So I had a special request for a cake order this week. This lady asked for a beer bottle cap cake, to surprise her husband for his birthday…. Now this was a first for me. Look I have done many cakes in all kinds shapes and sizes, but a beer cap was definitely something new for me.
I think this is a great idea for an adult birthday cake. It is sometimes difficult to decide on a cake. I mean even for the little ones in your life, choosing the right cake can sometimes be very difficult. I have previously done a post with some cake ideas…. http://www.livingdelish.com/birthday-cake-inspiration/ Looking at it now, I think this cake deserves to be added to this list.
Any how, like all good cakes, you need a great tasting cake as a base. I chose a Vanilla base for this cake, I still believe that a vanilla is the safest option, everybody loves a good tasting vanilla cake.
If you are looking for a good recipe, why not try this one. http://www.livingdelish.com/vanilla-sponge-cake/
Carved cakes needs a sturdy and firm cake. If you are new at this, rather bake a pound cake. This cake is a bit denser, and will keep good form. It’s almost easier to work with this kind of cake.
Making your own Beer Bottle cap cake
Where do you start:
Start by baking and cooling your cakes. Remember that you need to make sure that the cake cooled completely.
Once the cakes are ready, you will have to start to carve your cakes into shape. I gave this step a lot of thought. Either you leave your cakes round, crumb coat it, and add in fondant under the top coat to create the ridges of the bottle cap. It will work…. But I rather decided to carve the cake. This way I was guaranteed to get the perfect shape all around the cake.
Step 1:
Stack you layers on top of each other. Make sure to add a layer of buttercream icing between each layer. If you are looking for a buttercream icing, check out this recipe. http://www.livingdelish.com/5-great-icing-types-to-try-today/
There are so many ways that you can do this. I wanted the easiest and quickest way to get the perfect shape all around the cake. After reading up alot…. I decided just to go with my own gut.
Find a glass that will make the perfect half moon shape out of your cake’s edges. I used a tall cool drink glass to get the perfect shape. Layer your biggest cake and then the tier smaller on top of each other. Make sure they are aligned. Now, start by cutting the same size half moon shape all around your layer cake.
Step 2:
Once you have carved all around the cake you can start icing a layer as a crumb coat. Fill all the cut shapes. Take your time to smooth out each hole. Once you are done and happy with the shape you can place the cake in the fridge. Make sure to chill the cake for at least an hour.
Step 3:
Now you can roll out the fondant. Roll the fondant out to about 1 cm thickness. This will help when you cover your cake, making it more difficult to break or tear. If you have never worked with fondant before, please read this post for some tips. http://www.livingdelish.com/covering-with-fondant-like-a-pro/ Make sure to smooth out all around the cake. There should be no air bubbles visible.
Step 4:
Ok, now the real fun starts!! 😋 Decorate the cake. This cake was a silver bottle cap. I used silver luster dust to shade the light grey fondant that I used to cover the cake. Once this was shaded to the correct colour, I could add the top of the bottle cap.
I print my own designs on rice paper using a rice paper printer. Rice paper does not like a lot of moist, so a little tip. Cut your rice paper to shape and then lay it flat on a 1cm rolled out fondant. Use a sharp knife and trace and cut your shape out in the fondant. Now, use this as a base between your covered cake and your rice paper printout.
Paint a thin layer of water on the fondant where you would like to add the top layer of fondant. Water works pretty good. (of course you can also use a little bit of beaten egg white, or store bought fondant glue.) Just remember to only add a thin layer. You do not need a lot of water/glue to make it sticky.
After you have placed the base, you can place the rice paper print out on top to round off the cake.
