, eggs and water – for 2 minutes on low speed.  The mixture should be smooth and evenly colored.  Pour into prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes.

Test to make sure the cake is done – it should spring back when touched gently in the centre.  Or an inserted skewer should come out clean.

Once ready, set it aside to cool completely.  If you are running short on time, pop it in the fridge to cool.

Step 3 – Prepare Frosting

While your cake is baking, color the frosting.  Spoon into bowls – one for each color.

Add food coloring and mix well.  Start with a few drops and if you want the color darker, mix in more.

Step 4 – Level Cake and Cut

Nice straight edges are important for Lego, so you need to level the cake.  This will give it a nice flat top.

Use a cake leveler for best results.  But if you don’t have one, use a sharp bread knife and steady hand!

Take it nice and steady and cut through the cake, removing the top.

Now cut the cake into equal thirds using a sharp cutting knife.  Cut one of the thirds in half so you end up with 4 bricks.

Step 5 – Crumb Coat

The cake has been cut up a lot and all of the sides are exposed.  This creates a lot of crumbs, so you’ll want to apply a ‘crumb coat’ which makes the final or second layer of icing a lot smoother.  See how to do it here.

To do the crumb coat, choose one brick and 1 color of frosting.  Apply 1 coat of frosting on all 4 sides and the top.  Don’t worry if this coating is a bit messy and not perfect.  Another layer is going to be added so you won’t see it.

Once done, put the iced brick in the fridge for about 20 minutes. Repeat this with the other bricks and colors.

Step 6 – Decorate

Time to add the marshmallows so the cakes become lego bricks.

Using your kitchen scissors, cut the marshmallows in half.  To make sure they don’t stick, spray the scissors with a bit of baking spray before hand.

Dip the marshmallow into the frosting (if it is a bit thick, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds first) and pull it out.   You can do this with your fingers or a spatula.  Make sure the marshmallow is evenly coated.

Place the coated marshmallow on top of the brick.  Repeat until you have all your Lego lumps in place.  Make 8 lumps for the big bricks, and 4 for the smaller ones.

Step 7 – Serve

Position the finished Lego bricks on a plate or cake board ready to serve.  For extra decoration you could place some Lego pieces or figurines around the cake.

Now it’s time to light the candles and enjoy the cake.

For a great tutorial on how to make a Lego birthday cake, check out this video by Nerdy Nummies on Youtube or watch it below.

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It’s a fun time of year with lots of treats and goodies on offer.  But Halloween doesn’t have to be just about candy!  There is also plenty of room for Halloween themed cakes.

Offering a variety of color, ghoulish decorations and ‘bloody’ inspiration here are some cakes to try this Halloween.  Deliver spooky fun with this selection of cakes that are easy to make, taste great and most importantly, look spook-tacular!!

1. Buried Alive Bundt Cake

Add creepy-doll-arms to your shopping list and you’re ready to make this bundt cake! Just make sure you take the plastic out before you sink your teeth into the delicious chocolate cake!

via The Food Libararian

2. Spooky Cake Balls

These delicious eyeball and Mummy cake balls are a guaranteed hit on Halloween!

via Brit.co

3. Chocolate Pumpkin Glazed Cake

Taking the traditional Halloween pumpkin and mixing it with everyone’s favorite sweet foods…cake and chocolate!  Make a single cake, or a batch of cupcakes.

via Country Living

4. Slime Cake

This cake is looks stunning, but is actually very simple, and quick to make. Imagine walking out with this at your Halloween party!

via I Am Baker

5. Spiderweb Cake

Black and orange are the first color choices when it comes to Halloween, and this cake uses that combination deliciously.

via Liv for Cake

6. Boo-tiful Halloween Cake

This beautiful, shiny cake is simple and spooky, with little buttercream ghosts on top.

via I Am Baker

7. Frankenstein’s Monster Cake

Everyone knows the story of Frankenstein – the friendly, misunderstood monster brought to life by a mad scientist. With this beautifully simple cake, you can have your very own monster this Halloween.

via Bird On A Cake

8. Bloody Halloween Cake

This bloody halloween cake is a delicous, layered red velvet cake with buttercream frosting and red ganache. It’s super freaky with an element of mystery…who’s blood is it?

via Say It With Cake

9. Jack Skellington Cake

It may be colorless on the outside, but this Jack Skellington cake holds a surprising black and orange color twist on the inside!

via Bombshell Bling

10. Cemetery Cake

Use your favorite chocolate cake recipe to create a spooky graveyard with edible headstones that will quickly disappear.

via Family Circle

11. Brain Cake

This will have your mind on cake.  A simple jelly brain on top of a blood splashed cake looks spook-tacular.

via Love From The Oven

 

Happy Halloween 🙂

The post 11 Easy Halloween Cakes That Will Deliver Spooky Fun appeared first on Novelty Birthday Cakes.

Worried about getting your own 3D car cake just right?

Download my step-by-step guide and printable templates for perfect results.  It contains all you need to build a spectacular Lightning McQueen cake or any other 3D car cake.

Click For More Information

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I have been baking and decorating birthday cakes for my kids for years. And I don’t think I’ll ever stop. Even though they are a bit older now they still love putting in a ‘request’ each birthday for a cake. And I love making it.

But I do remember when I first started making their birthday cakes. It seemed there was an endless variety of tools and equipment I could buy. Luckily, I didn’t impulsively buy all the tools suggested and just started with some basics.

I already had some baking equipment that could be used – mixer, bowls, measuring cups and spoons, etc. What I am talking about here are the basics specific to cake decorating.

There aren’t a lot, but these have been invaluable and I use them year in, year out. Every time a birthday cake request comes in, out they come.

In addition to the tools needed, over time I’ve come up with a simple list that ensures decorating kids birthday cakes is always successful. Some of these were tips from others, while a few are a result of my own mistakes.

Let’s take a look at the basic tools first.

Basic Cake Decorating Tools

You certainly don’t need some of the fancy tools that are available. You may find that they are useful once or twice and then languish in the cupboard. But you will need some basic supplies.

The following supplies are readily available at most supermarkets or specialty kitchen stores. They are indispensable for baking and decorating any birthday cakes your kids might request.

Rubber or Silicone Spatulas

These are the best tool for scraping cake mix and icing from the sides of bowls. They leave nothing behind unlike spoons or other tools.

It is best to have a range of sizes to cater to different sized bowls. The good thing about these spatulas is you can use them for regular cooking as well.

Metal Spatulas

Have at least one large and one small angled metal spatula for spreading and smoothing icing.

Avoid your cake crumbling by using a small metal spatula to gently ice the cake with a very thin layer of frosting before adding the ‘real’ layer. This process is called ‘crumb coating’.

Piping Bags

The best type are reusable piping bags with either a plastic coating or made from silicone for easy cleaning. There are several sizes available from 8 inch up to 18 inch with somewhere in the middle being a versatile size.

For small jobs, clear plastic disposable zip-lock bags are great. To use them, simply fill with icing and then snip a small hole in one corner.

Piping Tips

Piping tips allow you to create different designs and decorations.  They come in an endless variety of sizes, shapes and designs and there are some great kits available.  A basic kit like this one has all you need to get started and also comes with piping bags and coupling nozzles.

Coupling Nozzles

These nozzles are essential because they allow you to change your tips according to the design. They can also act as a very large round writing tip for piping figures.

Gel, Powder or Paste Food Coloring

These are preferable to liquid food coloring because they are more concentrated and will not thin down the frosting.  They also tend to be a lot less messy to deal with.

Secrets for Decorating Kids Birthday Cakes

So that’s all the tools covered, now here are my secrets for getting the best results when baking birthday cakes.  Most of these have to do with the baking and perfecting the cake itself.  Because you need to get the cake right before any decorating can begin.

Secret 1:

Have all ingredients at room temperature

Trying to bake a cake with cold ingredients (eggs, butter, milk) will not give the best result. Plan ahead and get everything out and at room temperature before starting.

Secret 2:

Use an electric mixer when beating the cake mixture (although very few people mix by hand these days). An electric mixer ensures a smooth cake batter which gives a better result.

Secret 3: 

Wire cake racks are essential for cooling and inverting cakes. They ensure even cooling and prevent the cake from ‘sweating’ in the pan.

Secret 4:

Trim the top of the baked cake, then flip it over so it sits flat. Use the smooth base as the top of the finished cake. It will be easier to decorate and looks much nicer.

Secret 5:

To stop crumbling, bake the cake the day before you need to decorate it and put it in the freezer.

Secret 6:

Decorate the cake when it is cold. If you don’t freeze it, at least let the cake cool right down.

Secret 7:

Cake boards are quite cheap to pick up from cake decorating shops. But, you can easily make your own and decorate it how you like. Cover a large piece of cardboard (cut from a box) and cover it with colored foil or bright colored paper.

Secret 8:

Buttercream Icing is great for decorating cakes at home. It tastes the nicest and is easy to work with.

The only thing I have found with buttercream icing is that when you add coloring, a pastel color is the only color it will go to. This is because of the fat in the butter. For best results follow the directions here.

Secret 9:

Cut strips of waxed paper to slip underneath the edges of your unfrosted cake. When finished, you can pull them away without smearing the cake board which will be left nice and clean.

So those are my ‘secrets’ for successfully decorating kids birthday cakes.  They have worked for me and I hope they help you too.

The post Secrets for Decorating Kids Birthday Cakes That Never Fail appeared first on Novelty Birthday Cakes.

If you’ve made a batch of perfect cupcakes, the fun part is now here.  Time to decorate!

Whether you have baked them for a birthday party, a bake sale or just to enjoy with family and friends, it’s always fun coming up with new ways to make them look great.

I’ve decorated a lot of cupcakes over the years and here are some of my favorite ways to do it.  They look awesome, taste great and are always well received.

Number 1 – Fill Them Up

You can’t see the filling from the outside but adding a filling to cupcakes always adds that extra wow. It’s a nice surprise when you bite in and can add some yummy flavor.

To fill cupcakes use a decorator bag and a long, round decorating tip (the Wilton 230 is an ideal size).  Simply inject the tip in the middle of the cupcake at a 90 degree angle and fill until the tip starts to come out of the cupcake. Stop filling and remove the tip.

Some ideas for filling include mousse, icing, cream, jam or custard.

Number 2 – Easy Icing Flowers

These flowers are so easy to make, anyone can give them a try.  No need for any advanced decorating course to do these.

As a starting point, here’s how to make the ones in the photo above.  You can use any colors to make the icing, these are just suggestions.  From there you can experiment with your own designs.

Blue Flowers:

• With the darker blue icing, use a Wilton 12 tip to make a mound in the center of your cupcake.
• Still using the darker blue icing, use a Wilton 16 tip to make a small cluster of long star shapes straight up from the top.
• Switch to lighter blue icing and start around the bottom middle with a Wilton tip 18 to make the petals.
• Continue working around in a circle and then make another row above until you come to the top.

Shaggy Pink Flowers

• Make your leaf shapes with a leaf tip (Wilton 352 will do).
• Then use a multi-opening tip (Wilton 233) to make the shaggy petals. To make each petal, start from the outside and ice to the center.  Continue around in a circle.
• For the next layer, do the same on top of the first layer but start further in.
• Continue like this until the whole cupcake is filled.

Pink and Blue Flowers

• To start, add a few leaves.
• Then, use a star tip to create small blue flowers around the edge of the cupcake.
• Use the slightly larger star tip to make a cluster of pink flowers in the center.
• Lastly, use a small round decorator tip to add a dot to the center of all the flowers (Wilton 3).

Number 3 – Real Flowers

Simple, elegant and beautiful.  Use just a bit of icing and then top each cupcake with a flower. Make sure the flowers are food safe and aren’t treated with any harmful chemicals before adding them to your cupcakes.

Number 4 – Shaped Fondant

If you’re looking for very specific designs and shapes, you can choose a fondant icing.  Use pre-made fondant or make your own.

Using fondant allows you to cut out specific shapes, make the colors you want and more.

Number 5 – A Little Glaze

Simple and delicious, a little bit of warm glaze placed on a cupcake creates a beautiful and tasty masterpiece.

Glazes are easy to make. Sift a small amount of icing sugar into a bowl.  Add a very small amount of butter and milk to make it flow. Add some flavoring like vanilla or one of your other favorites.

Number 6 – Creative Candy

The sky’s the limit when it comes to cupcakes and candy. You can make a batch that is all the same or each cupcake can be totally different.

Ice the cupcakes then decorate with you choice of candy.

Number 7 – Simple Sprinkles

Like candy, there is no limit when it comes to sprinkles.  Some ideas include coconut, chopped nuts, cracker crumbs, seeds, chocolate shavings, colored sprinkles, colored sugar and crushed meringue.

Number 8 – Creative Color

Instead of worrying about fancy designs, why not use color as your creative flair? You can color your icing or use an icing spray to get the colors you want.

Number 9 – Cupcakes That Don’t Look Like Cupcakes!

This is a lot of fun and you can get so creative with it.

One idea is cupcakes that look like turkey, mashed potatoes and veggies! These cupcakes are made from ideas in the cookbook, “Hello, Cupcake!” by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson. You can find it here.

As you can see, there are so many options when it comes to cupcakes. The important thing is to just have fun with it. Anything you create will be delicious.

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