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
Yes-- Tutorial please!! that cake is unspeakably beautiful!
Posted by: dawn doran | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:32 PM
Oh my goodness, that cake is gorgeous! I love hydrangeas too, such lovely flowers. The filling in the cake looks great, too :)
Posted by: Eva Kosmas | Mar 21, 2011 at 07:37 PM
How did you make the flowers???
Posted by: Becca | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:13 PM
Wow what a gorgeous cake! I don't even care that is lemon :D
Posted by: blogbytina! | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:24 PM
Amanda - Happy Virtual Baby Shower! So many beautiful sentiments and good eats. The ladies outdid themselves. Plus your cake, as usual, is beautiful. Hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers.
Posted by: Nancy @SensitivePantry | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:48 PM
Just popped over to Glory's blog. OMG - amazing cupcakes over there. This hydreangea cake is gorgeous Amanda. You talents are amazing. You dazzle and surprise me each time I pop in for a visit. Your virtual baby shower is splendid! xo
Posted by: marla | Mar 21, 2011 at 08:57 PM
Hi Amanda! Happy almost delivered! I personally would love, once the dust settles from the new babe, a post on what pastry tips you own and what each is good for! 1M for roses, 2D for hydrangeas, what else????
Made a rose cake- nowhere near as lovely as yours- but not bad!
Posted by: Sue | Mar 21, 2011 at 09:03 PM
You are a true artists, just like your grandma :-). When I saw the photo of the cake on Foodgawker I thought these were live flowers. Amazing!
Posted by: Cooking Rookie | Mar 21, 2011 at 09:08 PM
I love hydrangeas too, AND lemon curd, so thanks for sharing this recipe and idea! Congrats on your little one and enjoy your virtural baby shower. What a lovely idea! :)
Posted by: Monica | Mar 21, 2011 at 09:12 PM
Your cake is beautiful and Thank You I had an awesome time at your babyshower. I do have to admit this is the first shower I have gone to and didn't over eat!
Posted by: Linda | Mar 21, 2011 at 09:40 PM
Awesome! So elaborate and resemble the real hydrangea
Posted by: Jun | Mar 21, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Beautiful cake!! I would love a tutorial, I can not wait to attempt this!
Posted by: Morgan @ Happy, Healthy & Me | Mar 21, 2011 at 10:11 PM
My dear, I wish I could squeeze you. I hope you enjoyed your shower today, and someday soon we'll have to meet for coffee. I will bring hugs, and you can bring that sweet new boy of yours.
Love you bunches, and your cake? Love it too! Hydrangeas are my favorite, but you already knew that.
xoxo
Posted by: Shaina | Mar 21, 2011 at 11:00 PM
this is gorgeous but girlfriend, you need to take your kick your feet up, take that apron off, watch some soaps, and eat some bon-bons cuz in a few days you are going to be "in love"!
Posted by: the urban baker | Mar 21, 2011 at 11:48 PM
This cake is gorgeous!! I wouldn't want to cut into it. The flowers are beautiful and so is the painting. Do you have any tips/info on the flowers you made?? =)
Posted by: alicia | Mar 21, 2011 at 11:49 PM
Your cake is a work of art. Beautiful. Your Grandma must be so proud of you! So that is where you get your artistic talent from!
Posted by: Donna | Mar 22, 2011 at 12:19 AM
I'm quite sure creativity runs in the family because the cake looks gorgeous as usual!
And when I saw the virtual baby shower from the other bloggers, I just thought, boy you deserve it! Can't wait for your next tutorial or cake post :D
Posted by: Janine | Mar 22, 2011 at 06:57 AM
PLEASE!! TUTORIAL< TUTORIAL
Posted by: Megan O. | Mar 22, 2011 at 07:04 AM
AND, as a Mother of four little ones, I send you early congratulations too!!! Such a blessing! Thank you for sharing your awesome virtual shower and all your talent with us!!!!
Posted by: Megan O. | Mar 22, 2011 at 07:06 AM
I adore this cake! Perfect for Spring and I love the inspiration behind it! And lemon cake is my favorite...I bet this was fantastic all around!
Posted by: Darla @ Bakingdom | Mar 22, 2011 at 07:58 AM
Beautiful! I love the lemon idea. I am not the best with frosting but I've got to try this. You definitely inspire me!
Posted by: shirley | Mar 22, 2011 at 08:45 AM
OH my goodness gracious. That has to be one of thee most gorgeous cakes I have ever seen. (I guess I need to get out more, because I've never even seen those cute little cupcakes, either!)
I would LOVE a tutorial on how you did the flowers. *swoon*
Posted by: Ashley | Mar 22, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Another gorgeous cake, absolutely love it! Hydrangea's are my favorite flowers too! I saw all the sweet virtual baby shower recipes across the blogosphere yesterday in your honor and thought they were all just so sweet to surprise you with that, you are SO DESERVING and I'm so excited for your new little boy to arrive!
Posted by: Lauren @ Crave.Indulge.Satisfy. | Mar 22, 2011 at 11:33 AM
Wow! What a gorgeous and happy cake!! Beautiful work!!
Posted by: Joanne | Mar 22, 2011 at 11:56 AM
What a gorgeous cake! The centerpieces at my wedding were comprised of hydrangeas, so they have a special meaning to me. I wonder if I made this cake for our anniversary, would my husband get the reference? Probably not ;).
Posted by: Lauren @ Healthy Food For Living | Mar 22, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Hydrangeas are my FAVORITE flowers too!! This cake is BREATHTAKING!! You are soooo talented & amazing all at the same time!! As a mom of 6.... congrats on your sweet baby #4!! Loved the Virtual Baby Shower... all of you girls are something! (:
Posted by: Melinda @ Sugar Fix Bakery | Mar 22, 2011 at 12:28 PM
I would love to see a tutorial!
Posted by: Nicole | Mar 22, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Beautiful :) Happy baby shower to you also Amanda. We are anxious to hear all the details and see pictures once you and baby come home (just a few more days right!!?) So exciting!!
Posted by: Mary C. | Mar 22, 2011 at 01:32 PM
Can you please put a search bar somewhere in your blog? I would really appreciate it! I want to try your recipes!!!
Posted by: Amy Nguyen | Mar 22, 2011 at 01:45 PM
Wow, this is so gorgeous.
I've been reading a while and have never commented but please, please do tell how to make the little hydrangea petals! I don't need a full tutorial (although I adore them), I just want to know about the petals! SO PRETTY.
I love your blog!!
Tamara (New York)
Posted by: Tamara | Mar 22, 2011 at 07:15 PM
I LOVE this cake. Hydrangeas are my favorite flower! When I saw this cake, the first thing I thought was how much my mom would love it too. I would love a tutorial on how you did it so maybe I could attempt it for Mother's day?!?! Yikes!
Posted by: Jasmine | Mar 22, 2011 at 07:17 PM
Happy Baby Shower. Everyone out here in the blogging world is excited to welcome your new baby into this world!
Posted by: Lexi | Mar 22, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Oh my god! What a gorgeous cake! Me want :D
Posted by: Linn | Mar 22, 2011 at 08:00 PM
Okay...so when is your bakery opening????
Posted by: Alicia | Mar 22, 2011 at 09:14 PM
STUNNING!!!!
Posted by: s | Mar 23, 2011 at 01:19 AM
Wow - that's beautiful!!
Posted by: ann at mommysecrets | Mar 23, 2011 at 07:27 AM
I love everything about this. I love the sound of.lemon and it makes me want to get out the petal tips and practice. the cupcake you mentioned might be my all time Glory fave.
when I lived in va there were hydrangea everywhere. and gardinias and magnolias. I miss that :-(
And I love grandmas art. I love to paint. I'm just not that good. You are very lucky to own that watercolor!
Posted by: SweetSugarBelle | Mar 23, 2011 at 09:06 AM
It is beautiful!
I have to say that in one of the pics, I thought you had created little butterflies. So....there's something to think about in all that 'spare' time you have. (Nope....none of us have spare time!) :)
Posted by: Leslie Jackson | Mar 23, 2011 at 09:47 AM
Wow! What an amazing group of friends you have. Now I bet you wish you could meet all of them in person, and give them all great big hugs.
Posted by: Stephanie | Mar 23, 2011 at 10:58 AM
Congratulations on the new addition coming soon! The virtual baby shower is an awesome idea. The cake looks AMAZING!!
Posted by: Delishhh | Mar 23, 2011 at 11:57 AM
Gorgeous cake!! Love the pretty petals! I don't know how I am just coming across your blog but I love it! I'll definitely be back!
Posted by: Brooke (Baking with Basil) | Mar 23, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Happy shower! Enjoy the new addition to your family! Your family is lucky to be able to enjoy all of the baking you do, and we are lucky that you share them with us!
Posted by: Anne | Mar 23, 2011 at 02:59 PM
Tutorial please! This is gorgeous!!
Posted by: Julia | Mar 23, 2011 at 04:21 PM
that's an awfully pretty cake, amanda, even if it is lemony (ick). the painting is lovely too!
Posted by: grace | Mar 23, 2011 at 05:20 PM
The cake and the painting are both gorgeous! Creativity must run in the family!
Posted by: Kelly | Mar 23, 2011 at 05:55 PM
ahhh I am too late to help with the previous post for people in hard times. I think it is so extremly powerful and amazing that you turned it to the readers of your blog, and I am not at all suprised that you were able to meet each of those needs!
Also! I made a cake you had on your blog for a friends bridal shower and she LOVED it! I'll send you an email with the finished look :)
thanks for the on going inspiration as I learn how to decorate and fill my life and the lives of others with treats made with love and lots of colorful sugar!
Posted by: Bridgette | Mar 23, 2011 at 06:48 PM
er uh.. whats your email I cant find it on here? lol
Posted by: Bridgette | Mar 23, 2011 at 06:54 PM
Hey there - would love to know what tip you used - did I miss that part? Love the cake, it's beautiful!
Posted by: Dominique Dobson | Mar 23, 2011 at 07:09 PM
How are you feeling mama? You amaze me that you are 9 months preggy a mom of 3 and and you have the time and energy to all this. You rock!God bless
Posted by: colleen | Mar 23, 2011 at 08:05 PM
This cake is fun! I love it -very simple. My girlfriend has been sick so I might try this to cheer her up. I am thinking either blue or varying shades of pink. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Crescendo Event Design | Mar 23, 2011 at 09:01 PM