Tutorial for this cake Here!
***
My extremely talented and creative and artistic grandma (she even has her own facebook page, how cute is that?) has been an artist using various mediums for more years then I have been alive.
She has sorta been on a watercolor kick in the last few years, and I am SO glad she is. Her talent with watercolor is truly awesome!
A few years ago she gifted me with this:
Hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers, so this piece is so special to me!
As I gazed at it the other day... it hit me. I gotta make this a cake!
Seriously. Who thinks like that???
So I made this.
I am not inventing the wheel here. Is that how the saying goes? Or should I say, "I am not re-inventing the wheel here?" Ugh. Lets just blame pregnancy brain.
Anyway... I see that the fabulous Glory has made hydrangea cuppies and that lots of bakers make cakes with hydrangea's on them all the time.
So this is just my take on it! :)
Although I love the periwinkle and cool tones the best, I really wanted to capture the color scheme that my grandma created in her art.
And then, because I am determined to FORCE Spring into my life, I made the inside the most spring like flavor I could imagine.
Lemon.
Seriously, I don't even like lemon cake.
Or, at least I didn't think I did!
This is a white cake (recipe here) with lemon curd filling and lemon frosting covered in buttercream crumb coat and buttercream hydrangea's.
Lemon Frosting ( both recipes adapted from allrecipes.com)
2 cups confectioner's sugar
In large bowl beat confectioner's sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and lemon juice until smooth.
Add milk as needed, combine until ingredients are fully incorporated and light and fluffy.
Lemon Curd Filling
In medium saucepan, mix together lemon juice and cornstarch until smooth.
Add butter and sugar and bring mixture to boil over medium heat. Stir constantly for one minute. In small bowl use a whisk to beat egg yolks until smooth. Add in a small amount of the hot lemon mixture to the egg yolks. (this is tempering the eggs) Now pour the egg mixture back into the sauce pan, whisking rapidly until fully combined.
Reduce heat to low and stir constantly until reach desired thickness. Don't let it come to a boil again! (takes about five minutes)
Refrigerate for at least two hours.
Make sure its cool before adding to cake. Its a good idea to make this ahead of time so your cake assembly can be easier!
I made my favorite buttercream frosting for the flowers, and I used the entire amount! So even though the recipe is for a large quantity, I used it all.
I just separated it into three bowls then added pink, light purple, and dark purple to each bowl respectively.
This cake is truly delicious. Moist. Full of different flavors and taste bud tingling sensations.
Can you just imagine it at a bridal shower or even as miniature centerpieces at a wedding???
This post was getting kinda long so I decided not to included the tutorial for the cake. If that is something of interest, just let me know. I didnt know if it was pretty self explanatory or not. :)
*****
I posted an update on the cookie donations... thanks again for all you have done!
*****
And this was an unexpected and totally amazing and humbling and (seriously, they made a preggers lady cry!) wonderful surprise!! I woke up to a virtual baby shower this morning!! I am just blown away!! I LOVE these amazing and talented and beautiful and sweet ladies... I hope you will too... this is the most beautiful shower I have EVER seen!!! You must stop by and see the creative and gorgeous things these fantastic ladies have created... just WOW!!!!
Thank you so much to these amazing women!!
Virtual Shower Menu
Drinks
Add a Pinch – i am baby Shower Punch
TidyMom – Ducky Bath Blue Punch
Savory Bites
Dine and Dish – Stuffed Mushrooms
GoodLife Eats – Cucumber Sandwich Recipe
My Baking Addiction – Crab Rangoons
Simple Bites – Spring Crudité, Buttermilk-Black Pepper Dip
Desserts
A Farmgirl’s Dabbles – {i am baby} cakes
Bake at 350 – Baby on Board Cookies
Bakers Royale – Baby Shower Cupcakes
Bluebonnets and Brownies – Mini Fruit Pizzas
Confessions of a Cookbook Queen – Homemade Butter Mints
Food for My Family – Baby Shower Macarons
Gourmande in the Kitchen – Chocolate Blueberry Truffles
My Kitchen Addiction – Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
She Wears Many Hats – “B” is for Boy – Itty Bitty Baby Cupcakes
Smith Bites – Strawberries with Brown Sugar Dip
What’s Cooking with Kids – Hamentashen cookies
Last But Not Least
Wenderly – Baby Cards
Hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers! When we moved into our house I planted two of them and I just love them. They are so beautiful. This cake is stunning Amanda!
Posted by: Jessica @ How Sweet | Mar 21, 2011 at 06:45 AM
Just as amazing as your rose cake, you have some talent!
Posted by: Mirjana | Mar 21, 2011 at 06:57 AM
Surprise! Happy Baby Shower! Congrats on your 4th! And, what a beautiful cake!
Posted by: Lisa | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:03 AM
It's a fantastic presentation to kick off the spring.
Kisses and good week
Posted by: Rosaleda (Maria Begoña) | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:04 AM
What pastry tip size did you use to create the flowers?
Posted by: Mirjana | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:05 AM
Love that cake!
Surprise! We love you, sweet friend.
Posted by: Robyn | Add a Pinch | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:09 AM
You are quick, girl! Love the cake and happy baby shower! We are so happy for you :)
Posted by: Kristen | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:11 AM
Congratulations on the new little guy! Praying all goes well for you. :)
Posted by: Ani | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:19 AM
I love hydrangeas too! And Lilacs :) That cake is beautiful and it looks very yummy. Can you send me a piece? How lovely to have a virtual baby shower! I can't wait to 'meet' your little guy. :)
Posted by: Renee | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:26 AM
I would love to see a tutorial! This cake is stupendous, as usual!
Posted by: June g. | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:26 AM
beautiful cake as always! and congrats on the pregnancy!
Posted by: Kari Smith | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:28 AM
Beautiful cake Amanda! You just amaze me every time. And you must be one of the most patient people around to be able to ice like that. So purty!
Posted by: Amy | She Wears Many Hats | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:30 AM
Where do you find your energy?!!! Lovely picture and lovely cake!
Posted by: Pat | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:33 AM
lovely! could we have a tutorial on how to do the hydrangeas please??
Posted by: Mikki | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:34 AM
Wow! My little guy is going to be one and I've been trying to come up with a cool giraffe cake idea. Wish I had your talent for making cakes from insanely difficult inspirations! Amazing!
Posted by: Kristina | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:43 AM
Gorgeous! I love it.
Posted by: Maggie | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:48 AM
You are a beautiful and lovely blogger. I'm sure this is just a drop in the bucket in representation of all you are. Have a wonderful event welcoming this new life to your world, both real and virtual.
I love the cake. It's beautiful.
AmyRuth
Posted by: AmyRuth | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:51 AM
I agree with Mikki and June, tutorial!
Posted by: Mirjana | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:51 AM
Amanda you certainly deserve this baby shower! I hope you feel special today and every day! Congrats!
And I just want to tell you that it is such a tribute to your grandma to make this cake inspired by her. How very blessed you are to have her in your life. The cake is beautiful and I love to see the slice on the plate. Truly a work of art!
♥- Katrina
Posted by: In Katrina's Kitchen | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:53 AM
What a stunning cake! Happy Baby Shower! I'd love to be a part of one of these celebrations one day. :)
Posted by: Jennifer Nixon | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:56 AM
Happy Baby Shower!!!!!
This has been the funnest morning in a long time.
What a cake. I love it!
Posted by: Aimee @ Simple Bites | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:04 AM
A. your grandma is on facebook....that is awesome.
B. she is seriously talented!
C. that cake! My goodness....where does your talent end?!?
D. aren't you supposed to be having a BABY next week? And you made THIS?!? You amaze me!
E. *mwah*
Posted by: bridget {bake at 350} | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:14 AM
Your cakes always amaze me, but this one seems special. My mom loves hydreangeas and huge snowball hydreangea bushes all around her house. You've captured the flowers perfectly! Great job!
Posted by: Valerie Ippel | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:15 AM
Amanda! I just adore hydrangea - if I had to choose only one plant for my yard, that would be it! You did such a lovely job!!
Posted by: Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:17 AM
Okay so first and foremost, amazing cake! absolutely beautiful.
Second, Happy Baby Shower!
Posted by: LisaH | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:21 AM
I guess I don't tweet enough I totally missed your shower. : ( Poo. I would have made you some yummy Scones or something. Well I hope you had a great time with out me. I have four kiddos. (4 in 51/2 years) So I know what you are in for, I will also send prayers your way.
Posted by: Sheila | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:22 AM
Wow. Just gorgeous!! I love Hydrangea's also. I can't wait to try this cake out!! :)
Posted by: Joy | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:24 AM
Your cake is beautiful and you have some awesome friends! Love that they threw you a *virtual* shower and the appetizers, drinks desserts, and cards they served up are all so delightful.
Posted by: Paula | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:28 AM
Happy Surprise Baby Shower! What a genius idea! Congratulations, Amanda!
Posted by: Paige Galla | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:30 AM
Please please please share with us how you made this cake - please please please post the tutorial. It is stunning.
Posted by: Debbie A | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:36 AM
Love the idea of the virtual baby shower. Congratulations.
Maybe in a few months, you can make us a tutorial?? I love your tutorials!
Posted by: Georgia | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:40 AM
Pretty sure I didn't create such awesomeness when I was a week from having a baby!! Wait--I haven't created such awesomeness EVER!!
Just another reason you blow me away...so talented.
Posted by: Cookbook Queen | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:50 AM
Amanda that cake is GORGEOUS!! I love Hydrangeas and Peonies
I LOVE that your grandma is on FB...love it!!
and you SOOO deserve this shower!! the only thing better would be if we all could have thrown it in person
Posted by: TidyMom | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:50 AM
My favorite flower! Love this beautiful cake! You are so talented!
Happy Baby Shower Day too! How fun! Can't wait to meet your little man!
Posted by: Londa | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:57 AM
My brain was already thinking how perfect this would be for a bridal shower or wedding! The lemon curd filling sounds delightful.
And, how the virtual baby shower thing is too sweet!
Posted by: Lucy | Mar 21, 2011 at 09:11 AM
Happy Surprise Baby Shower!!! I'm so glad we were able to surprise you today, I'm just sorry that we weren't able to really throw you one in person. How fun would that be! And how much food would we eat, lol! Maybe one day, for baby #5 perhaps? :-) - Love you ♥
Posted by: Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen | Mar 21, 2011 at 09:13 AM
So beautiful! I would love to see a tutorial on this. You are so talented!!!!!!
Posted by: Aneva | Mar 21, 2011 at 09:18 AM
Oh my gosh yes a tutorial....this is beautiful. U amaze me.
Posted by: jennifer | Mar 21, 2011 at 09:24 AM
I'm having hydrangeas in my wedding bouquet, so I can't wait to try to this cake for my get together with my bridal party! Congrats on the baby shower -- good luck with your c-section! When I saw what Kristan was doing this morning, I knew I had to stop by!
Posted by: Ashli | Mar 21, 2011 at 09:29 AM
beautiful!!! and what great friends for throwing a virtual shower!! love it and much luck with the upcoming baby....you're probably a pro now :)
Posted by: michelle | Mar 21, 2011 at 09:30 AM
What an amazing cake! And congrats on the baby. The virtual baby shower is just incredible!
Posted by: Marie @ Chocolate & Wine | Mar 21, 2011 at 09:33 AM
c'est magnifique!♥
Posted by: Gabrielle | Mar 21, 2011 at 09:45 AM
Awesome presentation.
You are really creative.
Such an elegant cake.
Lovely watercolour paint ♥
Posted by: Ana Powell | Mar 21, 2011 at 09:52 AM
I've been trying to come up with a theme for my final cake in my decorating class, and I'd love to do this beautiful cake! Please post a tutorial! Did you make each flower first, then place them on the cake, or pipe it directly on the cake? What tip did you use?
And congrats! Good luck with everything!! You're amazing.
Posted by: Kate C | Mar 21, 2011 at 10:03 AM
My absolute favorite flowers!!!! This cake is one of the most amazing I have ever seen.
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!
Posted by: Christen | Mar 21, 2011 at 10:05 AM
I love hydrangeas, too. I don't always make a birthday cake for myself, but this year I think I have to have this cake!
It sounds like you have better things to do than write a tutorial right now (!), but could you tell us what tip you used to make the flowers? I can probably muddle through from there.
Posted by: brienze.livejournal.com | Mar 21, 2011 at 10:05 AM
Stunning!!! Love all your designs. You are awesome!! Can you give us a quick post on what pastry tip size you used to create the beautiful flowers!!
Posted by: Maria | Mar 21, 2011 at 10:13 AM
That hydrangea cake is GORGEOUS and congrats on your new little one!
Posted by: Amy | Mar 21, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Your cake is amazing!.....and you are delivering next week??? S-U-P-E-R M-O-M!
Happy Baby Shower and thanks to all of your thoughtful friends for including us in your celebration! God Bless you all :)
Posted by: Shannon | Mar 21, 2011 at 10:17 AM
I'm here from Simple Bites! Congratulations and must say that cake is a-m-a-z-i-n-g! Love to bake, so will be dropping in again.
Posted by: Mary Loewen | Mar 21, 2011 at 10:28 AM