Sunday, April 6, 2014

Tie Dye Cake

A couple of weeks ago, Tim's boss was turning 50 and he inquired about my cake decorating "skills".  Although I did take a series of cake baking classes a few years ago, lack of time prevents me from cake decorating as much as I would like.  I agreed, under one condition, I could find a fairly easy cake to bake.

Turning 50, meant she was born in the 60's.  What was popular in the 60's?  How about tie dye?  There's lots of examples of tie dye cakes on line.  After reading about a few of them, I said I can do this??!!!

I decided to make a three layer cake, two 8" and one 9" layer.  In hindsight, I wish I had done three 8" layers.  It was really hard to get the frosting smooth on the ledge between the 8 and the 9" layer.  In addition I made one 8" layer as a test.  I wanted to cut into one and see how it looked.



 The process is fairly easy but be sure to allow plenty of time.   Start by preparing a white cake mix according to the directions.  (I used two cake mixes).  Divide them into 6 bowls, and make each bowl a different rainbow color. Line the bottom of two 9 inch cake pans with wax paper, and grease the side.  Layer your cake batter in circles.  The first directions I looked at suggested using a spoon, which is what I did on my test cake.  It worked okay but for the additional layers, I decided to use a measuring cup with a spout.  A little more work but a lot easier to pour into circles.  Use about 3/4 of the bowl for your bottom color, then use a little less of each color as you continue. Layer your second cake pan in the opposite order. 

 Bake according to the directions on the box.  Allow the cake to cool and frost with your favorite buttercream frosting.  My frosting didn't look as smooth as I would have liked and the more I tried to smooth it the worse it looked.  Then I remembered a technique I learned when I took cake decorating classes.  Once your frosting has developed a bit of a crust,  use a piece of parchment and use your fingertips to smooth the frosting along the parchment.  Works great!!!


Using food coloring gel in 6 colors, starting on the outside, make circles with the gel.  Using a small, flat paintbrush, starting at the center, brush towards the outside of the cake.  You'll need to clean your brush often, or use multiple brushes.  Continue until you don't really see any more gel patches on your cake.   Slice and enjoy!!!


3 comments:

  1. A fun cake! I bet everyone enjoyed it:@)

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  2. Oh my gosh, that is amazing! Makes me want to put on bell bottoms and put flowers in my hair :)

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