Rubbermaid Servin Saver White Cake Keeper

Store your cake, cookies, and pastries in this to keep that fresh baked taste.

Price: $12.50

Click here to buy from Amazon

Welcome: My Little Love

Half Baked is thrilled to announce another great addition to our growing list of sponsors.  This online boutique is all about my my favorite things…. parties and cake!  My Little Love offers all of the charming party supplies and oh-so-cute details you see in today’s best parties!  From mini glass bottles, to fancy cupcake liners, wrappers and vintage paper straws, you’ll find all everything you need to bring your party to life.  Plus yummy packaging supplies and baker’s twine for your homemade goodies!

Today only, My Little Love is offering our readers 40% off all Divine Twine™ purchases!! This eco-luxe, soft bakers twine is perfect finishing touch for gifts and favors.  And a charming addition to any homemade holiday gift!  Just use promo code CAKE.

So hop on over and shop until your heart’s content on the My Little Love website and follow along on their Facebook Page.  A special thanks to My Little Love for partnering with us! Welcome to Half Baked!

Quick Reference Links:
Website:  MyLittleLove.com
Be a Fan: Facebook Page
Follow: Twitter Page

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Princess and the Frog Cake Topper

Princess and the Frog Cake Topper is made of plastic.

Price: $14.94

Click here to buy from Amazon

Sep 14, Birthday "Guy" Cake

by Brenda
(Lucedale, MS USA)

Close up of the

My husband just had his 62nd birthday and requested an Italian Cream Cake....not exactly the kind of cake to decorate; but I gave it a try. My husband was an All-American in his day and I came up with the idea of making part of a football field as the decoration for his birthday on Labor Day.

The cake is a traditional Italian Cream, but I mixed pecans AND walnuts in the cake and cream cheese icing. I put the cream cheese icing in between the three layers and then crumb coated with a homemade white crusting buttercream (BC). Then I cut a wedge of a 6 inch butter cake and attached and covered with the same white buttercream to make the "stadium" and let it crust/dry.

I covered the sides of the main cake with the cream cheese icing and then marked off the "field" on top by outlining/piping the white BC along with the "yard lines". Coconut was lightly tinted with McCormick yellow for the end zone and green and placed inside the piped lines for the field. A goal post was fashioned with floral wire and dotted with royal blue icing then left to dry before inserting. (stick the uncoated bottom in styrofoam to dry) The remaining top was iced with the cream cheese and smoothed.

One more light layer of BC was added to the "seating" area and sprinkles were added for the "people". A small royal blue buttercream shell was piped around the stadium using Wilton's Royal Blue and black...a lot I might add. The top of the stadium was a good place to write "Happy Birthday" with yellow BC.

To finish the cake two markers were made from card stock and a "62" written with gold pen, attached with royal icing to a toothpick and inserted on the 62 yard line. I filled a new piping bag with the remainder of the royal blue BC on one side and the yellow BC on the other and used a medium shell tip to pipe the variegated shells around the bottom of the cake.

One last note: the yard marker dots were made with flattened royal icing dots made from a number 2 Wilton tip and flatted to dry before using a fine tip food marker to write the yard line numbers. They were attached to the "field" with small dots of royal icing.

He really seemed to enjoy his "Guy" cake!

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Wilton Roll And Cut Mat

Wilton Roll And Cut Mat

Price: $14.99

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Sep 22, Jungle Birthday Cakes

Jungle birthday cakes are fun to eat and bake as you have many choices when creating this theme cake. From spotted cheetah cakes to figures on a safari, jungle cakes incorporate personality, humor, and adventure. Traditionally a cake made for a child’s party, modern ideas make this a theme cake everyone can enjoy.

A small, two-layer cake covered in green frosting is a good foundation for a young child’s jungle cake. Color some animal crackers with baking gel or frosting pens and randomly place them around the base of each layer for character and liveliness. Put a few small jungle animal toys on the top layer along with plastic trees or balloons and place your candles around the top layer. If you can make or find a little “happy birthday” banner, place it so that the animals are holding it. For a child older than a toddler, you might want to be a little more creative than animal crackers. A sheet cake covered in fondant with a jungle scenario on it is a viable option as you can create a river, add rocks, dirt, trees, and a variety of animals. Let snakes come alive as they wrap around trees and rocks, while a crocodile in the river tells you danger is lurking nearby. The birthday boy or girl, or rather, a small figure representing them, might be running, swimming, or climbing through these jungle birthday cakes.

Easy Jungle Cake Idea courtesy of rmansoorian

One interesting idea is to make several jungle birthday cakes and place them on individual pedestals of different sizes, so that they go from lowest to highest. On each cake, put plastic jungle trees and connect a thin piece of string through the trees, going from cake to cake. Hang some monkeys on the string to create a real life jungle scene as they dangle over a waterhole, a giraffe’s head, and a patiently waiting lion. Add some more animals to the top of the cakes and stick animal heads made of sugar, available at party and baking supply stores, to the sides of the cakes to complete the jungle look. Cupcakes seem to be the latest in baking accessories so why not incorporate the tasty treats into your festivities. With a jungle theme, it’s easy to make each cupcake different as you can make lions, tigers, bears, and other animal faces. You might stick with one animal and make a family or create animal rivals, like elephants and mice or lions and zebras. The cake itself could focus on one animal while the cupcakes are all different or it could encompass the entire jungle whereas the cupcakes are all the same animal.

Jungle Cupcakes courtesy of knolleary

The urban jungle brings a new meaning to the word “jungle” and with cheetah, leopard, zebra, and snake prints being at the height of the fashion world, jungle birthday cakes are not just for kids anymore. Women have purses, shirts, shoes, dresses, scarves, and even socks adorned with animal prints and you know you can get a cake made to match your favorite accessory or outfit.

A black and white stripped zebra cake with pink edging is almost as popular today as the jungle cakes made for children. A beige butter cream cake with an inch of orange fondant trim on one layer with tiger strips and a golden band with brown spots on another layer is a jungle cake that has “queen of the jungle” written all over it.

Today, anything goes and jungle birthday cakes are no exception. They are fun, popular, in fashion, and in demand. Whether it’s your birthday or someone else’s, think jungle fever.

Share a picture of your cake and please give directions on how you made it!

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Wilton White Cake Stand with Border

Be ready for any celebration with this easy-to-personalize disposable stand! Just assemble, using the instructions included, then decorate the scalloped border strips with a message and your favorite accents. Holds up to 24 cupcakes.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Sep 5, baby shower cake

by Crystal R.
(Gallatin, TN USA)

This cake was a white cake with my own special mixture of flavouring (mainly Vanilla with citrus oils) for my sweet niece. I do allow his second son, Cade. The frosting is yellow House with free flavors to match the cake.

My other niece that gave the shower wanted to have "square" or "blocks" to serve, but I work full time (I am a school teacher) and just didn't have the time... so it was the idea of brain child that I had. It was baby quilt patterns on the border of edge with a window icing in the Middle allowing my sweet grand nephew!

The rattle is made with a cookie cover white chocolate oreo and the handle is tinted yellow. Blocks are pieces of cake I was frozen and dipped in white chocolate. I used yellow (as my niece don't like fondant...) to write the numbers and the points on each of them.

They are guaranteed on the cake with toothpicks. Baby booties are also 3 - d. I really enjoyed making this cake; but the next time I will make sure it is perfectly straight lines of border...: D

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Sneak Peek: Sadie’s 1st Birthday

It’s going to be a big day here tomorrow…  my sweet little Sadie is turning one next week!  I can hardly believe she is almost a year old.  This year has just flown by at whirlwind speed!   I almost didn’t  plan a party (gasp!) due to everything we have going on right now.  We’re moving to Miami in two weeks!!  But I just couldn’t imagine letting her first birthday go by without a little celebration.

Today will be a crazy day full of last minute preparations and baking.  On deck is a smash cake for the birthday girl, cinnamon swirl cupcakes, caramel apples and some sort of apple cake.  So if you’ll please excuse my slow response to comments and emails this week, I’d like to share a little sneak peek of Sadie’s big day…

Like always, I had more ideas than time when it came to Sadie’s party.  So I enlisted the help of some very talented ladies, friends new and old, to help me.  They might tell you I went a little crazy with the emails, photos and physical design boards…. but it was so worth it!  Their creations have been arriving all week and I am in awe!  I cannot wait to show you everything!  Inspired by Sadie’s favorite stuffed animal (a gift from her Aunt Ashley), this party is going to be soft, furry and oh-so-sweet!

While I look forward to spending time with my family this weekend, I hope you have an exciting weekend planned too!  See you back here next week!

Happy Friday everyone!

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Winware Aluminum Pie and Cake Marker, 12-Cut

Never again worry about uneven portions. Reduce costs and waste with this 12-cut pie and cake marker. Made with durable aluminum for professional use.

Price: $5.84

Click here to buy from Amazon

Wilton Crystal-Clear Cake Divider Set

Sparkling clear twist legs beautifully complement your cake.

Price: $52.49

Click here to buy from Amazon

Recipe: Chocolate Cheesecake Turtle Cupcakes

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AppId is over the quota

Our cupcake contributor, Lauren of Crave. Indulge. Satisfy, is baking up something sweet today…

I must admit, I was a little stumped with a cupcake recipe for the month of September!  It’s the time of year where summer is coming to a close so you are no longer in the mood for fresh and fruity recipes, but it’s not quite time to whip out the pumpkin and start fall baking either.  So this month, with the help of some feedback from my Facebook fans, I hope I’ve come up with a recipe that you all will enjoy!  It seemed most everyone was looking for something that included chocolate.  One person suggested a turtle cupcake, which I thought was brilliant since those little turtle candies are one of my absolute favorites!  So in an attempt to appeal to most of your wishes, we have chocolate, we have turtle and we even have a little something extra special in the center… cheesecake!  So go grab some caramels, chocolate and pecans and get ready to whip up a batch of these Chocolate Cheesecake Turtle Cupcakes!

I can’t think of better way to satisfy both a cupcake and cheesecake craving than with these mini cakes.  The base of the recipe is a chocolate cake batter, with a dollop of cream cheese mixture on top.  Pop these babies into the oven and about 20 minutes later you have a delicious chocolate cake with a creamy cheesecake center…yum!

The topping on these is as simple as melting some caramels and chocolate and drizzling on top!  Sprinkle with a few chopped pecans and you have yourself the ultimate turtle cupcake in no time!

This recipe is really so versatile and can be switched up in a number of ways.  Why not add some chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter before baking and create a Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cupcake…now that’s a mouthfull!  But I know it would be delicious!  Or sprinkle the top of the cupcakes with some of your favorite candy bars instead of the pecans…Snicker’s would be fabulous!  You could even throw a little strawberry jam in to the cheesecake mixture and create a Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake.  You get the idea…get creative and have fun with toppings that you enjoy if Turtles aren’t your thing!

Chocolate Cheesecake Turtle Cupcakes
(makes 18 cupcakes)

For the cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 Tbsp vinegar
1 tsp vanilla

For the cheesecake:

8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line muffin pans with cupcake liners.In large bowl combine dry cake ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda. Mix until well combined.In small bowl combine wet cake ingredients: vegetable oil, water, vinegar and vanilla.Make a well in the bowl of dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir mixture until combined.Fill cupcake liners 1/3 full with chocolate batter.In a small bowl combine cheesecake ingredients: cream cheese, sugar and egg. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.Use a small cookie scoop to evenly distribute the cream cheese mixture on top of the chocolate batter.Bake for 20-22 minutes or until cream cheese center is firm.Let cupcakes cool in pans for 5 minutes, then remove to wire racks to finish cooling.Once cupcakes are completely cool add the turtle toppings.

For the Turtle Topping:

14 caramels
6 Tbsp half & half, divided
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Unwrap caramels and place in microwave safe bowl with 3 Tbsp half & half. Microwave for 1 1/2 -2 minutes until melted. Stir until smooth and let cool for a few minutes.Place chocolate chips and 3 Tbsp half & half in microwave safe. Microwave for 1 1/2-2 minutes until melted. Stir until smooth.Use a spoon and drizzle caramel and chocolate on top of each cupcake.Sprinkle cupcakes with pecans.

Hope you enjoy!
Lauren

Lauren is a regular contributor for Half Baked. She is a self-taught baker and lover of all things sugar. Read more about Lauren on her bio page.

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Gracie China, Heirloom Collection, 8-Inch Cake Stand, Creamware Fine Pierced Porcelain

Gracie China's Heirloom Collection, by Coastline Imports, is lovely porcelain which can complement the kitchen, dining and living room. Cake Stand 8-Inch, Creamware Fine Pierced Porcelain.

Price: $15.00

Click here to buy from Amazon

Look Fab: turntable cake stand

I have two turntables and a microphone…  Where is it!  I have two turntables and a microphone…

I can't help myself.  I know that I'm dating.  But it has old Beck song stuck in my head for days, ever since I an email from the creator of today's Fab finding received.  Turntables are made from recycled vintage this cake base and audio speakers share smooth and modern with beautiful lines.  Not to mention pure genius!  This one-of-a-kind treasures Centerstage would take in any case but are particularly suitable for a retro theme.  A a 70's disco, 80's prom shower, a rock-star birthday... I could go on!  What would your guests whatever the event, certainly about this vintage turntable cake base speak of JT Baldwin.  She could even sing inspire!

There the genius, right?  Frankly, I have so many cakes but none of this before!  Turntable plate, rubber mat, record come together in a natural way, spindle, speaker magnets, Woofer and tweeter.  It seems as if they are to form a cake base!  For the icing on the cake cable trims except below, in order to protect your furniture.

Can you imagine your cupcakes served and goodies on this two-tier dessert is entitled to?  The best part... the top spins!

JT Baldwin rescue is on vintage audio and photography equipment and a tribute the past.  With an image, a hammer in hand, and a full supply of used screws and bolts sorted in Ziploc bags it creates some of the most clever and unique products.  Be sure to check out cake the pedestals, dessert stands, Ottoman shells and more in the JT Baldwin Etsy Shop!

For those of you too young to mean "Two turntables and a microphone" song reference, here is a LINK... That was a good drum break!

Provider & credits:
Vintage turntable Base: JT Baldwin

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Fat Daddio's 6-Cup Individual 3 Tier Cake Pan

This heavy duty 18 gauge anodized aluminum 6 cup Tier Cake Pan will become a favorite for making individual cakes for showers, weddings or birthdays. Each cup makes an individual 3 tier cake that has 1", 2" and 3" layers and is 3" in overall height. Anodizing completely seals the aluminum, making a smooth scratch-resistant surface, and ensures there is no cross-contamination or leaching of aluminum into foods. Anodized aluminum is also non-reactive with acidic and dairy ingredients. Fat Daddio's anodized bakeware offers superior baking performance, even heat distribution, safety, and durability. Dishwasher safe. Lifetime

Price: $24.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Welcome: Amanda Oakleaf Cakes

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AppId is over the quota

Half Baked is excited to announce the newest addition to our Top Tier Cake Directory!  This cake shop is seriously all about the fun!  From the talented team of bakers and cake designers to their mascot!  (Yes, you read that right… the shop mascot is known as Dr. Fresh.)  Most importantly, the fun comes to life in whimsical cake creations that are just downright delightful.  With big smiles, we are thrilled to welcome Amanda Oakleaf Cakes to our cake directory!

With a passion for art and a love of sugar, Amanda Oakleaf started her business in her one room apartment. Fast forward three years and now Amanda Oakleaf Cakes has a gorgeous storefront just outside of Boston.  Amanda and her insanely talented and dedicated team create cakes for every occasion.  From intricately sculpted designs to elegant displays, each creation is made entirely from scratch.  Every morsel of buttercream, fondant and gumpaste is made by hand.   From scratch!   With a hefty dose of hard work and talent, they’re creating cakes that both look and taste above the rest.

How incredibly adorable is this 3D golden retriever cake?!?  Sporting a Red Sox jersey, this little guy was actually the size of a real puppy.  As if he wasn’t charming enough, Amanda and her crew named him Frosting.  I think I’m in love with Frosting!  And check out the crazy details in this mammoth elephant cake…

On top of the stellar 3D designs, Amanda and her team create some lovely wedding cakes as well.  Now for some pretties…

You know I’m a huge fan of ombre cakes!  And I absolutely adore those ruffled flowers!  And this next cake makes such a dramatic statement with its black and white stripes and bold pop of red…

Ok… so I can’t mention the shop mascot and leave you wondering.  Here’s a little peek at the team and Dr. Fresh!  His hat reads “Vanilla Ice-ing”.  Ha!

I could not be more thrilled to have Amanda and her team as part of our Top Tier Directory! Show them a little love and check out their full listing in Top Tier.   See even more delightful designs on Amanda Oakleaf Cakes website, blog and Facebook Page.

Special thanks to Amanda and her team for joining us. We can’t wait to feature more of your spectacular work!

Quick Reference Links:
Website:  OakleafCakes.com
Be Inspired:  Oakleaf Cakes Blog
Be a Fan: Facebook Page
Top Tier Directory: Full Listing

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Wilton 12-Inch Show 'N Serve Cake Board, 8-Pack

Show 'N Serve cake boards with scalloped edge has the look of intricate lace.

Price: $5.49

Click here to buy from Amazon

Nordic Ware Sheet Cake Baking Pan with Cover, 13 by 18 by 2 Inch

A necessity for any chef's kitchen. Baking professionals know that the secret to evenly-baked and perfectly browned food is to cook with aluminum bakeware. Aluminum is widely known for its excellent heat conductivity and cooks more evenly and thoroughly than other metals. Made of natural aluminum with no finish, the Baker's Half Sheet is the largest baking sheet on the market, measuring in at 13 inchx 18 inch x 1 inch, yet still fits within standard home ovens. Turns out perfect results every time, whether you're making bars, brownies, or cookies. Convenient lid for transporting and storing your baked goods. Proudly made in the USA by Nordic Ware.

Price: $25.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Welcome: Pastry Studio

Half baked is pleased to announce the latest addition to our Top-tier cake directory!  If you are a regular reader, you are probably already familiar with this charming pastry shop in Daytona Beach.  We had the privilege of their cakes in the past.... like this adorable candy buttons cake, this vibrant sea side wedding and this retro lollipop cakepart.  Based on your answers, I gather that you love this cake as much as I!  That is why I'm thrilled that The pastry Studio in our directory welcome cake!

Sherri Meyers and her team at the pastry Studio you have fantastic cakes exciting creations for years!  I was in the year 2004 my obsession with cake first began with the pastry Studio beaten.  From this moment on, I have a big fan of Sherris style and have loved it develop and progress with the current trends.  But one thing has remained constant over time…. these drafts are spotless!  The confectionery Studio is known for their impeccable attention to detail and artistic expression.  Of outrageous and trendy, classic and elegant the creative possibilities are endless.  Made of fresh, high-quality ingredients, this swoon worthy sweets pampers all your senses!

I absolutely love this striking yellow and Brown wedding cake.  With so many different textures and design elements, I notice something new every time I see it!  I love the contrast, created by the mod geometric circle pattern and the flirty ruffled flowers.  And although we talk mainly about cakes here are a few pictures of the other goodies, the pastry had to be Studio, as their beautiful cookie favors and Cupcakes….

Now back to the cake!  Truth be told, it was a challenge, the choice of the cake for today's post.  There are far too many great designs in the pastry Studio portfolio to show all in a single post them!  But here is a few more of my current favorites...

Special thanks to Sherri and her team with us. We can't wait to more of your spectacular work with!

Quick reference links:
Website: ThePastryStudio.com
Be inspired: Pastry Studio Blog
Become a fan: Facebook page
Animal root directory: full listing

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Wilton Performance Pans Hexagon Pan Set

These are the classic shapes every baker needs. Convenient graduated-size sets to help create fabulous tiered cakes in exactly the size you want. Set includes 6, 9, 12, 15 in. pans. Quality aluminum holds its shape for years. Each pan is 2 in. deep.

Price: $41.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Sweet snippets: with leftover Buttercream

Our contribution, miso of miso bakes, shares some helpful tips to make additional Buttercream used.  Enjoy....

Do not hate you, when you have awkward toned Buttercream?  It is almost always a bit too much to take, but not enough to save in a tub.

So I do what?  I plop Buttercream on a piece of plastic wrap, tight folds Saran Wrap in a small purse, date, and place freezer bag along with the other 'Awkwards' them in a big ZIP ready to use.

Or sometimes, I the flowers from pipe, freeze them on a tray and carefully insert it in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to use. I ice cakes, as I normally would, and place the frozen flowers right in cakes.  Since the flowers are small I had problems with condensation had never, but when you do, gently the flowers with a tissue stain.

Small blocks with tinted Buttercream or flowers come in very useful when using a whip, a cake or dessert last minute for an unexpected visitor, or if you just want cake together for your family on a lazy weekend to throw. This is also a great way to use up to a few random cake layers or scraps of paper have you sit.

The same applies to sugar paste flowers. I like to cake, but I for important fresh them as one or two additional sugar paste flowers, which have left over, I the tribe and keep them in an airtight container and put them carefully on the cake "Scrap" along with the flowers Buttercream.

Cute, right? Add the sugar paste:) flowers a nice touch of cake, isn't it?  Just because a cake in Buttercream iced tea is, it doesn't mean that you use only butter cream to decorate to your cake. The same applies cake fondant also! Games, to the media, and you will end up with a product, your heart smile!

Happy build-up,.
Miso

Miso is a regular contributor for half baked. She is a talented and upcoming cake designer with a great passion for cakes. Read more about miso on their Bio page.

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