Its all about the cake stand.
My MIL often listens to my random rants about things that I am obsessed with. I wouldn't blame her if she just tuned me out most of the time.
Luckily for me though, she listened extra good the day I went off on some random tirade about how I needed to own every cake stand ever made.
She found me this little gem at a garage sale.
I sorta like it.
A lot.
And I knew I wanted to make a cake just for it.
So I laid in bed at night and tried to figure out a way to make giant flower petals to mimic the cake stand.
Cause people do that right? Lay in bed and think about cakes. That's not abnormal right? Right?
And then I decided I wanted to make up my own white cake recipe.
Now whatever gave me the indication that I could just create my own recipe from scratch, I don't know.
I did create a recipe. Its just tastes NOTHING like white cake. It does however taste exactly like sugar cookies.
But I happen to enjoy sugar cookies.
And then I found the perfect icing tip to make the flower petals for my cake.
It was a good day in my kitchen.
Sugar Cookie Cake
3 cups cake flour
2 cups super fine sugar
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter
4 eggs
1/2 cup milk (I used skim)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup melted white chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare two 8in. pans.
In a medium bowl sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a mixer, cream together sugar and butter. (I used chilled butter but room temperature would work as well) Add in extracts and eggs, one at a time. Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternating with milk. (a third of your flour, half of your milk, and repeat until both are gone)
While that is mixing place white chocolate chips in microwave and heat for one minute. Remove from microwave and stir, then return and heat in 30 second increments until melted.
Add melted white chocolate chips to batter and immediately pour into prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25-35 minutes depending on your stove. Start checking at 25 minutes.
Let cool.
(can you tell its raining?)
I used my new favorite buttercream icing.
4 cups powder sugar
1/2 cup shortening
5 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
Combine all ingredients in mixer on lowest setting for 30 seconds. Switch to medium high and mix for 2-5 minutes.
Yes its got shortening in it. No I would not substitute butter.
Just try it. Once. Then you can go back to butter. Trust me, I always go back to butter. And no, I am not just talking about frosting anymore.
I had SO much fun making this cake I am going to make it again just so I can show you how. That should be coming soon!
*****
I added this post to the terrific round up of fabulous-ness over at Tidymoms I'm Lovin It! Is there anything YOU are lovin??? Be sure to add it!
Your mother-in-law was sweet to think of you when she saw this cake plate and even sweeter to pick it up for you. It is so summery. So it this cake you made!
Posted by: Paula | May 31, 2011 at 08:20 PM
Love the cake plate, I'm with you I too have an addiction. As for the cake, so cute! can't wait to see the tutorial!
Posted by: Karen | May 31, 2011 at 08:26 PM
Gorgeous cake! The cake plate is definitely a great find as well!!
Posted by: Tamara | May 31, 2011 at 08:28 PM
So pretty and sugar cookie cake? Sign me up!
Posted by: Kristen | May 31, 2011 at 08:33 PM
Hip Hip Hooray for you MIL this is so PRETTY!
Posted by: Lucy Lean | May 31, 2011 at 08:41 PM
You're as sweet as sugar cookies, and it sounds like your MIL is, too!
Posted by: Shaina | May 31, 2011 at 08:43 PM
That is one beautiful cake AND cake plate! Great find!
Posted by: Celeste | May 31, 2011 at 08:46 PM
Wow, this is gorgeous! And the cake stand is AMAZING!
Posted by: Blog is the New Black | May 31, 2011 at 08:48 PM
I thought the flower was made with fondant at first!! Wow - great job on the icing!
Posted by: ClassiclyAmber | May 31, 2011 at 08:58 PM
OMGosh!! I so want that cake plate!! GORGEOUS!! Never seen one like that. You have one awesome mom in law there girl!! Awesome job on the cake too. Going to have to try that one, sounds good and my kids, well they LOVE cake lol...
Posted by: Laurie | May 31, 2011 at 09:09 PM
I've been reading your blog for a good few months now, and I usually don't comment only b/c I'm too busy trying to wipe the drool off my face. But I really had to say something today...this looks AMAZING. Plus I love the plate, and a sugar cookie-tasting white cake sounds so yummy. urghh I need to go find some dessert now!
Posted by: Makeup Morsels | May 31, 2011 at 09:12 PM
Love that garage sale find...and kudos for the rave mother-in-law review! {brownie points!}. A cake that tastes like your cookies? Wow wow wow!!!
Posted by: Londa | May 31, 2011 at 09:17 PM
simple sweet and beautiful. I agree...that thrift find is amazing!
Posted by: trisha | May 31, 2011 at 09:18 PM
my husband loves sugar cookies! Particularly your sugar cookies! I know he will love this cake!!
Posted by: Elizabeth | May 31, 2011 at 09:42 PM
I don't own a single cake stand....but if I could find one like that one I'm sure it would be the start of a glorious obsession.. I mean collection :o)
Posted by: Bri | May 31, 2011 at 09:42 PM
My name is Sheila & I too, lay in bed & think about cake. Thank you for allowing me to join your group.
Posted by: Sheila aka GreenKangaru | May 31, 2011 at 09:46 PM
Such a sweet and happy daisy cake Amanda. If I lived closer I would invite myself for tea & cake :) xo
Posted by: marla@familyfreshcooking.com | May 31, 2011 at 10:17 PM
What a great cake! I love that you were inspired by the cake stand. Your cake compliments it perfectly. I look foward to your tutorial post.
Posted by: Gloria | May 31, 2011 at 10:26 PM
P.S.
I love that you always show the inside of your cakes. Not everyone does that. But seeing the inside is just as important as seeing the outside decorations.
Posted by: Gloria | May 31, 2011 at 10:29 PM
The cake looks great and I bet it tastes amazing! Such a pretty cake stand too, your MIL is has great taste.
Posted by: Renee | May 31, 2011 at 10:30 PM
I find myself lying awake thinking about cooking and baking all the time! Although I'm usually in some sort of nervous sweat about what I'm going to make and if I'll be able to pull it off in a normal amount of time.
Posted by: Emily Rau | May 31, 2011 at 10:51 PM
What a cool cake plate and the cake matches it beautifully! I love it.
Posted by: Barefeet In The Kitchen | May 31, 2011 at 11:08 PM
How CUTE is that... love it!
Posted by: Molly Chester | May 31, 2011 at 11:08 PM
So pretty I LOVE it :)
Beautiful cake plate, it screams summer!
Posted by: Diane {Created by Diane} | May 31, 2011 at 11:10 PM
It couldn't be more perfect!!!!!!!!!! And I love the cake stand!
Posted by: Alicia | May 31, 2011 at 11:18 PM
Beautiful cake to match a beautiful cake stand! I also love sugar cookies, so I can't wait to try this...it's bound to be delicious in cake form too. Looking forward to your post about creating the flower...I have my suspicions about which petal tip you used, but I'd like to know for sure!
Posted by: Jenn {Cookies Cupcakes Cardio} | May 31, 2011 at 11:31 PM
I also thing about cakes at night while I'm in bed :) And some times I think about yours and how, me being so little talented in the kitchen, could make something similarly beautiful! I have some many of the recipes bookmarked I don't know which one to start with :P
Today's cake is trully gorgeous!!!!
Posted by: Irene | May 31, 2011 at 11:45 PM
That sounds like my kind of cake!
Posted by: SweetSugarBelle | Jun 01, 2011 at 12:08 AM
I have this same cake stand (got it for our wedding almost 10 years ago)!!! Now I just need the cake :)
craftin-on-my-door.blogspot.com
Posted by: Kristy | Jun 01, 2011 at 12:20 AM
It's so good to know that I'm not the only one "crackers" for lovely dishes and serveware. If only I had kitchen storage the size of an airplane hanger. I'll share one of my secrets with all the Baking Beauties here. I shop the yard/tag/garage sales, consignment & charity type stores for serving pieces. I store them until holidays, birthday or shower parties. I'll bake a goodie & put it on a piece which becomes part of the gift, wrapped in colorful plastic and tied with a bow and I include the recipe. It's a one of a kind gift.
Posted by: DaeMac | Jun 01, 2011 at 12:37 AM
That's like one gigantic sugar cookie! How sweet of your mother in law to have gotten that cake stand for you.
Posted by: Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen | Jun 01, 2011 at 06:02 AM
What a sweet MIL you have! I love cake stands too! Just wish I could bake like you do girl! Gorgeous!
Posted by: Wenderly | Jun 01, 2011 at 06:17 AM
Amanda
You never cease to amaze me!! Sounds yummy! But as much as I love your baking....I think we need a new baby fix again...post some pics of those beautiful kiddos of yours soon ok?! :)
Hugs, Kristin
Posted by: Kristin Smith | Jun 01, 2011 at 06:47 AM
Amanda this cake sounds like MY PERFECT CAKE!! I can't wait to make sugar cookie cake!
and I can't wait to see how to make it!!
Posted by: TidyMom | Jun 01, 2011 at 07:21 AM
Beautiful as always! Love the rain picture.
Posted by: Strawberry CAKE | Jun 01, 2011 at 07:48 AM
my mother in law would LOVE this - just so happy and spring-like!! beautiful!!
Posted by: SMITH BITES | Jun 01, 2011 at 08:10 AM
Very, very pretty. So perfect for summer!
Posted by: Lori @ RecipeGirl | Jun 01, 2011 at 08:30 AM
wow...when are you writing your book. i want all of your inspiriation in one place!
Posted by: susan | Jun 01, 2011 at 08:52 AM
Oh my! My oh my! A cake that tastes like SUGAR COOKIE!? Be still my heart! This is on my must-make!
Posted by: In Katrina's Kitchen | Jun 01, 2011 at 09:02 AM
its totally not weird to thing about cake while trying to fall asleep...and if it is weird...then i guess im weird too!
Posted by: ashleylikescupcakes | Jun 01, 2011 at 09:44 AM
Beautiful!! And I can't wait to see how to make it. This would be perfect for my SIL's bridal shower :)
Posted by: megan @ whatmegansmaking | Jun 01, 2011 at 09:45 AM
p.s. I made vanilla ice cream the other night that tasted just like sugar cookies! But then I realized it was because I used the same very distinct vanilla that I always use in sugar cookies. *love* :)
Posted by: megan @ whatmegansmaking | Jun 01, 2011 at 09:46 AM
the sweetest cake!
Posted by: HeatherChristo | Jun 01, 2011 at 09:58 AM
beautiful cake.....and kudos to your mil for finding the sweetest cake stand.....
Posted by: joanne nixon | Jun 01, 2011 at 12:34 PM
this looks yummy and so cute too...I keep hearing how good your sugar cookies are, I SO want to try one!
Posted by: cherylene | Jun 01, 2011 at 02:44 PM
What size tip did you use to make your petals? I gotta try this one out! I absolutely love this!!
Posted by: Heather | Jun 01, 2011 at 03:39 PM
So cute! I'm totally craving a slice of cake now :)
Posted by: Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction | Jun 01, 2011 at 03:52 PM
A Beautiful cake stand and beautiful cake. I think I want cake for dinner. :)
Posted by: Jamie | My Baking Addiction | Jun 01, 2011 at 04:01 PM
What a beautiful cake! I happen to love sugar cookies so I can't wait to try this recipe. It sounds heavenly.
Posted by: Evan @swEEts | Jun 01, 2011 at 04:10 PM
What a find at the garage sale! yay for MIL :) Your cake is a beauty too!
Posted by: Mary C. | Jun 01, 2011 at 04:43 PM