Little Pink Dress Cake
Anne Heap
Class Preview
0:46
- In-depth Instruction; over 163 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Structure & Sugar Details
17:51
Meet your instructor, renowned cake designer Anne Heap, as she introduces you to the breathtaking dress cakes you'll learn how to make over the course of the class. Kick off your first project by constructing a sturdy base using Anne's helpful tips, and prepare a variety of sugar details such as metal-inspired feet and finials, beautiful beads for the pearl necklace and dainty ruffles for the underskirt.
Sculpting the Dress
34:20
Dive into the sculpting phase as Anne helps you transform ordinary cake layers into a beautiful flared skirt form. Start by stacking your layers and carving them into a smooth cone shape before applying a luscious layer of buttercream. Next, tap into your inner artist as you carve a gallery-worthy bodice simply using a deliciously oversized rice cereal bar and a serrated knife.
Adding Fondant to the Dress
24:32
Add seamless layers of fondant to the skirt and bodice pieces using Anne's professional techniques to help you along the way. Tackle the daunting curves and edges of the bodice as you improve your fondant-covering skills, adding dimension and artistic details to your sculpture. Next, Anne shows you how to create gorgeous variations such as woodgrain and decoupage patterns, and helps you secure your covered skirt to the base.
Decorating the Skirt
27:22
Your skirt is stacked, and now the fun of decorating it begins! Learn how to make fluffy ruffles out of gum paste or fondant, and tailor them to the aesthetic and dimensions of any skirt you want to make. Next, add the delicate folds of a fabric overlay that looks unbelievably real. Anne shares ways to modify your design for the full skirt of the little pink dress, the gathered drapes of a Marie Antoinette-style dress, or a beautiful ruched gown.
Decorating the Bodice
21:27
Turn your attention from the skirt to the bodice as you secure the form and begin to build the panels that make up the front, back and sides of this corset-style top. Anne shows you how to break the process into user-friendly steps using template pieces that are provided, starting with the fabric panels and ending with strips that mimic beautiful structured boning. Add whimsical details like stitching and tiny grommets along the back of the corset using Anne's secret methods.
Tying It Together
15:09
Discover ways to turn ordinary sugar details into realistic corset accoutrements as you lace up the back panels with delicate gum paste or fondant ribbons. Next, cinch the skirt's waist with a few final layers of fabric before adding a picture-perfect bow as you develop new ways to transform sugar into amazingly realistic accessories.
Finishing Touches
21:50
Put the finishing touches on your dress as you add detail to the vintage-inspired feet, finial and fondant covering that turns a PVC pipe into an old-fashioned dress form support. Add a sparkling string of pearls to the bodice, drape fondant across the base for a professional finish, and behold with amazement a dress that looks like it's about to waltz out of your kitchen.
Learn how to make a dress cake that can captivate a crowd alongside award-winning decorator Anne Heap. Start by building a sturdy and beautiful stand with easy-to-find materials and simple skills. Learn to sculpt cake layers into an elegant flared skirt. Then, carve rice cereal treats into the perfect bodice base, and confidently cover it in fondant. Bring your skirt to life with chic sugar ruffles and an overlay with dramatic draping. Easily create exquisite panels for your bodice and apply them for a lifelike look. Add details that mimic structured boning, skillful stitching lines and grommets you’ll lace up with sugar ribbons. Finish your design with a beautiful bow and a string of striking sugar pearls – for a dazzling dress that party guests won’t ever forget!
Anne Heap
After working in advertising, Anne decided to quit the corporate world and pursue pastry arts. Once she finished her studies at the French Culinary Institute, Anne apprenticed with Ron Ben-Israel Cakes in New York City. In 2005, she founded Pink Cake Box in Denville, New Jersey, which includes a retail location and a skilled staff of decorators. Her work has been featured in numerous magazines and TV shows. Anne is also the 2013 recipient of the prestigious Dessert Professional's Top Ten Cake Artists of North America and was recognized by Bake Magazine in 2014 as one the most influential cake artists in America.
Bonus materials available after purchase