Ombre Cake Love
July 20th, 2011 by Miso | 11 Comments

Our contributor, Miso of Miso Bakes, is back with some lovely cakes for us today….

Ombre. Gradience. Gradation.

Regardless of what you like to call it, this color trend is in. I see it everywhere starting from nail art to hair color to interior design to cookies, cakes and dessert tables. I first learned of it several years ago while getting a manicure in Seoul. The nail artist asked if I wanted gradation on my nails. Huh? Did I want what?

I shrugged as I had not a clue what she was talking about. She smiled and painted a sample on my pinky nail. The inner and darkest color was a rich magenta and the color gradually faded to a nude pink as it got to the tip. I loved it and decided I must have all ten nails painted in this manner. Even after returning to the States, I got my nails done this way. Sometimes purple. Sometimes blue. Sometimes pink. Sometimes black. Of course this all happened before my baking days. Now, I just have ugly (but clean), short, sad nails.

I have decorated desserts and cookie pops using the gradience in the past, but decorating a cake seemed a bit overwhelming. However, I finally decided to give it a go.

I could not decide if I wanted to give the cake a subtle (and single) color gradience, or if I wanted incorporate different shades. Therefore, I tried both. And, of course, gave the cakes my own twist.
Purple Ombre Cake by Miso Bakes

As you can tell, I incorporated different shades of purple into this cake. Instead of the horizontal gradience as seen in many cakes, I wanted to be different and went forth with a vertical gradience. I aligned the side strips with the top and repeated the pattern for the sides. The cake turned out to be very Lisa Frank-ish, so I just kept the decoration simple and topped the cake with a white sugarpaste rose.

Green Ombre Cake by Miso Bakes

To give the cake a less heavy and modern look, instead of using colored strips, I used dots this time. Unlike the purple cake, this one has a very subtle, single hue fade that is almost hard to notice. To give it a more modern touch, I piped a few dots which I painted gold.

Green Ombre Cake by Miso Bakes

I was going to leave the cake the way it was, but I really wanted to see what it would look like with a green apple topper. I tried, and I loved the cake a little more. (I’m biased because green apple green is my favorite color.) The apple was a simple touch, but it definitely added a little more personality to the cake. Don’t you think so? : )

To make an ombre cake:
1. Start with color of choice.
2. Add more food coloring or white fondant as you go.

I usually start with a small amount of the darkest color and incorporate white into it as I go. I like doing this because the left over fondant is light and can be easily tinted to a different color. Another reason is because I like to work bottom up. However, this is just my personal preference.

Happy Caking,
Miso

Miso of Miso Bakes Miso is a regular contributor for Half Baked. She is a talented and upcoming cake designer with a big passion for cakes. Read more about Miso on her bio page.
July 20th, 2011 | 11 Comments
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Cars 2 Cake Inspiration
June 24th, 2011 by Carrie Sellman | 7 Comments

It’s Friday so I thought we’d have a little fun today!  If you were a fan of the original, I probably don’t need to tell you that Cars 2 opens today.  The long awaited sequel hits the screen 5 years after Cars made its debut in the summer of 2006.  I’m sure if it is anything like the first film, children everywhere will dream that Lightning McQueen makes an appearance at their next birthday.  And well, you can’t do a Cars 2 themed party without a Cars cake!
Lightning McQueen Cars 2 Cake by Rebecca Sutterby

Flash back to the summers of 2006 and 2007… those summers were full of Cars parties and I cannot tell you how many Cars themed cakes! I thought it was only fitting to go back to one of the best original Cars cakes for today’s feature.  This Radiator Springs cake by Rebecca Sutterby of Sugar Creations is just amazing!  So creative and just look at all of those perfect little details!

Disney Cars Cake by Sugar Creations

Disney Cars Cake by Sugar Creations

This cake is the perfect execution of a ‘character cake’.   As any custom bakery or designer can tell you, character cakes can be tricky.  You have to find the right balance between truly creating your own design, representing the essence of the character and not violating any copyright laws.   AND you definitely don’t want the end result to be cheesy.  Somehow, this design manages to accomplish all of those things and make it seem effortless!  Although, I would expect nothing less from Rebecca.

I am a huge fan of Rebecca Sutterby’s work!  I’ve followed her cakes for years now… her designs have inspired other cake designers all over the country, including myself.  Her talent never ceases to amaze me.  Rebecca is one of my first cake crushes as she is truly one of the leaders in ‘the cake revolution’ over the last 5+ years.  I was beyond thrilled when she agreed to share her incredible Radiator Springs Cars Inspired Cake with us today!  You can see more of Rebecca’s amazing cakes on the Sugar Creations Website and on Facebook.

If you go see Cars 2 this weekend… I want reviews!  Happy Friday everyone!

June 24th, 2011 | 7 Comments
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Ballerina Inspired Sweets
June 9th, 2011 by Carrie Sellman | 6 Comments

What little girl doesn’t love to dance?  And as big girls, we all look back fondly on our first dance class… the tutus, the tights, our hair swept back into a neat little bun.  Maybe it’s because of the movie Black Swan.  Maybe it’s because dancers are the ultimate image of elegance and grace.  But girls of all ages are enamored with ballerinas and we see this theme spreading into events everywhere.  From bridal fashion to birthday parties, ballet inspires.  So today we’re oohing and awing over some lovely ballerina inspired sweets.
Ballerina Inspired Cake by Intricate Icings

I am completely mesmerized by this cake!   This feminine and romantic design was created by Rachael of Intricate Icings and it could not be more lovely.  The whole scene is dreamy with its ribbon backdrop, candles and soft sunshine.  Love it!  You can see the full wedding photo shoot HERE on Style Me Pretty.

Ballerina Cookies by The Pastry Studio and I Am Baker

And what special day is complete without cookies and cupcakes?  Roses, ballet shoes and tutus?  Yes, please!  Swoon worthy sweets created by some of my favorite ladies…. The Pastry Studio and I Am Baker!  And these tutu cupcake toppers are just tu tu cute!  (Sorry, pun intended.)

Ballerina Cupcakes by Sugar Custom Cakes

Love these adorable ballet shoe cupcakes by Sugar Custom Cakes!  A-dor-able!  And just one last shot of this amazing ballerina cake by Rachael of Intricate Icings.  You can see more of her incredible cake creations in our Top Tier Directory.

Ballerina Cake by Intricate Icings

Oh my!  Glamor and romance for girly girls of all ages.  The blush pink is calling for you… what ballerina inspired event are you envisioning now?

Vendors & Credits
Ballerina Cake: Intricate Icings (photography by James Christianson)
Rose Cookies: I Am Baker
Ballet Shoe Cookies: The Pastry Studio
Tutu Cupcake Toppers: Jean Knee
Ballet Shoe Cupcakes: Sugar Custom Cakes

June 9th, 2011 | 6 Comments
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