5 Inspiring Surprise-Inside Cakes
:upscale()/2014/03/11/726/n/1922195/be81b166560a6234_SurpriseInsideCakes-hc-c.jpg)
Amanda Rettke, the blogger behind I Am Baker, released her first cookbook today, Surprise-Inside Cakes ($17, originally $30), filled almost entirely with never-before-seen content. The cookbook offers recipes and step-by-step photo instructions for building stunning cake creations, from reliable basics to elaborate designs. These five previews should inspire you to bust out your cake pans and offset spatulas.
:upscale()/2014/03/10/992/n/1922195/9a3ef2f9c7ad8c3e_Candle_Rose_Cake.jpg)
Candle Rose Cake
"When I presented this cake to my sweet husband, he thought I had just put some big candles on the cake. When I took a fork and cut into the candle, he was shocked! I would pay money to see that expression on his face again. It takes a lot to surprise him," Amanda comments. The secret to the cake candles is baking the batter in different-sized aluminum cans. Source: Susan Powers Photography
:upscale()/2014/03/10/992/n/1922195/d78003b2621cd5dd_Neopolitan_Cake.jpg)
Neapolitan Hi-Hat Cake
Layers of brownie, strawberry cake, and whipped cream form this hi-hat cake, which is then coated in chocolate buttercream and melted chocolate chips. Amanda says, "Every day I teach my kids not to be selfish. . . . On the day I made this cake, I cast selflessness to the wind. I couldn't help it. . . . It's probably the easiest cake in the book. If you can turn on a mixer, you can do it. Heck, you don't even need a mixer. Just give it a shot. I promise you won't be disappointed." Source: Susan Powers Photography
:upscale()/2014/03/10/992/n/1922195/3f3e494a1b7ab72a_Bunny_Cake.jpg)
Bunny Cake
Kids and adults will get a kick out of this adorable bunny cake, perfect for Easter. Amanda jokes, "This is one of my favorite cakes ever. I want to hold it close and never let go, but I might look silly with big pink and white melted chocolate ears stuck on my shirt. But in all honesty, I wish I could give this cake to you. . . . So, if you decide to make this cake, know it's an extension of my heart." Source: Susan Powers Photography
Rainbow Heart Cake
This cake is serious and involves baking six colorful layers in addition to the four white cake layers. But, it's a labor of love with a captivating final result. It could be a wonderful way to show LGBT friends and family some support during Gay Pride. Source: Susan Powers Photography
:upscale()/2014/03/10/992/n/1922195/2c86446d98f9d09f_Red_White_and_Blue_Cake.jpg)
Red, White, and Blue Cakes
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a patriotic red velvet and vanilla cake topped with ruffly blue icing. Make it bipartisan by piping on both elephants and donkeys along the side of the cake. Source: Susan Powers Photography