Bakery Style Birthday Cake
Serves 6-8

Cakes are so darn expensive. And to be fair, they aren’t the easiest thing to make, but… I’m sharing my food stylist secret for creating the most beautiful and easy cake for your next celebration. It’s simple: use a box cake and make sure you crumb coat. Then use a combination of natural and edible garnishes to hide any icing imperfections.

1 box cake, baked in 3 6” cake rounds, cooled completely
1 stick of softened butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
1 nectarine or peach
Handful of raspberries
Edible flowers

To make the icing, place butter in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer slowly beat, adding powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and milk and beat again until smooth.

Place first cake on a turn-style cake stand by using a little icing to allow it to stick.

Add a bit of frosting between each layer and stack. Using an offset spatula apply a crumb coat, which is a thin coat of icing where you’re not worried if you still see some cake. Place in refrigerator to set just slightly. Apply a second layer of icing.

Cut fruit and edible flowers so they fit on the cake and fill in little gaps or splotches of icing. Be playful and layer, and don’t worry about making it perfect… Your cake will come together really naturally if you take your time.

USED IN THIS RECIPE // CLICK TO BUY.

Products

Global 8" Chef's Knife // $160

Another favorite knife that I was gifted after working on a TV show. Global knifes are lightweight and and appeal to women. The sleek design isn’t for everyone (especially those who prefer a big handle) but since it’s not super expensive, it’s the one I take when I travel.

Offset Spatula 8"

Don't spend a lot of money here. Both large and small offset spatulas are essential for the home cook but shouldn't break the bank. I have a few, just in case!

Hand Mixer

Let's be honest, I live in a tiny apartment and while I love my charming little kitchen, I don't have space for a stand mixer on my countertop. I love a hand mixer, it's super old school and EASY. It makes pulling it out to whip icing, cakes or even pancake batter even more accessible.