Carrie Sellman is the Founder and Editor of The Cake Blog, a baking website celebrating cake since 2008. If you’re looking for beautiful cake inspiration, recipes and tutorials — you’ve come to the right place. The Cake Blog is a community of bakers, cake makers, and friends sharing everything and anything you’ve ever wanted to know about cake.
Baking since childhood, Carrie fell in love with cake design during her own hunt for the perfect wedding cake. She said goodbye to her corporate career in software development and learned everything she could about cake. After owning her own cake shop for several years, Carrie now combines her love of baking, photography and technology as the editor of The Cake Blog.
Carrie lives in Virginia with her husband and daughter.
Carrie’s work has been published on the cover of Country Living Magazine and in the pages of Brides Magazine. Her work has also been featured on popular websites such as People, Today, BuzzFeed, Country Living, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Real Simple, Redbook, DIY Network, TLC, The Cooking Channel and numerous blogs.
MORE FROM CARRIE:
Meringue KissesMeringue Kisses – melt in your mouth mini meringue cookies that are light as air, naturally low calorie, dairy free, gluten free and soy free. These little meringue kisses are so adorable and so yummy. Crunchy on the outside yet slightly soft on the inside, they melt in your mouth like a little ray of sunshine. […]Read More
Cream Tart Tree CakeCream Tart Tree Cake – shaped like a Christmas tree, this holiday version of the popular cream tart number cake has gingerbread cookies layered with cream cheese frosting and is topped with meringue kisses, chocolate, sprinkles and more gingerbread cookies! We’re officially kicking off our holiday content! And it only seemed fitting that the most […]Read More
Pumpkin Sheet CakePumpkin Sheet Cake – easy pumpkin cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting, made from scratch and perfect for a crowd. Tall, elegantly stacked and frosted to perfection – what’s not to love about the layer cakes that typically grace our blog posts? Of course, we all love a good layer cake because there’s simply no […]Read More
Pumpkin Cupcakes 8 WaysPumpkin Cupcakes 8 Ways – Eight ways to decorate a pumpkin cupcake with buttercream frosting. Learn how to pipe rosette pumpkins, short pumpkins, tall pumpkins, easy pumpkins and frilly pumpkins! Even though Halloween has come and gone, there’s no reason to end our relationship with everything pumpkin. Especially when Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. […]Read More
Spring Wreath CakeSpring Wreath Cake – how to make a buttercream wreath cake with little decorative touches like a bird’s nest, cherry blossoms, green berries and cookie moss. Beautiful for spring events like Easter, baby showers and Mother’s Day. It seems as though I have a thing for Easter cakes. Over the last five years, I’ve made […]Read More
Lemon Poppyseed CakeLemon Poppyseed Cake. A tender layer cake recipe brightened with lemon juice, lemon zest and poppy seeds, frosted with a tangy sweet lemon cream cheese frosting. The weather here has been up, down and everywhere in between. Just when it feels like the heavy cast of winter is lifting, it comes back with gusto. But […]Read More
Watercolor Heart CakeWatercolor Heart Cake – how to paint a watercolor heart cake using buttercream frosting and a parchment paper stencil. A fun and easy way to decorate a cake for Valentine’s Day, birthdays or bridal showers. I’ll be the first to say it – watercolor buttercream is not new. We first shared a tutorial with this […]Read More
Decorated Sugar CookiesDecorated Sugar Cookies – vanilla bean sugar cookies with a simple glaze icing for easy yet thoughtful gift giving. A holiday cookie recipe, sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill as part of their Made with Love, Baked with Bob’s campaign. I know 99% of our posts are focused on cakes or cupcakes, but did you know […]Read More
Winter Buttercream GreeneryWinter Buttercream Greenery – how to pipe buttercream leaves, branches, pine and seasonal greenery fit for a wintry holiday cake. A new video tutorial! Today I’m showing you how to create the wintry buttercream decorations from this Eggnog Cake that I shared earlier in the week. Your response to the buttercream flowers on my Pumpkin […]Read More
Eggnog CakeEggnog Cake – a rich eggnog cake with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, paired with a creamy eggnog buttercream. A new holiday cake recipe, sponsored by Promised Land Dairy for their #FarFromOrdinaryMilk campaign. I realize it’s only November but the weather is finally cooling down and my sweaters and tall boots are officially back in […]Read More
Poison Apple CakePoison Apple Cake – a black mirror glaze cake with an edible “poison apple” for Halloween. Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? I don’t know about you, but the evil witch in Snow White really gives me the creeps. And her poison apple with it’s drippy monster face is like […]Read More
Baileys Pumpkin Spice CupcakesBaileys Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes – moist pumpkin cupcakes topped with silky smooth buttercream frosting spiked with a splash of Baileys Pumpkin Spice. I shared this recipe with our Instagram community last fall but never posted it here on the blog. I realize many of you follow along on Instagram and have already given this recipe […]Read More
Pumpkin Spice CakePumpkin Spice Cake – moist pumpkin cake with subtle hints of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg paired with pumpkin spice buttercream frosting. A fall cake recipe, sponsored by Promised Land Dairy for their #FarFromOrdinaryMilk campaign. Believe it or not, I’m writing today’s post old school style — like before laptops and tablets, old school style. Perched […]Read More
Salted Caramel Pear CakeSalted Caramel Pear Cake – fresh pear cake with cinnamon buttercream, salted caramel and homemade caramel dipped pears. The calendar might not agree, but it feels like fall has arrived. The weather is cool, crisp and as I look outside, I can easily spot the first few leaves that are starting to turn on our […]Read More
Strawberry Lemonade CakeStrawberry Lemonade Cake. A tender layer cake recipe brightened with lemon juice, lemon zest and fresh strawberries, frosted with a tangy sweet fresh strawberry buttercream frosting. Last summer I shared my favorite Lemon Blueberry Cake and while it’s always been a hit in our house, it quickly became a reader favorite too. So many of you […]Read More
Strawberry PickingLast weekend my family had the chance to go strawberry picking. Have you ever been? This is our third year to drive out to the same little farm and spend the morning picking fresh berries. It has become a family tradition of sorts, something we look forward to each year. With a sack lunch in tow and a camera […]Read More
Blackberry Lime CakeBlackberry Lime Cake - tender cake infused with lime zest, frosted with blackberry buttercream, topped with fresh blackberries and edible flowers. A spring cake recipe, sponsored by Bob's Red Mill. Spring is officially here. While our local weather has been up, down and everywhere in between, my heart is ready for birds chirping, green buds of new growth on the trees and blooms of color. Mother Nature might be slow to cooperate, but this is the time of year to embrace color, in all of its pastel glory. From Easter and Mother's Day to baby and bridal showers, there's ample opportunity to dive straight into the lush florals and gorgeous hues that springtime has to offer. And today's cake does not disappoint.Read More
Chocolate Gingerbread CupcakesChocolate Gingerbread Cupcakes - nostalgic gingerbread spiced cupcakes, topped with chocolate ganache, silky chocolate buttercream, crushed gingerbread cookie crumbles and a chocolate dipped gingerbread cookie topper. A new holiday cupcake recipe, sponsored by McCormick®. Christmas is less than two weeks away. I repeat, LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AWAY! I don't mean to shout but can you hear the panic through my capital letters? How can it be mid-December already? Every November I tell myself THIS will the THE year... the year that I get a head start on shopping and baking and wrapping and shipping and all things Christmas. And every year come mid-December, it's the same story. My holiday prep list is still staring me in the face, with far too few items X'd off, and I resign myself to the thought that NEXT year will be my year to get it all together.Read More
Sweet Potato CakeThe food world has a serious love affair going on with sweet potatoes. And why not, they're delicious and healthy and everything you want a super food to be. Stepping in as a healthy alternative in just about every recipe you can image. From sweet potato fries to sweet potato chili, sweet potato burgers - they're baked, boiled, mashed and smashed! One quick Pinterest search and you'll have a plethora of ways to eat more sweet potatoes! Read More
Black Cat CakeBlack Cat Cake! Celebrate Halloween with this adorable cat cake with a simple silhouette face and gold glitter cat ears! If you hadn't noticed, cats are seriously having a moment right now. Everywhere you turn, adorable cat faces are popping up on purses, shoes, shirts, iPhone cases, socks, hats and the list goes on. I can't even count the number of retailers selling bedazzled cat ear headbands this fall! Soooo, in true The Cake Blog fashion, we've translated this trend into cake, first with these vintage black cat cupcakes and now with an easy layer cake tutorial perfect for Halloween or any cat celebratory occasion.Read More
Warm Apple Cake with Salted Caramel GelatoWarm Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Gelato! A deliciously easy one-bowl dessert with warm chunks of apple, brown sugar, cinnamon and topped with salted caramel gelato. Yes, today is National Dessert Day! Like we need an excuse to eat dessert, but if you're looking for an excuse, a national holiday sounds like the perfect justification. And this recipe will have you looking like a dessert-making rock star when you pull out warm, freshly baked, individual bowls of heaven for the lucky ducks sitting around your table. Who does that? You do, starting now. 👊 When it's as easy as a one-bowl cake batter, topped off with a scoop of salted caramel gelato that acts as a cold creamy frosting AND caramel sauce -- there's simply no stopping you on your road to dessert stardom.Read More
Warm Cookie Ice Cream SandwichToday’s post is sponsored by Baskin-Robbins. School is officially out and we’re making our Summer Fun List. You know – things we want to do, places we want to go and fun we want to have over the summer! It’s a great way add some structure to the summer, intentionally planning creativity, activity and play for […]Read More
Lemon Blueberry CakeToday's cake is tart yet sweet and perfect for summer. A tender butter cake is brightened with a hint of fresh lemon juice and flecks of lemon zest. Wild blueberries dancing throughout each layer give the cake a pop of contrast, both in appearance, texture and taste. Then comes the dreamy cream cheese frosting that boasts tangy cream cheese and tart lemon juice balanced with mellow butter and powdery sugar. It's the kind of frosting you'll want to eat with a spoon, if you're in to that kind of thing.Read More
Candied Lemon Bundt CakeAnother holiday is almost upon us and I don't know about you, but it feels like Christmas was just yesterday. I love going all out for holidays, but sometimes reality sets in and you have to timebox your projects a tad. You know, so you can actually spend time with your family celebrating said holiday! If you can relate to life being on warp speed, today's recipe is definitely for you. It's elegant enough for Easter entertaining yet won't have you in the kitchen all day. There are no layers to tort or fillings to make, and the frosting is relaxed yet totally delicious. Plus, we're being strategic with the prep work and making the most impressive part in advance, leaving us plenty of time to hunt for Easter eggs with the kids!Read More
Raspberry Champagne CakeNothing says I love you like a homemade cake. Except maybe a fabulous homemade cake with champagne, berries and cream, topped with a drippy pink glaze. Whether you've found the love of your life or are celebrating February 14th with your best gal pals, today's recipe has Valentine's Day covered. A light and airy champagne cake finds its perfect match with a dreamy raspberry champagne buttercream. Fresh raspberries are pureed and simmered with bubbly, straight from the bottle, to create a reduction that works amazingly well in both the buttercream and the glaze. The flavors in this cake build with each individual component, creating something undeniably raspberry and truly delicious. Plus, that pink hue from the berries is love at first sight.Read More
Candy Cane Brownie CookiesToday I've partnered with Betty Crocker™, Hershey’s® and Safeway to share a new recipe! Brownie cookies with Candy Cane Kisses frosting! This recipe is all about creating gourmet flavors without spending all day on one batch of cookies. We start with a brownie mix for the cookies - done and done. Top them with a white chocolate peppermint frosting that comes together quickly with the help of some Hershey Kisses. Yes, we're talking the Candy Cane Kisses, melted and added directly into the frosting! With very little effort you've got the perfect shade of pink with flecks of red, not to mention the subtle white chocolate and peppermint flavors. The only hard part is not eating all of the Candy Cane Kisses. If you're like me, you better buy the big bag!Read More
Whipped Cream CubesWhen the weather turns cold and the holidays are upon us, there's nothing like snuggling up with a cup of something warm, creamy and delicious. Like Hot Cocolate! Today we're pouring a mug of the good stuff and topping it with festive whipped cream cubes. These fun little toppers start with homemade whipped cream that's frozen and then punched with a cookie cutter. Didn't know you could freeze whipped cream? Why, yes you can! Once cut out, these whipped cream toppers are ready to float happily on your next cup of hot cocoa. Make a batch now, store in the freezer and enjoy festive holiday drinks all season long. They're the perfect treat for snow days, unexpected neighbor visits, cookie exchanges and just chilling by the fireplace.Read More
Plum Cake with Whipped YogurtToday I’ve partnered with Chobani to bring you a new fall recipe. Today’s cake is unapologetically uncomplicated. As we inch closer and closer to the holiday season, our calendars start bursting at the seams with special occasions and reasons to celebrate. There are so many opportunities to bake and sometimes you need a go-to recipe that […]Read More
NFL Game Day CupcakesFootball season is here! Today I've partnered up with Cakes.com and the NFL to bring you a new recipe perfect for home gating. We're almost four Sundays into the new NFL season and that can only mean one thing. It's time to gather your friends and family together for some football! It's time for spirited rivalries, tailgating, fanatical superstitions that seem crazy (unless of course, they work) and the general excitement that comes when your team dominates. No matter which team colors you bleed, you need to be prepared with plenty of food and drinks to keep your homegating crowd happy.Read More
Fairytale Ruffle CakeI've partnered up with Cakes.com to bring you inspiration for a magical fairytale birthday plus a new ruffle cake tutorial. Today's cake is fit for a princess. Specifically speaking - a little princess who loves fairytales, super frilly ruffles and all things magical! With rows of dreamy fairytale ruffles, this Cinderella cake is definitely frilly and actually easier than you may think. A closed star tip gives us several lines of ruffles, all interwoven at once, which makes for quicker piping and more forgiveness when it comes to straight and even lines. To complete the Cinderella look, I sprinkled a circle of jimmies, nonpareils, sanding sugar and small fondant stars on top of the cake. I wanted it to look like the magical stars that encircle Cinderella when the fairy godmother waves her wand. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo! In the very center is Cinderella herself.Read More
Honey Butter CakeToday's cake is the ultimate for honey lovers. The tender honey infused cake is delicious all by itself, straight out of the oven, with its buttery undertones and mellow sweetness. If you can resist the wafts of honey in the air, you'll be rewarded when this cake pairs up with the tangy-sweet honey cream cheese frosting. Then comes the dramatic drip of liquid sunshine - the glistening honey butterscotch glaze, gently poured over the top and allowed to cascade down the sides. Sprinkle with a light dusting of sanding sugar and serve with an extra drizzle of honey butterscotch.Read More
Blueberry Yogurt ParfaitsUpgrade your morning routine with a breakfast parfait that packs a nutritious punch. I've partnered up with Yulu Yogurt to bring you today's tasty recipe! These Roasted Blueberry Parfaits are definitely a break from the ordinary and a great way to kickstart any day. How can you go wrong when breakfast looks like this? Roasting the blueberries intensifies the flavor and takes this summer fruit to a whole new level. Think blueberry pie delicious. Then we'll add in a little granola crunch and a layer of the dreamiest honey yogurt. Viola! You have a layered breakfast parfait that looks and sounds like dessert but is totally good for you too. I'm telling you, this little delight is the best of both worlds.Read More
Today Is Your Day GraduateGraduation season is here again and that means it’s time to celebrate! I’ve partnered up with Cakes.com to bring you inspiration for a cap-tossing graduation party plus a graduation cake tutorial. After years of homework, studying and tests, our graduates have earned a diploma and an incredible party! It all starts with a modern black […]Read More
Cookie Moss CakeI absolutely love the look of real moss and find myself adding touches of green to every corner of my home. Maybe it's because green is a symbol of life and renewal, commonly associated with spring and Easter. Maybe it's because I'm obsessed with the modern farmhouse look right now, dreaming of a super white kitchen with calming grey walls and small pops green. Maybe it's because I have actual moss sprouting up in my back yard -- both in the grass and on this towering oak tree that I can see from my office window. Whatever the case, moss is popular right now. Just take a look around your favorite home furnishing store and you'll see plenty of mossy goodness. So, I thought it was about time for an edible moss cake!Read More
Sprinkle New Years Eve CakeHello friends! I hope you're enjoying the holiday season so far and that your Christmas was a merry one! I'm popping in for one last cake tutorial for 2014, just in time for your New Years Eve celebration. I know, I know! Talk about last minute planning! But surely I'm not the only one who looks up and realizes that NYE is a day away. Anyone with me? Today's super simple cake project will help you ring in the new year with a touch of glitz and glam. It starts with a plain white cake and then we move on to the gold sprinkles!Read More
Chocolate Peanut Butter CakeLast week I shared one of our Christmas traditions with a recipe that came from Mr. Sellman's side of the family - these super delish Pie Crust Cookies - oh my goodness are they good. While definitely hard to beat, I wanted to give a little love to a tradition that comes from my side of the family. My family is a tad more chocolate focused when it comes to Christmas goodies. As in, we dip anything and everything into chocolate and viola, Christmas desserts! Pretzels, raisins, nuts, Oreos and on and on. All this dipping started back in the 80's when we were kids and the list of things we wanted to smother in chocolate seemed to grow from year to year. The one staple that always made the must-dip-in-chocolate list? Peanut Butter Balls!Read More
Pie Crust CookiesWe all have those family recipes - the ones that are made year after year, lovingly passed from one generation to the next - and scarfed down in about 3 seconds flat. The ones that you'd throw down with your own sister for, if she tried to snatch the last one. This is one of those recipes. We affectionately call these little babies Pie Crust Cooookies!Read More
Apple Crumb CakeThere is something so joyful about baking for your family and friends, especially around the holidays. Traditional recipes, passed down from one generation to the next, baked with love for the people you love most. Today's goodness starts with a classic crumb cake recipe, shared years ago by a family friend, and then takes a turn down extra-delicious lane when we add in chunks of fresh apple, the warmth of cinnamon and a double crumb topping. Yes, you read that right. Double crumb topping!Read More
Pumpkin CakeFall is officially in full swing! The cooler air and turning leaves are ushering in the season of baking. My favorite time of the year! Three months filled with more than enough opportunities to tie on that apron and grab a whisk. To dust off the family recipe cards and fill your kitchen with the aroma of sweet memories and traditions. Today, I'm baking up a favorite recipe from The Cake Blog with a few updates to keep things interesting.Read More
Beautiful Cake PhotographyI'm so excited about today's big announcement! It's something that's been in the back of my mind for years now -- and in the works for months. I recently had the opportunity to partner with Craftsy.com to make it all happen! I'm teaching an online class all about...Read More
Easter Basket CakeOkay friends, are you ready for new cake tutorial? I'm starting to think I have a thing for Easter cakes. You may have caught my Chocolate Bunny Cake from last week or my Speckled Egg Cake from last year. Well, today I have another new springtime cake for you. This time we're taking old-school basketweave and giving it a sleek and modern update. Inspired by the beautiful grapevine baskets that I keep seeing in my favorite stores. You know the baskets I'm talking about, right? Thin spindly branches intertwined in a messy yet uniform way. Today's cake is a new spin on basketweave requiring no special tools, no special tips, no tedious piping. It's quick and simple yet can easily hold its own at your Easter table. It's a new kind of Easter Basket Cake, and I hope you enjoy!Read More
Chocolate Easter Bunny CakeChocolate Easter Bunny Cake – how to decorate this easy cake for Easter dessert, using edible grass, a chocolate Easter bunny and candy eggs. Spring is officially here and little signs of growth and renewal are sprouting up everywhere. Easter is just three weeks away and the white ceramic bunnies in my living room have […]Read More
Love Bug CupcakesValentine's Day is just around the corner and that means it's time for some lovely new tutorials and inspiration! Today's DIY is an idea that's been floating around in the back of my mind for three years now.... just waiting for me to give it a try. Finally, this silly little idea of mine is making it to the blog. Good news is, I think they were worth the wait. Hopefully you agree! Remember those cute little pom pom art projects you used to make as a kid for Valentine's day? You know the ones... pom pom bodies, googly eyes and little antenna ears. Well, that childhood favorite is becoming a sweet little cupcake project. Super easy. Super simple. And fun enough to get the kids involved. It's Love Bug Cupcakes!Read More
Snow Angel CupcakesThe holiday season is well underway. This is the craziest, busiest and most wonderful time of the year! Whether you're an entertaining newbie or a seasoned pro, the role of hostess can be a stressful assignment. But entertaining doesn't have to be hard. You just need a plan to make it all happen! So grab your girlfriends and celebrate the season with a fabulous girls' night in. We're keeping it elegant and effortless with light angel food cupcakes and a glass of Sparkling Margarita. It's a refreshing change to the same old, same old holiday party. Let's start with the cupcakes and move on from there! Priorities, right? Planning the cake always comes first!Read More
DIY Monster Eye CakeIt's Friday and the month of October is in full swing. Which can only mean one thing. It's time for some silly Halloween fun! I have a new DIY for you today and it could not be simpler. Seriously, this little cake project is for anyone and everyone. Bakers of all skill levels and ages can join in on this googly eye fun. I mean it, you really can't mess this cake up. Crooked. Lopsided. Messy icing. Not a problem at all... when you're a monster!Read More
Godiva Truffle Flight & Cupcake RecipeIf you're like me, there is nothing more blissful than chocolate. Except maybe an evening filled with chocolate truffles, girlfriends and a glass of Prosecco! I've partnered up with Godiva to bring you inspiration for the ultimate girls' get together and a new cupcake recipe. It's a Girls' Flight Night featuring Godiva's new Truffle Flights. So it all starts with Godiva's new line of Truffle Flights. The concept is much like a flight of wine, except we're indulging in chocolate! A box of six truffles, each one a different flavor to linger over and savor. Placed in a tasting order that builds in intensity, starting with a lighter, delicate truffle and grows bolder as you go. It's a whole new way to experience chocolate, enjoying each subtle note, texture and aroma. It is a chocolate lover's heaven in a sweet little box. And the perfect foundation for a fabulous girls' night!Read More
Lemon Blueberry CupcakesBlueberries and lemons are a match that was simply meant to be. This fresh blueberry-studded cupcake is infused with lemon zest and topped with a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting, creating a flavor combination that is refreshing, bright and incredibly tempting. So tempting that you might have a hard time resisting these Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes.Read More
Spiced Chocolate & Churros CakeIf you caught my vanilla cake recipe post last week, you may remember that I was feeling a little vanilla about vanilla. After all these years, my love affair with vanilla cake had grown tired and stale. And like any relationship going through a rough patch, we needed to zest things up a bit! So I put everything on hold and spent some serious quality time with this recipe. And I'm happy to report that today is a new day for vanilla cake. One that is fresh, bright and oh-so-delicious. Even a tad spicy... it's a Spiced Chocolate and Churros Cake!Read More
Recipe : Classic Vanilla CakeToday's post is a two-parter. One part recipe. One part love story. A love story that started years ago, way back in high school. At first, this love of mine was not accepted by my family. You see, my family had always been a chocolate cake family. Chocolate cake always and forever, all birthdays and celebrations. But then, I met vanilla.Read More
Speckled Egg CakeIt might not feel like it, with cold air and snow still hanging around, but Spring is just around the corner. Before you know it, the first buds of green will be popping up on tree branches. Birds will be chirping. Flowers will be blooming. And Easter will be on the way! So today we're getting ready with a new cake tutorial that is all about Spring! Inspired by the gorgeous color and texture of robins' eggs, this cake is super easy and incredibly fun. And completely achievable for all levels of bakers, to include your favorite little egg-hunters. It's a DIY Speckled Easter Egg Cake tutorial and I hope you enjoy it!Read More
Holiday Cookie ExchangeWith the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's nice to slow down for a moment and do something special for your friends and loved ones. One of the most classic ways to show we care is to give the gift of baked goods! Because really, who doesn't appreciate a sweet homemade treat? So today some of my blogging and baking friends are swapping cookies... virtually! And can you guess the best part? You'll enjoy six new recipes to add to your holiday baking list. Plus some creative packaging ideas for gifting! It's a Virtual Holiday Cookie Exchange!!Read More
Marshmallow Spiderweb CakeSo now that we're officially in the Halloween spirit and inspired to bake, here is a super easy DIY for you to try at home. There's no piping, no painting and no wrong way to do it! You just need marshmallows, two hands and some imagination! It's a creepy, crawly Marshmallow Spiderweb Cake! And I have a simple tutorial to show you how to do it!Read More
Recipe : Baked Apple DonutsI absolutely love this time of year! The crisp chill in the air and leaves turning every shade of golden. Apples and pumpkins are at their prime and ready for picking. Now that we live in Florida.... most days are sunny, bright and about 85 degrees. Warm skies and palm trees do not make for a typical fall. Don't get me wrong. I am not complaining about beautiful weather. After spending several years in Illinois, I certainly do not miss the zero degree, grey-skied winters. But I do miss sweaters and tall boots... the smell of leaves burning in the distance and the feeling of Autumn. Last fall, we took advantage of our northern locale and hit the local orchard for some apple picking fun. We came home with a bushel of fresh-from-the-tree apples and a box of freshly fried apple donuts. Oh my goodness! I'm not sure what was gone first. Okay, truth be told.... we enjoyed apples for weeks but the donuts were gone fast! This year, we can't just gaunt over to the nearest apple orchard. So I was thrilled to see the large displays of Honeycrisp Apples at the market. Into my basket went many large, gorgeous apples with the intent of recreating those delicious apple donuts at home. So that's what I have for you today! Baked and delicious. Soft and tender on the inside with a serious cinnamon crunch on the outside. Filled with cups of grated apple, cinnamon and nutmeg. My recipe for Fresh Apple Donuts!Read More
Chocolate Chip Cookie Layer CakeLast month we celebrated a very special birthday in my house... my husband's! Of course my husband likes cake. Or is at least smart enough not to tell me that he doesn't like cake. But I know, deep down, that his true favorite is chocolate chip cookies. It's pretty apparent. And trust me, I've come to terms with this over the years. So this year I decided to celebrate his inner cookie monster and do something a little different for his birthday 'cake'. A cookie cake like none I had seen before. The ultimate cookie cake, with one cookie layer for each of the years we've been together. Layers upon layers of chocolate chip cookies and buttercream icing, stacked tall and high. So grab a knife and a cold glass of milk because we're celebrating a wonderful man, my best friend and most loyal supporter, with a 12 Layer Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake!Read More
Patriotic Pinwheel CupcakesLast Monday, I shared a fun new tutorial as a guest post over on The TomKat Studio. My Patriotic Pinwheel Cupcakes! Your response to these fondant pinwheel toppers has been wonderful! I shared the step by step instructions to make the basic solid colored pinwheel {here} but many of you have asked about the peekaboo patterns. The bold stripes and playful dots add a festive touch to these pinwheels, making them perfect for Independence Day! So, today it's round two for the DIY pinwheel cupcakes.... I’m going to show you how to make them pretty with polka dots and stripes!Read More
Stars & Stripes Cheesecake ShotsStars and Stripes Cheesecake Shots. No-bake cheesecake filling layered with graham cracker crumbs, topped with fresh berries and puff pastry stars for a patriotic 4th of July dessert. With the 4th of July holiday right around the corner, we’re gearing up for some fun with these easy no-bake cheesecakes. Mini dessert glasses are filled with creamy cheesecake filling […]Read More
Heart Shaped S’more CookiesValentine's Day is tomorrow! If you're still looking for a sweet treat for your loved ones, I have just the thing! A super easy, last minute idea that you can pull together in no time flat! Stop at the store tonight and pick up three ingredients. In less than 10 minutes, you'll have them saying.... I love you s'more. To which you'll reply... No... I love you s'more. No... I love you s'more! No... I love you s'more! No, I love you S'MORE!! Read More...Read More
DIY Chocolate Kiss CupcakesValentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and I think we can all agree… chocolate reigns supreme when it comes to Valentine’s sweets. So I have a chocolatey cupcake created just for you. In a few easy steps, your cupcakes will be all dressed up and ready for Cupid’s holiday. What better way to give hugs and […]Read More
Sparkling Christmas TreesOkay, so I know I'm not the only one who isn't quite ready for Christmas. If you're still getting your goodies and sweets together, I have one last DIY project for you today. It's incredibly easy and quick but with impressive results. I did this project from start to finish {including photos and clean up} during nap time on Sunday. So when I say quick, I mean quick! Ice cream cones get a coating of shimmering, sanding sugar and... Voilà! Sparkling Christmas Trees! An elegant decoration for your holiday cakes and cupcakes. Or simply arrange numerous trees on a cake stand or elegant serving tray for a festive centerpiece. Read More...Read More
DIY: Cupcake Liner Christmas TreesWe officially kicked off the holiday season on Monday with our annual Crate and Barrel Giveaway! And what better way to continue the fun than a new Christmas Cupcake Liner Craft? If you’re a regular reader, you know we love a good cupcake liner craft! And why not? They’re adorable, easy and make great use of the extra cupcake liners we all have lying around. A few weeks ago, I found my inner Santa and came up with a fun new tutorial for you. In a few simple steps, you’ll be able to 'spruce' up any cupcake. So break out your tape, extra baking liners and let’s get started! Perfect for Christmas goodies and easy enough for the kids to craft… hope you enjoy my Cupcake Liner Christmas Trees! Read More...Read More
Sadie Had a Little LambYou may remember back in September when things got kind of quiet on the blog... and I mentioned my daughter's 1st birthday was coming up. Our sweet little Sadie turned one, right in the middle of our move to Florida. I debated for months whether or not we could swing a birthday party amidst all of the chaos. But a child only has one 1st birthday! And that is definitely something to celebrate! Sadie absolutely loves everything soft, furry and fluffy. So I decided to embrace this and build a theme around her very favorite stuffed animal. Her little lamb. The colors were whites, creams, light caramel and chocolate brown with lots of fluffy, furry, wooly textures. That meant anything and everything lamb related like wool, yarn, felt and fleece with a touch of burlap thrown in. I wanted it to look and feel cuddly soft with lots of different textures for her to touch. Just like her little lamb. Together with good friends, we celebrated this special day with a modern update of an old classic…. Sadie Had a Little Lamb! Read More...Read More
BRIDES Magazine Feature!Today is one of those rare occasions... when I share one of my own cake designs. I primarily write about cake now, but occasionally I get the opportunity to design something new. I've been dying to post this for months, but I had to see it with my own eyes first! I am tremendously honored to have a second cake featured in BRIDES Magazine! Really?!? Yes, really! Back in September, I shared a cake I designed for BRIDES Most Beautiful Cakes of 2011. I truly did not think it could get much better than that moment, until the editor contacted me about a second cake! This time, the request was to create a design inspired by the oh-so-popular chevron pattern to be featured on their 'White Hot' trends page. And it’s finally here, in print!! My Zippity Zigzags, Chevron Cake! Read More...Read More
DIY: Cupcake Liner Witch HatsI generally have a rule about rushing the season... that is, I try not to. But Halloween has been in the stores for so long now that it's starting to go on clearance. So today, I'm officially kicking off the Halloween season here on Half Baked! And what better way to start things off than with a fun Halloween Cupcake Liner Craft?Read More
BRIDES Magazine’s Most Beautiful CakesThis post has been a long time coming and I've been dying to share it with you! But I wanted to see it with my own eyes first! And it's finally here, in print!! I am tremendously honored to be included in BRIDES Magazine's America's Most Beautiful Cakes for 2011!! I could not be more flattered and humbled to be included with some of my favorite cake icons of all time! Read More...Read More
Milkaholic Sip & SeeI've been dying to share this event with you for months! It debuted yesterday on Hostess with the Mostess (yay!) and I'm thrilled to share some additional images and details with you today. My husband and I hosted a co-ed baby shower for our friends, Ted and Meredith, in honor of their newly adopted son, Colin. Ted and Meredith anxiously waited for Colin’s birth and we were all thrilled when he officially became their son. We were honored to welcome Baby Colin with this modern Milkaholic Sip & See. Read More...Read More
