Roses, Cosmetics and Jewels Birthday Cake!

Here’s a lovely and bright cosmetics bag cake with a vintage twist that we created for a friend’s daughter! We were asked to design and make a polka dot make-up bag cake fit for an 18th birthday with a slight vintage feel, a tassel and a fresh colour palette. We were, otherwise, given creative license so with the previous requests we settled upon a cream, turquoise, gold and coral pink colour scheme paired with hand made roses, pearl jewellery, a quilted and sugar pearl studded board and vintage inspired cosmetic pieces. 

Cosmetics and Jewels Cake by Juniper Cakery

Cosmetics and Jewels Cake by Juniper Cakery

Above is a close-up of some of the details of the cake including the gold fondant tassel, pearl necklace (complete with an ornate clasp), nail polish bottle, pearl ring, brooch, small parfum bottle and a lipstick inspired by the Estée Lauder Signature lip-colour in ‘Portofino Coral’.

Cosmetics and Jewels Cake by Juniper Cakery

The cake itself is a lovely soft and moist chocolate fudge cake with silky smooth chocolate fudge buttercream frosting. It’s then smothered with a milk chocolate ganache before being iced with fondant and decorated.

Cosmetics and Jewels Cake by Juniper Cakery

We loved creating the vintage inspired jewels, make-up items and sugar roses as well as hand-painting aspects of the cake in gold! They all help to lend a more grown-up and elegant feel to the cake whilst combined with a bright and fun colour palette.

Cosmetics and Jewels Cake by Juniper Cakery

Cosmetics and Jewels Cake by Juniper Cakery

Above is a photograph of the side of the cake capturing the gold fondant tassel and pearl necklace. We added stitching detail, a lovely pearlescent sheen to the fondant pearls, and a  glowing hand-painted gold shimmer, 

Cosmetics and Jewels Cake by Juniper Cakery

Cosmetics and Jewels Cake by Juniper Cakery

This cake was such fun to create! We loved adding the sweet yet fun little touches of jewellery, old fashioned style cosmetics, a personalised name plaque, etc. 

 

National Cupcake Week: Strawberries & Cream Scone Cupcake Recipe!

Imagine a cupcake inspired by the British afternoon tea staple; freshly baked scones filled with strawberry conserve and whipped cream. Amazing, yes? Well imagine no further! Below is our recipe for this indulgent cupcake treat. We’ve created a light vanilla pod infused cupcake filled with deliciously fruity home made strawberry preserve, swirled with vanilla pod buttercream and then finished with miniature home made scones brimming with strawberry preserve and vanilla sweetened whipped cream! Try our recipe below and be sure to nestle them atop a cake stand of sandwiches and pastries for a well earned treat!

Strawberries & Cream Scone Cupcake

Basic Vanilla Cupcake Recipe (Makes 12 Cupcakes)

4 free range eggs
226g self-raising flour
226g caster sugar
226g butter
1 bourbon vanilla pod

Pre-heat your oven to Gas Mark 3/325F/170C.

Cream your butter in a mixer then add the caster sugar. Add in the flour along with half of the eggs for around one minute. Add the seeds from inside your vanilla pod. Once half of the eggs are combined add the remaining and mix for about 5 minutes.

Separate the batter into each cupcake case until 2/3 full and place on the top shelf. Bake for around 20/25 minutes.

Strawberries & Cream Scone Cupcake

Strawberry Preserve Recipe

150g chopped strawberries
1 lemon (juice of)
150g pectin sugar / jam sugar

In a saucepan add all of your ingredients and simmer in medium heat. Keep stirring for around 10 minutes or until thick in consistency. Pour into clean airtight jars and leave to cool before using!

Strawberries & Cream Scone Cupcake

Vanilla Whipped Cream Recipe

100ml double cream
6 drops of good vanilla extract
1 tablespoon of icing sugar

In a bowl whisk your double cream, icing sugar and vanilla extract together until it is thick and can stand in a lovely smooth peak! You can also save your arms the ache and prep this with a stand up mixer!

Strawberries & Cream Scone Cupcake

Vanilla Buttercream

250g butter
250g – 350g icing sugar
Vanilla Pod
Piping bags

Cut your butter into small cubes and cream your butter until soft. Gradually add icing sugar until a good consistency. Add the seeds from your vanilla Pod to taste.

Plain Scones Recipe

This recipe makes 8-12 normal sized scones (about the size of a jam jar lid) or 15-20 mini scones (approx. the same size as a 10 pence piece… or 25 cents if you are US bound).

225g self raising flour
pinch of salt
25g caster sugar
150ml milk
55g butter
1 beaten egg to glaze
Plain or scalloped circle cutters

Pre-heat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. Lightly grease a flat baking tray or line with baking paper.

Mix together the flour and salt in a bowl. Then run in the butter to make crumb like pieces. Add the sugar and then the milk. Gently mix together using your clean hands.

Pop your dough onto a flour dusted surface and lightly knead. Roll or pat to around 1 inch thick (to make mini sized scones). Use a 48mm cutter to cut either plain or scallop edged scones. Place around 2 inches apart on your baking tray.

Lightly brush the scones with the beaten egg mixture and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.

Strawberries & Cream Scone Cupcake

Leave to cool and when ready slice in half and fill with your home made strawberry preserve and vanilla whipped cream! Nestle these on top of your cupcakes and watch everyone gobble them up happily!

 

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