Meet any cake request with a heavenly dessert sure to be a sweet success! Join renowned pastry chef James Rosselle as he teaches you how to select and create the best cakes for fondant and other decorating mediums. Get your mixer spinning as James takes you step by step through recipes for a classic butter cake, a rich chocolate cake, a luscious red velvet cake, a scrumptious carrot cake and a light-as-air chiffon cake. With these tasty cakes bases in your toolkit, you’ll learn to make both an American buttercream that’s perfect for piping and a sumptuously smooth Swiss meringue buttercream. Move on to creating decadent chocolate ganache and refreshing lemon curd fillings sure to tempt any set of tastebuds. Along the way, you’ll get tips for custom cake flavors, super smooth crumb coats and more.
Class Sessions
Rich Butter Cakes
18:38
Meet award-winning cake decorator James Rosselle, your guide to creating expertly baked cakes and fillings sure to complement all of your cake designs. Then get started making a classic butter cake, perfect for sculpted or tiered designs. Along the way, you'll learn the proper technique for creaming butter and discover quick flavoring tips that will please any palate.
Oil-Based Cakes
12:15
Master your technique baking moist oil-based cakes! James reveals his process for creating a decadent chocolate cake and a luscious red velvet cake that will wow any crowd. In addition, find out James' secret ingredient for preparing a mouthwatering carrot cake flavored with raisins, chopped pecans and coconut.
Light Chiffon Cake
17:11
Learn how to whip up a light and airy chiffon cake for elegant events or any single-tier design. As James guides you through each step, you'll see how to correctly prepare the batter and expertly fold in a fluffy French meringue. Plus, James shares simple tips for creating delightful flavor variations.
Classic American-Style Buttercream
16:32
Whether you're decorating a custom birthday cake or piping a sophisticated bead border, James shows you how to create a thick and spreadable American-style buttercream that will enhance your desserts. Then, add a delicious twist by flavoring it with chocolate, strawberries or even peanut butter.
Swiss Meringue Buttercream
12:46
Discover the secret to achieving a velvety Swiss meringue buttercream to fill or cover your cakes. James demystifies the process as he walks you through every step, from preparing and whipping the meringue, to adding the butter. You'll be amazed by the silky, smooth results!
Creamy & Stable Fillings
14:41
Enhance the flavor of your cakes with a variety of creamy fillings. Get step-by-step instruction on creating a rich chocolate ganache that dessert-lovers will adore. Then finish up by making a refreshing lemon curd that pairs perfectly with butter and chiffon cakes.
Using Your Toolbox
23:54
Prepare your cakes for decorating with James' professional tips and tricks. Gain confidence applying a crumb coat and achieving smooth, sharp corners as you mask your cakes in buttercream. Plus, James demonstrates his trusty techniques for carving a simple dome and securely stacking a two-tier cake.
Your Instructor
James Rosselle
James is a Food Network Challenge champion and the owner of Elle Cakes in Los Angeles. He has been named one of the top 10 cake artists by Dessert Professional. A veteran of the kitchens of renowned sugar artists Ron Ben-Israel, Gale Gand and Ewald Notter, James has crafted a career in cakes inspired by fashion, art and nature.
Bonus Material
The Ultimate Cake-Baking Toolbox - Recipes
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
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