SO excited to share with you how easy it is to make the rose cake.
Seriously, once you see you are going to run right out, buy a 1M tip, and make one.
That or go back to work. Or bed. Or whatever it was you were doing before I interrupted you.
Ok, here we go!
There were two main components to this cake.
The vertical layer interior and the frosting rose exterior.
I am going to do a vertical layer tutorial at a different time, (updated: you can see it HERE) as I did not get any pictures of it this go around and it is IMPOSSIBLE to explain without pictures. What I can tell you is, I did not make a sponge cake that I simple rolled up. I actually made two separate cakes and assembled them into the vertical layer pattern.
Now for the frosting rose tutorial!
I promise you, this could NOT be easier. Bakers have been putting frosting roses on cupcakes forever by simply using a 1M decorators tip. That is all I did!!
(I need to mention... before I froze my cake I poured a simple syrup over it. This helped to retain moisture as well as assist in binding the layers together... just be careful to not use to much!)
Start with your cake. I put a good crumb coat on... as in, a crumb coat that conceals the cake underneath. It can be sloppy and uneven, but you should not be able to see what color the cake is.
Put your 1M tip (or any large open star tip) into the pastry bag then fill it up with buttercream frosting.
If you have an appropriately sized coupler you can use that, or you can just insert the tip into the bag and cut off the excess.
To make your rose, start in the center, then slowly move your tip in a circle around the center point. I wanted a single rose to span the side of the cake so I looped around my center point twice.
Try to end in the same place each time.
Go all the way around the cake and complete with one last rose!
This is how it looks after completing the circumference of the cake.
Then go back and add the roses to the top using the same method.
When making flowers that big, you are bound to have some 'dead' space in there. Can you see that big empty spot up there?
My first instinct was to go back in and add dollops of stars... but I think I found a better way!
Instead go in and make a swoop with your tip. (try and go in the same direction as the rose right next to it)
In the overall design it seems to fit in better then the star dollop!
At least, I hope so anyway. :)
Now... if you are really adventurous and want to add some color to your cake...
You can pick up some of these.
I did a light dusting of yellow then went back over it with the pink. I have to admit, all white is still my favorite, but I love the flexibility of being able to add some color.
I think a deep red would be stunning on a Valentines Day cake! If you try that, be sure to send pictures! Or just add it to my flickr group!
Here are my tips to finding success:
1. Use a good crusting buttercream recipe. I used my new favorite and loved how it worked. You will want to make sure the frosting is not creamy though... for the tutorial cake I used a creamier version and the roses did not hold their shape as well.
2. Make sure you have enough frosting! Those roses use a lot... I would make the whole batch of the above recipe.
3. Put your cake in the fridge after you are done with decorating to help them set up and retain their shape.
4. Have FUN with it! Those roses are so forgiving. But if you find that you really dislike how they are turning out, just scrape them off and start over!
Cant wait to see what you do!
And of course, if you have any questions, feel free to let me know.
***
You can also see this on Project Weddings!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing this cake! I used the idea for my daughter's wedding this week. My craftsmanship was not what your's is but no one looked close enough to tell. Except for the photos. Here is a link to see what you inspired.
http://www.bbitesized.com/2/post/2011/04/rose-wedding-cake-finished-430-am-the-day-of-the-wedding-phewf.html
Again, so much thanks to you!
Posted by: shannon christensen | Apr 16, 2011 at 08:40 PM
That cake is awesome.
http://www.blairlockout.com
Posted by: Jason | Apr 16, 2011 at 09:22 PM
I've got to try this! I've always made small flowers on cakes. Never thought of making them large enough to cover the whole side of the cake. The effect is gorgeous!
Posted by: Sue | Apr 17, 2011 at 12:11 AM
Thank you so so so much for sharing this!!! I am literally flabbergasted at how gorgeous the cake is for how little effort. Totally made my baking year!
Posted by: Nessie | Apr 17, 2011 at 01:38 AM
I used this idea today for a bridal shower. I can't believe what a gorgeous cake it makes and it is so easy. Easy because I only did the icing - not the different flavors inside. :) Maybe next time! Thanks so much for sharing this!
Posted by: Martha | Apr 17, 2011 at 04:27 PM
I just wanted to say thanks so much for the tutorial - I made it for my sister's 8th birthday party and her eyes POPPED out of her head when she saw how HUGE and pretty it was.
What was MOST appreciated was how super easy it was - it might be the easiest way I've ever iced a cake! My little cousin even did a couple of the roses and she'd never held a piping bag before in her life!
I'm still waiting on some pictures of the cake - but I do have this one [http://firstactproblems.tumblr.com/post/4726115604/rose-cake-from-zoes-8th-birthday-happens-to] if you'd like to see how it turned out!
Thanks again -
Posted by: Firstactproblems | Apr 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Sigh. I saw another cake in foodgawker that was decorated this way, I went to look and noticed no links back to your post. I left a comment with your link on it, twice, and both got deleted. I went to check again today and a "Source: adapted from..." link has been added at the bottom of the post. Thanks for giving us beautiful cakes :)
Posted by: moniQue | Apr 19, 2011 at 08:54 PM
OH MY GOD I almost had a had a heart attack. I thought I'd lost this. Took me forever to Google and re-find it, but now it's tucked away in my bookmarks and pinned on my Pinterest.
This is amazing, and exactly what I want for my wedding in August. We were already planning on having a table with 6 or 7 kinds of cake from our favorite bakery in Portland. We didn't want any other special decoration because we really like the look of the variety of the standard cakes. But then I saw this. And it looks like my dress (http://www.paintedladydresses.com/shop/17-142-large/full.jpg). And I fell in love. I'm going to have them do this in whatever frosting they'd normally use for each cake, so there'll still be variety, and we'll be getting some single layer and some double layer cakes in different diameters, so there will be some more variety still. Thanks for this tutorial; it's gorgeous!
Posted by: Paige | Apr 19, 2011 at 11:45 PM
Hi, I dont have a 1M tip, I just bought the Wilton Master Tip set, there are 54 tips in there so would of know of another tip, that I have, that could be used? :)
Posted by: Tabby Powell | Apr 21, 2011 at 03:38 PM
I tried this technique for a spring cake for my grandfather's birthday! My cake was taller and large roses weren't looking good so I started over and did two roses on the side. I think it came out nice and the method was so simple! It looks harder than it is for sure.
Posted by: Dawn | Apr 22, 2011 at 09:37 AM
What kind of cake do you prefer to use under all that beautiful frosting???? Im a college student, so I was curious if a box mix would do the trick, or if by scratch would be best! :)
Posted by: Melanie | Apr 23, 2011 at 08:58 PM
I think I am in love with you ;)
Posted by: nancy | Apr 24, 2011 at 06:58 AM
I have been wanting to make this since I first saw it and tried it yesterday- it was so easy and came out beautifully! I was just trying it to practice and the cake was carrot so I used a cream cheese frosting which is very creamy and not at all sugary or crusting but it piped like a dream! so smooth and they held their shape wonderfully. I did 4 8 oz blocks philly cream cheese, 2 sticks butter and 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted) and it put it in the freezer for about 20 minutes while I let the crumb coat dry a bit. I had a lot leftover, so I will probably reduce the amount next time. Can't wait to try the spray color for my daughter's birthday!
Posted by: Katie | Apr 24, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Just tried this with my Easter carrot cake. It worked well with the cream cheese frosting but I had to move extremely quick. Can't wait to put this on the table in a few hours! Thanks so much.
Posted by: Kristina | Apr 24, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Just made this for Easter this year and it was such a hit! I've NEVER decorated a cake before except for slapping on some store bought frosting on with a kitchen knife. I was AMAZED at how easy this actually was and it looked nice too! Not as good as yours (obviously...) but still - everyone could tell what it was and how pretty it looked! Thank you for sharing this.
Posted by: Colette | Apr 24, 2011 at 09:34 PM
After seeing this I decided it is what I am going to make for my little niece's 1st birthday party smash cake! SUPER adorable, lots of frosting and VERY girly! Making a mock cake this week! Hopefully it turns out as pretty as yours!
Posted by: sarah crosby | Apr 25, 2011 at 10:03 AM
I am so in love with this rosy cake. I saw a photo on Pinterest that inspired me. I've attempted it twice. I just realized today that the idea originated here. I need to study your blog. I have much to learn. Starting with a good crumb coat. I am such a bad froster!!
Posted by: Erin Adams | Apr 26, 2011 at 05:07 PM
Hi, just wondering but what are the types of cake that you used for this recipe? It looks beautiful! you are amazingly talented :)
Posted by: anonymous | Apr 27, 2011 at 05:17 AM
I so love cakes! This one look so yummy, thanks for that delicious share.
Posted by: maryland tile installation | Apr 27, 2011 at 10:44 AM
This is amazing! You inspire me, can't wait to make my own :)
Posted by: Mcginnityj | Apr 29, 2011 at 10:10 AM
This is such a well written tutorial! You are so talented! Thank you so much!
Posted by: Shumaila | May 01, 2011 at 08:49 PM
My pie is not as perfect as yours but I was satisfied ... thank you very much for showing so spectacular cakes and decorations.
Is here: http://bonprofitbcn.blogspot.com/2011/04/tarta-mona-de-sant-jordi.html
Posted by: Marisabel | May 02, 2011 at 05:37 AM
I picked this for my mom's birthday cake! It was the first cake I've ever decorated! I've never considered myself a baker but even I could do it! Thank you!
Posted by: Toni | May 02, 2011 at 10:44 PM
Love this! I can't wait to have an excuse to make it.
www.sothisisarmylife.blogspot.com
Posted by: Chelsea | May 04, 2011 at 07:23 PM
Oh my god! this cake can't be more beautiful! Lovely!!
xoxo from Spain!
http://thisis-therestofmylife.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Maria G Picón | May 05, 2011 at 09:15 AM
I am going to make this tomorrow for my birthday tea! cant wait!
Posted by: Lesmarie | May 05, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Can you pipe the rosettes onto fondant(RTR)???
Posted by: Danielle | May 06, 2011 at 05:54 PM
So, I didn't do the vertical inside, but I did do the rose design and my client loved it!!! thank you so much!
Not sure how I can share the photo with you, but I did post it in my facebook page. Thank you so much for the idea!
Posted by: Kim | May 06, 2011 at 06:17 PM
I used the rose design last month for my wedding cake! Although I admit I probably should have practiced first, everyone was impressed and loved it. Thank you so much for the tutorial.
Posted by: Ashley | May 07, 2011 at 12:56 AM
The prettiest cake I've EVER seen.... LOVE this.
Warm blessings,
Spencer
Posted by: Spencer | May 08, 2011 at 10:18 PM
I made this this weekend and it was a HUGE hit! I made it white first, and really debated on adding any color. I decided to leave it white and take it to our Mother's Day brunch, and then half way through change it to pink. While the yellow/pink still looked good white definitely looked better! Thanks for the cake! Next up I want to try your hydrangea cake!
Posted by: Stephanie | May 09, 2011 at 09:11 AM
made your rose cake this weekend it turned out pretty great! i didnt do the vertical layers though, id like to try it sometime tho! Both of your blogs amaze me, how you can be a phenomanal baker and bakery decorater to a homeschool mom and everything in between amazes me!
Posted by: ashleylikescupcakes | May 09, 2011 at 09:23 AM
Thanks for this great idea. I just made a version of this and it was, in fact, super easy and looked fantastic. Putting the roses on the cake only took about 10 minutes or so once I got going. They were so fun I kind of wanted to wipe them off and do it again. I will absolutely be adding this to my repertoire. Thank you very much <3 <3 <3
Posted by: Myriad | May 14, 2011 at 09:33 PM
This is soooo great! I just had to feature it on my blog
mmtncrfts.blogspot.com. I am switching my blog focus to weddings and thought this would make the perfect bridal shower cake. Thanks so much for sharing your easy to follow tutorial.
Posted by: Linda | May 22, 2011 at 02:05 PM
You are a GODDESS! That is the most beautiful cake (inside and out) I have ever seen. I gave it a shot, nowhere near as fantastic as your final product, and minus the vertical stripes, and I have to say: in addition to being a fabulous baker, you're also an amazing teacher.
Thank you!
Posted by: Account Deleted | May 23, 2011 at 02:30 AM
I decided to take a stab at the rose cake design for my Mother's birthday this weekend. I ended up making a 4 layer chocolate cake (from your best rated chocolate cake recipe blog... and can i say YUM!!!!!) and instead of doing the roses all the way around the side of the cake, I covered the sides with very well-crushed chocolate cookies. Turned out beautifully and extremely delicous!
Thank you for the recipes!
Posted by: Brittany | May 24, 2011 at 03:26 PM
Wonderful cake decoration!!! Question: how many inches wide is this cake? thank you for sharing!! ☺
Posted by: PAO MARINO | May 25, 2011 at 03:00 PM
I LOVE this!!! I will be trying this out for my mother's birthday this weekend. Thanks for the tutorial!
Posted by: Shon | Jun 02, 2011 at 11:12 AM
I'm inspired...at 8 am on a friday! I WILL make this cake either today or this weekend!
Posted by: Mary | Jun 03, 2011 at 06:58 AM
Can you also make the Rose Cake as a carrot cake. If so do I freeze it as well? It won't come out soggy? Thanks!
Posted by: Carmen | Jun 03, 2011 at 08:02 PM
i love this cake very much,thanks for your sharing, i must try this :D
Posted by: alice | Jun 04, 2011 at 02:31 AM
oh very beautiful.
Posted by: janiece | Jun 08, 2011 at 09:08 PM
Wow, that is so beautiful. I'll have to try this!
Posted by: Kelly-Jane | Jun 09, 2011 at 05:06 AM
This is absolutely beautiful!!!!
I'd love to try but I so clumsy with the frosting pipe! :)
Cecilia
Posted by: Cecilia | Jun 09, 2011 at 10:53 AM
Amazing! I have a 1M tip, but no special occasion... Maybe I'll make one just because. :)
Posted by: Sara at Keeth Ink | Jun 10, 2011 at 03:00 PM
I just had to try this for cupcakes I was making for a party... and I was really please that it really was as simple as your instructions. I can't wait to do more of these! Thanks for the tutorial!
Posted by: Stephanie | Jun 10, 2011 at 08:16 PM
this is amazing! your blog is spectacular and you are such a talented baker. I will be back frequently for more :)
Posted by: michelle | Jun 13, 2011 at 02:34 PM
Wow it looks gorgeous! Would you mind doing a video tutorial of this as well? I'm a novice baker so a video would help me out a lot!
Posted by: Jennifer | Jun 13, 2011 at 07:02 PM
I've seen this somewhere else on web last week. This is a MUST make. Thanks for sharing. I can't wait.
Posted by: angela@spinachtiger | Jun 14, 2011 at 04:42 PM
I am a complete cake and icing novice but tried this cake anyway. It turned out beautifully -- not as beautiful as yours -- but beautiful nonetheless. Thanks so much for the great idea.
Posted by: Karyl | Jun 17, 2011 at 04:54 PM