Incredible Cut-Out Cakes
Mike McCarey
Class Preview
0:49
- In-depth Instruction; over 153 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Introduction to Cut-Out Cakes
9:31
Master cake sculptor and artist Mike McCarey introduces you to his unique cut-out cakes and shows you how these amazing cakes are the perfect marriage between a client's wishes and their budget. Witness how Mike elevates a two-dimensional cake to new heights. You'll learn how to carve topsy-turvy layers into basic shapes, and how you can use modeling chocolate or fondant to create dimensional and colorful tops.
Teddy Bear Cake: Shaping the Base
23:04
Get started on your first cake as Mike shows you how to split layers at an angle and then stack them to create a wedge-shaped tier. Learn Mike's method for using a pattern to carve the cake and gather professional tips for achieving round corners and smooth cuts. Cut too much? Not a problem; Mike shows you how to create a seamless patch. Finally, see how Mike crumb coats his cut-out cakes so that they're ready for a covering of fondant.
Teddy Bear Cake: Assembly & Finishing
36:13
Delve into the unique challenges these cut-out cakes pose when covering with fondant. Learn the best techniques for draping fondant over your cake and how to smooth it around a curved surface that has lots of corners and crevices, too. Then, start on your teddy bear art as Mike shows you how to layer on pieces of modeling chocolate to create greater dimension. Discover how to give your design more depth and detail with airbrushed accents. Finally, see how using an edible image will significantly cut down your labor but still give clients an attractive, cost-effective option.
Number 5 Cake: Shaping & Paneling
15:47
Expand your repertoire as you learn to create a cut-out cake without a template. You'll love this technique for creating anniversary cakes, birthday cakes, monogram cakes and more! Learn how paneling your cake in modeling chocolate, or even fondant, is ideal for designs with tight curves and multiple faces. Mike offers advice and professional tips for ensuring your panels line up and stay flush to your crumb-coated cake.
Number 5 Cake: Scribing, Piping & Backfilling
20:42
Learn Mike's unique technique for adding a buttercream color wash over lines scribed into a panel of a modeling chocolate as you create an elaborate flourish for the bottom of your "5" cake. Then, see how to transfer any piped design onto fondant or modeling chocolate using just a pattern template and a straight pin. Put the finishing touches on your cake as Mike shows you how to lay on your top and add a complementary border.
Go Knights: Patterns, Parts & Dimension
27:11
Sharpen your skills as you tackle Mike's challenging mascot cake, perfect for graduations and tailgating parties! Learn to transfer a multicolored design from paper onto cake. Work with fine details and discover how to build up intricate pieces with multiple colors to create drama and depth. Add even more dimension as Mike shows you how to incorporate risers to lift parts of your design right off the cake!
Adding 3-D Elements
20:04
Amplify your cake's wow factor as you learn how to add 3-D embellishments to your cut-out cakes. Give your teddy bear something to really snuggle with a wee three-dimensional friend. Then, Mike walks you through adding a hand-sculpted dragon tail and hand which wraps menacingly round your knight cake. He takes you step by step through the process and offers tips for sculpting and attaching your modeling chocolate details.
Easily create detailed graphic cakes with intriguing depth alongside cake artist Mike McCarey. Learn the process through three projects: a cuddly teddy bear cake, an eye-catching birthday cake shaped like the number 5 and a mascot cake featuring a heroic knight. Start with how to create angled layers for a wedge-shaped tier with impressive dimension, and get tips for carving your cakes into a base for any design. Then, make amazing designs a breeze using templates and layering techniques. Enhance your work with airbrushing, buttercream color washes and easy piped patterns. Discover the secrets for succeeding at designs with many colors and fine details. Add height to any element of your design with modeling chocolate spacers. Plus, finish your cakes with a touch of 3-D magic. Learn simple yet impactful techniques to create custom cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and more.
Mike McCarey
Since 1995, Mike McCarey has focused on pastry at his bakery, Mike's Amazing Cakes, in Redmond, Washington. In between teaching cake architecture and sculpting around the country and appearing on The Food Network as competitor and judge, Mike works magic in cake. His clients have included Starbucks, Dustin Hoffman, Arnold Palmer and even the legendary Julia Child.
Bonus materials available after purchase