Autumn Cake

There is nothing too special about this cake.

Well, other then the meaning behind it.

When sweet Kim told me she was celebrating her 10th anniversary this week, I was dying to make her a cake.  She is one of those people that you can talk to forever, and who really knows how to listen.  

She is just one of those people that people want to be around.

I know Kim enjoys fall and all the beautiful colors that autumn brings... so I wanted to make her a cake with a few of those colors.

This is a devils food cake with almond vanilla buttercream and buttercream piped details.

I was going for a tree with leaves... but think I should have maybe thought out the pattern before I just jumped right in!  Looking at it now I suddenly thought, "What the heck is that?"

 Live and learn. :)

 

I also wanted to make sure her cake had a representation of her life... she has a big, beautiful family that she adores and lives for.  

I thought a tree might be fitting... it can mean so many significant and heartfelt things! 

And even though it was an anniversary cake, I was hoping to include her children in some way, so on the very back I added a few stray leaves... then personalized them with her kids names.

She told me later that each child was delighted to get a piece with their name on it!

One thing about making cakes is that I am always learning.  

Not every cake has to be huge and 27 layers and have a surprise inside (although those are sure fun!) but every cake should be personal to the person receiving it.

***

I am off to San Fransisco today for BlogHerFood.  I am pretty excited to 'people watch' famous bloggers and chefs and VIPs.  Also still a bit shocked that they wanted me to be a speaker... but my ticket is already bought and paid for so they cant change their minds. ;)

So excited to share everything with you... and cant wait to learn everything I need to know about how to be a better me! 

Comments

[Jessica @ How Sweet]

This is a gorgeous cake - probably one of my favorites since I am such an autumn fan. :)
Have fun at blogher food! I am so envious, I really wish I was going!

[Jessica]

Beautiful cake! Love the pop of autumn colors.

[megan @ whatmegansmaking]

Beautiful cake! I seriously love coming to your blog - I'm always inspired, cheered, and I love looking at your lovely things. :) Based on your inspiration I decorated my first sugar cookies last weekend. Slight disaster, but a lot of fun. I couldn't even do dots correctly! But thanks to your tutorials, I did get the flooding somewhat correct. :)

[Paula]

This is a wonderful cake and such a thoughtful gift to a good friend. Adding the *named* leaves for the kids was a great idea. Best wishes at the conference, I know you will be fantastic.

[Becki D]

I love your work, Amanda! It definitely looks like a tree, crazy lady. I even knew that before I read anything! :-P

Have fuuuun at BlogHer!! I'll be celebrating with the Pity Party here at home....

[Andrea]

This is FANTASTIC! Even if it's not 'special', I love the colors, the smoothness, the meaning.

Have a wonderful time at the BlogHerFood event!

[Wei-Wei]

Gorgeous! If only my cakes could be remotely as pretty...

[Joy Ellis]

oh.my.goodness. I am absolutely in love with the cake. Autumn is my all time favorite season. Another outstanding job!! I just love your creativity and skills! Have a great time at the conference. :)

[Kari]

Have a great time in San Francisco. How exciting!

I love seeing all of your creations. Your thoughtfulness always shines through.

Blessings, Kari

[Sue]

It's always so fun to scroll down and see what surprise yuo have in store:) This cake is simply beautiful!

[Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes]

Good heavens how tall is that!
Gorgeous though! Enjoy BlogHerFood!

[Mary]

Beautiful cake (as usual!) I really just wanted to wish you a wonderful time at the Blogher event. You are also one of those VIPs and famous bloggers! Cannot wait to hear all about it :)

[lsy524@gmail.com]

this cake is magnificent & i would love the recipe…please.
kudos & enjoy blogher!

[Renee]

Fabulous fall cake! Have a great time at BlogHerFood, I can't wait to hear all about it!

[Gwendolyn McBee]

What a wonderful tribute to a dear friend. Things made with our own hands and which come from the heart are the dearest gifts of all. You are very kind to share not only the cake with your friend but your knowledge and talent with those of us whom learn and take pleasure from your blog. Thanks again for just being you. I don't know how you could learn to be "a better me" as you put it....we think you are just perfect the way you are. :-)

[HeatherChristo]

What a sweet cake, and I am thrilled that you just posted a devils food cake recipe. I don't have one, and I was litteraly JUST going in search of one! By the way, am coming to blogherfood too! I will keep an eye out for you, I would love to meet you! Best, Heather Christo

[Kim S]

Amanda dear....I'm humbled by your words, but can attest that I'm sweeter today after enjoying such a wonderful celebration cake =D I can't believe we get to be one of the blessed ones who live near you!! Thank you again for sharing your amazing talents and blessing us with such a 'special' and delicious anniversary cake. You are awesome!!

Have a wonderful weekend. We'll be waiting to hear about it.
Kim

[Kristin Smith]

Oh I love this one...how beautiful! Have a WONDERFUL trip to CA and I will say a prayer that you don't feel nervous and that people will see God through you during this time! Blessings dear friend! :)
Kristin

[Lauren @ Crave. Indulge. Satisfy.]

Beautiful cake! Have a blast in San Francisco! I'm actually heading there next weekend for the Nike Women's Marathon! Can't wait to hear all about your speaking experience at the conference! Good luck!

[Jennifer @ maple n cornbread]

I think it is darling!!!! Great job!!!

[Amy's blah, blah, blog]

Cute cake! I hope you have a great time in San Fran, sounds fun!

[Dessert Darling]

This cake is beautiful and creative- totally inspiring! I'm watching you speak at the BlogHer conference right now :) Loving this panel and your adorable site. Happy to see I can follow you on Typepad!

The Dessert Darling~

www.DessertDarling.com

[Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction]

Beautiful cake! Hope you have a lovely time in San Francisco... Can't wait to hear all about it.

[girl]

It's so whimsical, I adore it, love the whimsy and fun tree, like a flourishing relationship, what a fun way to pay homage to an anniversary.

Have a safe trip home = )

[bridget {bake at 350}]

This is beautiful, Amanda! I know they LOVED it! You always put so much thought into your goodies....and it shows!

[Lexi]

That's gorgeous. I think I say it on every comment but I can't get over how gorgeous your cakes are. Wow. Beautiful.

[Autumn]

This is simply beautifull. This totally inspiring me very much and making me have a bite.Really this is looking gorgeous and i wanna do the same cake. Yummy and pretty looking cakes.

[Londa]

We love this cake! If only the fall tree in our back yard was made of yummy sugar! :)

[Maria]

SO I just love you, I do! You are the sweetest! I am so glad I was able to meet you at BlogHer food! Please keep in touch! Love this cake! You are one talented lady!

[Alicia]

Oh, how GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!

[The Fashionably Bombed Girls]

Hi Amanda! Can I just say OMG!!! Your site is WAAAAAAY gorgeous! I had no idea, you were so modest up on that panel! Anyway, it was great to meet you at BlogHer Food! We love your site and your work so much that we put a link up to it on our site!

Cheers!
Flannery & Katherine
"The Fashionably Bombed Girls"

[grace]

my favorite part is definitely the names on the leaves--genius.

[Art and Appetite]

Love the design! BEautiful photography too!

[rams]

Beautiful cake Amanda...what kind of chocolate frosting did you use.It is so shining..Don't mind can you give me the recipe please?