Rachael grew up baking in the kitchen with her Hungarian grandmother, but she didn’t discover her passion for cake decorating until later in life while seeking a creative outlet from her day job. She always had artistic interests, so cake decorating seemed like the perfect activity after a long day working as a Physical Therapist. Rachael began her passion for cake decorating in 2001 with a few Wilton classes and continued to educate herself by taking classes with top designers like Ron Ben-Israel, Colette Peters, and Marina Sousa. In 2006, she started her own company, Intricate Icings Cake Design, out of a commissary kitchen and eventually opened her own studio in 2009. After 6 years in her studio, Rachael opted to scale back her company to focus solely on custom designed, luxury wedding and event cakes, while continuing to share her cake knowledge in private classes and through online Craftsy classes.
Rachael’s work is now nationally recognized in both the wedding industry and the cake decorating community. Her work can be seen on episodes of Food Network Challenge as well as in the pages of magazines such as Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings and The Knot. Rachael has been awarded several top honors including being named one of Martha Stewart Weddings’ top pastry pros in the country and Brides Magazine’s “Top 100 Bakeries”. Brides Magazine has also featured Rachael’s cakes in the “50 Most Beautiful Wedding Cakes” and “America’s Prettiest Wedding Cakes”.
Rachael’s cake have been featured in Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, The Huffington Post, Grace Ormonde, DIY Weddings Magazine, Confetti Magazine, Denver Life, American Cake Decorating, Cake Central Magazine, and many other cake and wedding blogs.
Rachael Teufel is also a Craftsy instructor. Her class Mini Cakes, Many Occasions is currently available online at Craftsy.com.
MORE FROM RACHAEL:
Design Tips: Proportion And ScaleOur contributor, Rachael Teufel of Intricate Icings Cake Design, is back for the next post in our Design Tips series. Join Rachael as she shares a new cake while teaching us the basics of great design....
Over the last couple of months, I’ve discussed a few of the key principles of design: inspiration, balance and movement. Today we're tackling the topics of proportion and scale, using my gold honeycomb cake as an example, with a few sketches thrown for fun too. Let's first talk about what these terms mean and then we'll relate them to cake design, starting with proportion.Read More
Design Tips : MovementOur contributor, Rachael Teufel of Intricate Icings Cake Design, is back for the next post in our Design Tips series. Join Rachael as she shares a new cake while teaching us the basics of great design. This month's topic is Movement.
Movement within art can mean two things. It can be how the viewer's eye is led through the piece or a reference to action or direction, like a person dancing or waves crashing. Creating movement with a static piece of art can be a real challenge, so here are a few helpful concepts to consider as you are designing your own cakes.Read More
Design Tips : BalanceOur contributor, Rachael Teufel of Intricate Icings Cake Design, is back with a new cake design and some insight on finding balance -- a key to defining your own style and creating unique designs.
Cakes are pieces of art, and most art follows a few basic principles. Balance, movement, proportion, pattern, emphasis and unity are just a few things that influence artwork. When all of these details come together cohesively, the piece becomes appealing to the eye.
Have you ever looked at a cake and felt like something was missing or didn’t seem quite right? It was likely out of balance. The arrangement of all the elements within the piece of art determines its balance and is typically categorized into three types: symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial. Let's take a better look at these three categories with some sketches.Read More
Design Tips : InspirationOur contributor, Rachael Teufel of Intricate Icings Cake Design, is back with a new cake design and some insight on finding inspiration in everyday life -- a key to defining your own style and creating unique designs.
Finding the right inspiration and designing an original cake can be tricky. This is partly why so many designs are simply duplicated rather than reinvented. Often our clients request design duplications, so cake decorators are not all to blame here, but it is important to encourage clients to put a personal touch on their own design whenever possible. Over the course of the next few months, I’m going to share some insight on inspiration, design, and creating your own style. Along the way, you’ll learn all about the principles of art and what it takes to create a stunning showpiece for any event.Read More
Heart Cut Out CakeWe're thrilled to welcome our newest contributor, Rachael Teufel of Intricate Icings Cake Design. Join Rachael as she shares a new cake project with a step-by-step tutorial.... It’s that time of year when I start thinking about what kind of Valentine’s card I can help my son make for his teacher. As always, I turned to Pinterest for inspiration and very quickly found several ideas… for both paper projects and for cakes, of course! I tend to get distracted dreaming about the cake design possibilities. Heart cut out projects, like this Valentine's wrapping paper, translate perfectly to a cake design. And what better way to say I love you than with something sweet.Read More
2015 Wedding Cake TrendsWe're kicking off 2015 with a brand new cake series - and it's all about trends for the upcoming year! What better way to spend our January than oohing and aahing over marvelous cake designs while we get the scoop on trends from the ladies who know. Here's how it all came together:
Top cake designers were asked to predict what cake trends will be hot in 2015. Based on their insights, this talented group got busy creating innovative new cakes, exclusively for this cake series and especially for you! For our newly-engaged friends who are dreaming of a cake worthy of their big day. For our cake-making friends who are hungry for new ideas and seeking inspiration for 2015 display cakes. And lastly for our cake-loving friends who simply find joy in the beauty of an original cake design. These cakes are for you!Read More
Winter Wonderland CakeToday's feature is a winter wonderland with a cake as pristine as freshly fallen snow. Inspired by Colorado winters, this design is elegant and timeless with a nod to current techniques such as wafer paper flowers and embossed texture. Soft white and muted gray create an airy color scheme while delicate floral detailing glistens with a subtle iridescent shimmer. This little lovely is finished off with two gorgeous blooms and would be perfect for any winter wedding. Add in a few hints of gold and some dreamy macarons and suddenly we're lost in the details of this beautiful photo shoot. It all comes to us from Rachael Teufel, owner of Intricate Icings Cake Design in Erie, Colorado, and you simply must see it. Let's take a look!Read More
Dancing Violets CakeToday's feature is a wow-worthy design all about color. Rich, statement-making hues perfectly complement three extra-tall, slender tiers -- creating a sleek profile that is both beautiful and bold. Gently flowing ruffles add a soft layer of detail and set the stage for a handful of African Violets, with delicate blooms and charming yellow centers. It all comes together in an unexpectedly stunning way that is sure to turn some heads.Read More
The 4th Cake of ChristmasIt's our third annual holiday series.... The 12 Cakes of Christmas!! We're oohing and aahing over twelve marvelous cake designs, created especially for this series! All brand new, never seen before, and created by some of your favorite bakers! For our theme this year, we're taking a moment to reflect on our favorite Christmas memories and traditions. It's a feel good month, celebrating the little things that make this season shine bright. Each of our featured bakers was asked to create a cake based on a classic Christmas tradition.
We're wrapping up the week with cake number four! Our fourth cake celebrates the focal point of our living rooms and the place where we draw our family close. The perch that we happily decorate year after year, adding a touch of coziness to our homes and cheer to our hearts. From stockings and vases to a touch of snow, we style it up pretty and watch it glow. The Fourth Cake of Christmas was inspired by.... the fireplace mantle!Read More
Leather & FeathersYou better hold on to your hat because today's cake may just blow you away. You know when something is utterly and completely beautiful but yet totally unexpected and therefore it's even more incredible? Well, that is today's cake in a nutshell. Created for a wedding shoot showcasing the rustic romance of Colorado, it's a bohemian treasure. Filled with leather and feathers! Yes, this gorgeously earthy design features a single sugar feather and the most amazing leather belts you can imagine, all made by hand and completely edible. Not to mention the antiqued gold buckles holding it all together. Who knew leather belts would make for a fabulous cake design? Our friend Rachael Teufel, owner of Intricate Icings Cake Design in Erie, Colorado - that's who! I'm telling you, you're going to love this unique and naturally beautiful concept. And well, the details on these belts you'll just have to see to believe...Read More
Pink Week: Vintage Rose Cake TableIn honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're going pink all week long. To remember, honor and support all of those who’s lives have been touched by breast cancer. So far we've enjoyed two days of fabulous pink creations (if you missed them, you can catch up here). And today we’re back for more!
Today's feature is pretty as can be with delicate pink accents and a vintage flair that's sure to delight. This yummy cake table is simply blooming with gorgeous cakes and feminine charm. Vintage shutters adorned with garden roses create a backdrop like none other. Perfectly setting the scene for a spectacular arrangement of cakes. Tall, short, slender and flirty - this display has five times the cake to devour. From the soft pink ombre to the fabulous ruffled rosettes, there are so many details to love. It comes to us from Rachael Teufel, owner of Intricate Icings Cake Design in Erie, Colorado. And with the sun streaming in from behind, it looks like a little slice of heaven. Let's take a look at this Vintage Rose Cake Table.Read More
Navy & Gold Toile CakeToday's feature seriously makes me wonder.... how can one cake include so many amazing details? First we start with a stellar color combo. Classic navy and white with a dash of shimmering gold. Then we move on to the stripes. Beautifully bold, extra wide, statement-making stripes. And then last but absolutely, positively, certainly not least, is the incredible toile pattern. A sophisticated scene full of countryside charm, hand-painted to replicate this timeless French fabric. It's all enough to make you weak at the knees. And it comes to us from Rachael Teufel, owner of Intricate Icings Cake Design in Erie, Colorado. Let's take a look at this Navy & Gold Toile Cake.Read More
Birds in FlightHello sweet little birdies. Won't you spread your wings fly my way? Because you are just the loveliest little detail. Nestled between gorgeous sugar orchids and delicate branches on the prettiest of hand-painted cakes.
Get ready for some Friday swooning because today's feature is sure to make your heart soar. It comes to us from Rachael Teufel, owner of Intricate Icings Cake Design in Erie, Colorado. Once you take in the beauty of the hand-painted birds, you're sure to notice the incredible bottom tier. Wrapped in chocolate curls, tied with a petite green bow and topped with ruffles. It will have you thinking two things. What an elegant and creative spin on branches. And... oh my goodness, how delicious! Now that's what I call the best of both worlds when it comes to cake. Stunning and decadently tempting. Let's take a look at this Birds in Flight wedding cake.Read More
From Ruffled Dress To CakeFor more than a year now, we’ve been swooning over cake designs inspired by glamorous gowns. We all have come to know and love the ‘from dress to cake‘ concept. And the talented Rachael Teufel, owner of Intricate Icings Cake Design, has been leading the way in our pursuit of fashion inspired cakes. We've cheered as Rachael found inspiration in dresses of all styles and transformed them into stunning cake designs (like THIS one, and THIS one. Oh and THIS one). Which makes today's feature even sweeter. We're taking a look at one of Rachael’s newest designs and hooking you up with details for her new online Craftsy class! Plus a special discount offer! First, let’s gush over this extraordinary Ruffled Dress Cake. It's time to go from dress to cake!Read More
From Dress to CakeIt's time for another fabulous fashion-inspired post! For more than a year now, we've been swooning over cake designs inspired by glamorous gowns. And we all have come to know and love the 'from dress to cake' concept. But you may not realize that our very first 'from dress to cake' post featured today's baker. The talented Rachael Teufel, of Intricate Icings Cake Design in Erie, Colorado. Ever since that very first post, we've enjoyed watching Rachael take dresses of all styles and turn them into stunning cake designs. And today is another gorgeous example, complete with ruching, flowery frills and the actual dress! Get ready to fall in LOVE...Read More
Vintage Cameo CakeCan you hear that whisper in the background? It's today's feature, quietly charming you with its old world romance. And well, with its antique flair and timeless elegance, there's simply no reason to resist. Vintage silhouettes adorn a delicate frame, recreating a gorgeous cameo directly pulled from the wedding invitation. Delicate scrolls of flowers and swirls form a lace-like pattern that is simply stunning. And seriously swoonworthy. Prepare to get lost in the classic beauty of this Vintage Cameo Cake. Created by Rachael Teufel, of Intricate Icings Cake Design in Erie, Colorado.Read More
Favorite Things BirthdayToday's feature is seriously so gorgeous, you're going to fall. in. love. Head over heels! You probably remember Storey's 1st birthday... a glittery gold and pink party that we featured last year. You all loved it so much, it was one of the most popular posts of 2012! Well if it is possible, Storey's 2nd birthday is even more beautiful. Confetti, balloons and all of the birthday girl's favorite things are brought together in shades of pink and red. Impeccable styling by Storey's mother, Ashley of Ashley Nicole Events, is paired with a spectacular cake and desserts by Rachael Teufel, of Intricate Icings Cake Design. The results are simply breathtaking! I think the smash cake says it best {you'll see}... so let's get to the good stuff! It's a fabulous Favorite Things Birthday Party!Read More
Spirals & Poms Baby Shower CakeThere's nothing like a group of women, gathered together, to celebrate a baby on the way. And a party designed to welcome a precious little baby deserves a precious little cake. That's where today's featured design comes in. Created for a baby shower and inspired by the event decor, this cake is a tiny piece of party heaven. Playful pom poms are translated into hundreds of sugar petals nestled tightly together. Giving this cake a very fabulous, very frilly, pom-like bottom tier. And if you're a fan of fun party straws... check out that top tier! Grey and white spirals resembling the trendy striped straws we see in so many of today's parties. It's a special delivery you don't want to miss. Something sweet is on the way.... and it's this Spirals & Poms Baby Shower Cake! Created by Rachael Teufel, of Intricate Icings Cake Design in Erie, Colorado.Read More
6th Cake of ChristmasThe sixth cake in our series comes to us from Rachael Teufel, owner of Intricate Icings Cake Design in Erie, Colorado. Rachael has been inspiring us with her beautiful cakes for years now (like this vintage birdcage trio and this tangerine and turquoise tango). Rachael is a big fan of transforming fashion into fabulous cake designs. And well, we're all big fans of both Rachael and her fashion-inspired cakes! So it goes without saying that we're always thrilled to see what she has up her sleeve. Sophisticated and chic. It's the 6th Cake of Christmas!Read More
Halloween Week : Glittery GlamThis third Halloween cake comes to us from Rachael Teufel, owner of Intricate Icings Cake Design in Erie, Colorado. Rachael has been inspiring us with her beautiful cakes for years now (like this tangerine and turquoise tango and this sugar burlap cake). Once again, Rachael has us swooning over her sophisticated interpretation and elegant style. While we've featured many dress-inspired cakes in the past (Rachael's ruched design included), today's feature takes the 'From Dress to Cake' concept to a whole new level! It's, by far, the most creative dress-inspired cake yet... and I simply cannot get enough! Who knew a fashion icon could inspire a Halloween cake? A fabulous Oscar De La Renta gown is transformed into a seriously wicked Halloween design, with sleek black and white stripes that will make your head spin! Accented with just the right amount of purple glitter and flying bats, this cake is one part Beetlejuice and two parts Glittery Glam!Read More
Vintage Bird Cage TrioIf you're a regular reader, you know how much I love creative cakes with distinct personality. New ideas, new techniques, new staging... it's enough to make a girl giddy! And you probably also know by now that I'm a big fan of Rachael Teufel and her talented team at Intricate Icings Cake Design. Rachael's designs are consistently gorgeous and today's feature is yet another example of beauty done right.
Three lovely cakes atop a rustic hutch, surrounded by vintage books, doilies and fabulous details. Oh, and we can't forget the incredible bird cage! Charming hand-painted birds, gorgeous sugar peonies and delicate ruffles come together in this earthy-chic design. Created for a local magazine and inspired by the beauty of Colorado, this trio of cakes is amazing in every way. Plain and simple. Perfectly styled and ready for swooning.... It's a Vintage Bird Cage Trio.Read More
Sugar Burlap CakeOver the last year plus, burlap has been popping up everywhere! You can spot great touches of burlap anywhere from weddings and parties to fashion and home decor. I must admit that I am quite enamored with the burlap trend. I love finding new and interesting ways to incorporate burlap into an event. Invitations, table runners, flower arrangements and signs... all better with a little burlap! Its textured and natural appearance adds a touch of rustic charm to just about anything!
So when I saw today's cake, I was instantly in love! It's perfect for Autumn and features an incredible, and completely edible, burlap bow! It's a rustic chic Sugar Burlap Cake, created by Rachael Teufel and her team at Intricate Icings Cake Design located in Erie, Colorado.Read More
American Flag Wedding CakeToday is day three in our new cake series, The 4 Cakes of July! This third American beauty comes to us from Rachael Teufel, owner of Intricate Icings Cake Design in Erie, Colorado. Rachael has been inspiring us with her beautiful cakes for years now (like this tangerine and turquoise tango and this ruched design). Rachael paints a grand picture with her sophisticated interpretation of this patriotic theme. The American flag, fluttering in the wind. The stars and stripes gently rippling in the warm summer breeze. With delicate hand-painted ribbons and soft silvery stars, this design is perfectly tailored for an elegant affair. It's exquisite! And it's The 3rd Cake of July!Read More
Tangerine and Turquoise TangoSummer hasn't officially started.... yet I want to crown today's design as "Cake of the Summer". I know, I know. It's too early in the season to make such a sweeping declaration. But today's featured cake is SO right now. SO Summer 2012!
Somehow, Rachael Teufel of Intricate Icings Cake Design has brought together all of today's hottest trends into one stunning cake! Without it seeming too trendy. The Pantone color of the year, Tangerine Tango, is paired with a vibrantly bright turquoise blue (color combo = hot). The ever popular chevron pattern zigs and zags around the top tier with dramatic flair. Meanwhile, a geometric square pattern provides detail and structure to the base tier (pattern mixing = hot, hot). And last but not least, two ranunculus sugar flowers add a pop of color with their paper-like blooms (ranunculus = hot, hot, hot!). Join me in swooning over this trend-setting Tangerine and Turquoise Tango Cake...Read More
From Dress… to CakeWe talk about inspiration day after day because, well... Half Baked is meant to inspire you! Whether we get a peek at the hand drawn sketches or a few thoughts shared by the baker, I love exploring the inspiration behind a cake. So what happens when you take a gorgeous wedding dress and translate it into a cake design? With layers of delicate folds and a bright pop of color from the bridal bouquet, this wedding gown was screaming to become a cake! Rachael Teufel and her team at Intricate Icings heard the cry and answered with an eye-catching creation. Ultra feminine and incredibly elegant, we're loving this delightful Ruched Wedding Cake. Read More...Read More
Birds & Billy Balls CakeThe moment I saw this cake, I was smitten. It's not hard to see why... this crisp and clean design wooed me with its simple elegance. I've always been a fan of the less-is-more school of thought. And when a fresh white background meets soft natural elements like billy balls and branches, you have one impeccable pair. From its charming bird silhouettes to its eye catching grey and yellow color scheme, we're loving this Birds and Billy Balls Cake by Intricate Icings! Read More...Read More
