My boyfriend and I share an unhealthy obsession with Lord of the Rings, so it seemed the perfect theme to apply to his 20th birthday cake. I opted for a Hobbit Hole design and whilst I had plenty of ambitious ideas, I couldn’t help thinking (ever the optimist) that the end result was likely to resemble Mordor or, worse, a demolition site as opposed to a rolling grass mound complete with plant pots and carved wooden doors…
This said, I surprised myself with the result and the reception it received wasn’t too bad either (lets just say had this been Bilbo’s house, he would’ve been made homeless within an hour of its reveal). In other words, if you want guaranteed compliments, provide people with ganache, chocolate cake, buttercream, sugarpaste and nerdy cake aesthetics- it’s a winning combination.
Top 5 Decorating Tips from Amateur to Amateur…
– Practice really does make perfect. I am improving every time I create a new cake. Have patience and persevere and you will see results eventually!
– Don’t limit yourself to using only sugarpaste icing. Whilst it works brilliantly for some details, it’s not always necessary ( I have used buttercream for the grass here and it’s very effective!).
– Have enough tools and ingredients at your disposal. There is nothing worse than getting half way through a bake and only having half the icing needed to cover a shape- the result usually resembles a patchwork quilt!
– Choose rustic designs before you attempt the seamless white wedding cake! There is more leeway with a design like this- any mistakes can be covered up if need be.
–Roll icing out between sheets of greaseproof paper. I have only just realised this is the best way! Icing sugar discolours the icing and your hands make it hot and sticky. The paper keeps it fresh and smooth.
Amazing! I love LOTR, you did a great job.
Wow! That is so cool!
What a fun cake! It looks amazing and I knew it was a hobbit home even before I saw your title or read the post. Great job!
That is bloody amazing!!! You are super talented.
I would be put to shame if I tried this haha!!!
Rebecca @ http://www.queenbeady.com
Awwwwwwwwww! I LOVE it. Such a great job on the decorating. My husband and I are die hard LOTR fans as well. I love to see stuff like this!
Yummy and gorgeous all at the same time. This is beyond anything I could create.
Explain yourself! I need a full tutorial please! This is the coolest thing ever, and I have a friend who is LOTR nuts. This would be the perfect cake for her birthday as well. Seriously impressed. 🙂
I have added a few tips! The most important thing is to have the tools- the grass can only be made with a special ‘grass nozzle’!
Great! Thank you so much! I will have to find myself a grass nozzle then 🙂
waaaaah, you made this?! It’s INCREDIBLE. Almost too good not to eat 😉
Francesca
xo
Absolutely spectacular!
Holy crap this cake is amazing!!!
Um. This cake is a-freaking-dorable!!!! I am in awe of your fantastical cake decorating skills!!!!!! Seriously awesome!!
Just posted a few tips to make decorating a bit easier if you’re interested!
I had no idea it was a cake! Beautiful work!
Geeez, that’s inspired. I’m inspired.
Reblogged this on Kunstkitchen's Blog and commented:
Applauding the artistry and pure creativity – Fun is fun! From the Just Nice Stuff blog.
wwoooooww!!
http://fashioninthestreet.com/
Fabulous! The Hobbit is one of my favorite books, I read it for the first time in 3rd grade and followed it swiftly with the trilogy, and I LOVE this cake. I need one for my next birthday! (Well, if my aunt doesn’t make the Labyrinth cake for me. I may be 29 but I still want a cake with the Goblin King atop)
WOW! That cake looks so amazing!
Frodo would be so proud of you 😉
This is amazing! Who knew cakes could be so literary? Lovely 🙂 well done you!
Good work … that’s some impressive cake!
Just had a LOTR pick-me-up marathon with my boyfriend and this post made my day! 🙂 Thanks for sharing and this cake is AWESOME!
Oh my – really?! You MADE this??? WOW!!
Wonderful! My eldest son would love that 🙂
Wow, this looks incredible!!
That is just like Bilbo Baggins’s front door!! I can imagine him stepping out or avoiding visitors by the window,its fabulous!
Wow you’re talented 🙂
O M G 🙂
Liebe Grüsse aus Zürich,
Andy
Serious bakery!! Lovit! 😉
This is so amazing! I love it! 😀 I love LoTR too! Very beautiful work 🙂
I love this!!
This is AWESOME! I love you posts! 🙂 Your lovely treats and foods look so yummy and are so inspiring. I really need to start baking more again.
Jennifer~
I’m following you because this cake is amazing! You did such a great job on it! Thanks for sharing your hard work.
Awesome! My husband has an unhealthy obsession with LOTR. You are not alone. Emma.
I see faces in the fondant “rocks” !!! ^.^