wanted.

Let's Make a Ruffle Cake

Are kids different these days? Have they changed since the golden age of The Baby-sitters Club? I'm pretty far removed, but it seems like they're all into Justin Bieber and Snapchat.

Oh, too scandalous for a first birthday? Good. We can focus on the innocence of ruffles and flowers instead. Much more my speed.



When Emily's mom asked me if I could do a ruffle cake for her first birthday it sounded like a fun challenge. (Unlike running, which is not a fun challenge.) I did a test run (or three) to get my technique just right, and to determine which size piping tip to use.



You won't find a step-by-step tutorial here (this one is a good primer, though). You will find loads of encouragement and a few tips.

Tips for Ruffle Cake Success

1. Use a turntable. You want to be able to spin the cake with one hand and pipe the icing with the other.
2. Don't skip the crumb coat!
3. Spend some time getting the icing consistency just right. It should be stiff enough so the ruffles stand out, but soft enough so they don't crack. This is where a test run (or a few practice ruffles) can really help.
4. Choose the right piping tip. I landed on a Wilton #104 and kept the fat end closest to the cake.
5. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Then you get a nice ruffly center!
6. Optional: Pump some Mariah Carey in the background. Preferably off the Daydream album.

That's it! Trust me, if I can tackle a ruffle cake, you can too. I think these ruffles are definitely Emily's style. And I hear she's into smash cakes instead of Snapchat. I just can't keep up.

images: ^©J. Bennett Kincaid Photography for wanted.