Here is a slightly different type of post than usual. It has little to do with travel. Still, a short trip an hour away from home counts. Last week, I joined a Celebration Cake Class, a gift from my wife. I bake regularly. However, I never felt fully happy with my cakes. They came out dense, uneven, or underbaked. Meanwhile, my buttercream often felt too heavy or too dry.
A Friendly Start
The Cake College is in a lovely rural area. As soon as I arrived, I felt at ease. The team at Cake College welcomed everyone warmly. Coffee, tea and water were readily available. Everything was ready to go. Ingredients were measured and set out. Therefore, after a short introduction chat, we could jump straight in.
I only needed to bring my lunch and the burning baking questions - no pun intended! The day felt relaxed from the start.
Getting Stuck In
The Celebration Cake Class covers a lot in one day. First, we worked on the sponge. I learned how to keep it light and even. Then, we moved on to stacking and shaping.
Whilst the sponge was in the over, came the buttercream. This part really helped me. I learned how to make smooth American buttercream. In addition, I practised using food colouring. We also worked on royal icing for drip effects. Step by step, everything came together.
The tutors, Clare and Stephenie, explained and demonstrated each part clearly. They also pointed out common mistakes. As a result, I felt more confident as we went along. The class suits beginners, but it also helps regular bakers like me.
Small Wins Along the Way
Our group got on well. We kept a good pace and even finished the morning session a bit early.
Then, we moved on to stacking and shaping. Slicing your cake horizontally is not an easy task. However, under Clare’s guidance, it felt like child play. Although, our sponges were a bit too fresh for the task, we all ended up with the required four sponge levels.
Then came the buttercream piping and smoothing. It compared a bit to wall plastering, with the advantage that you can lick your fingers afterwards. Scraping the excess of buttercream, smoothing, filling cavities until your cake stands proud, tall, fully covered was quite an experience.
Then, the previously prepared dripping royal icing was applied to the top of the cake. Finally, remains of buttercream were used to decorate. Further edible decorations added to the finish of that celebration cake.
Still, baking can surprise you. Things do not always go to plan. Even so, the support made a big difference.
By the end of the Celebration Cake Class, I could see real progress. My cake looked neat and well balanced. More importantly, it tasted great. I did not expect it to look that good. A masterpiece? Far from it, but a result you can be proud of!
I Will Be Back
This day changed how I feel about baking. I now understand the basics much better. Because of that, I feel more relaxed in my kitchen.
I would happily book another Celebration Cake Class. It is friendly, hands-on, and easy to follow. If you enjoy baking, it is well worth trying.
