The letter cakes are the recent trend in cake decorating. Almost everybody wants a number or alphabets cake for their birthday. Why not? Look how pretty these are and not as difficult as other elaborate fondant decorated cakes. Now there are lots of tutorials online for these cakes and boy did we spend a lot of time looking at what we should share here.
Are you ready to turn your cake baking skills up a notch and create something truly extraordinary? Look no further than the captivating world of letter cakes. These edible works of art are taking the baking scene by storm, and if you’ve been itching to try your hand at them, you’ve come to the right place.
What are letter cakes?
Letter cakes, also known as alphabet cakes or number cakes, are a delightful way to express your creativity and celebrate special occasions. These mouthwatering treats are composed of layers of cake shaped into letters or numbers, which are then adorned with an assortment of delicious fillings and toppings. Just imagine the look of awe on your guests’ faces when you present them with a stunning, personalized cake that not only tastes amazing but also reflects the uniqueness of the occasion.
The beauty of letter cakes lies in their versatility. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or any other memorable event, these cakes can be customized to suit any theme or style. From elegant and sophisticated designs to whimsical and playful creations, the possibilities are truly endless. You can experiment with different flavors, colors, and decorations to ensure that your letter cake is a true reflection of your vision and the tastes of the lucky recipients.
Veena Azmanov – recipe with progress pictures here – Letter Z Cake
Essential Tools and Ingredients
- First and foremost, a good set of cake pans is essential. Opt for pans that are specifically designed for letter cakes, which will provide the perfect shape and size. These pans are typically made of durable materials like aluminum or stainless steel, ensuring even heat distribution for a perfectly baked cake.
- Next, you’ll want a sturdy cake board or platter to display your letter cake. This will provide a stable base and make it easier to transport and serve your creation. Consider investing in a turntable as well, as it allows for smooth and precise icing application.
- Speaking of icing, a set of piping bags and tips will be your go-to tools for creating beautiful designs and lettering on your cake. Look for various tips that allow for different techniques, such as creating straight lines or intricate details. And don’t forget to have a few couplers on hand, as they enable you to easily switch between tips without emptying and refilling your piping bags.
- In addition to piping bags and tips, a cake spatula or offset spatula is essential for spreading and smoothing your icing. This tool will help you achieve that polished, professional look, so make sure to check on quality here.
- Regarding frosting, buttercream is a popular choice due to its versatility and ability to hold intricate designs. You can make your buttercream using butter, powdered sugar, and flavorings, or choose store-bought varieties if you need more time.
- Alphabet cakes are usually filled with a cream-based frosting made with Vanilla Pastry Cream (eggless pastry cream) and Whipping Cream. Or
- You can also use Classic Vanilla Buttercream Recipes. The buttercream base can be American, Swiss, Italian, French or German buttercream.
- Alternatively, you can use other flavored buttercreams too – here are more than 30 buttercream flavors for you to try.
- If you choose to use a cookie base for your alphabet cake instead of cake-base – perhaps you want a good Vanilla Cookie Recipe or Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- To add some pizzazz and vibrant colors to your letter cakes, consider investing in gel food coloring. Gel colors are highly concentrated and won’t alter the consistency of your icing, making them ideal for achieving bold and vibrant shades.
Cooking Foodie – No. 5 Cake
Choosing the Right Cake Base for letter Cakes
When it comes to choosing a cake base for your letter cakes, there are a few factors to consider.
- First and foremost, you’ll want to choose a cake flavor that complements your desired icing and filling. Classic options like vanilla, chocolate, and lemon are always popular choices, but don’t be afraid to experiment with unique flavors like carrot or red velvet to add an extra element of surprise.
- In addition to flavor, it’s important to consider the texture of your cake base. A letter cake with a soft and fluffy base can create a wonderful contrast to a rich and creamy icing. On the other hand, a denser cake base can provide a sturdy structure for intricate letter shaping. Ultimately, the texture you choose will depend on your personal preference and the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.
- When baking the cake base for your letter cake, following the recipe carefully and ensuring that it is cooked evenly is essential. Overbaking can result in a dry and crumbly base, while underbaking can make it challenging to handle and shape. Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness before removing it from the oven, ensuring it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Adilicious – Alphabet A Cake
Mastering the Art of Letter Shaping
Whether you’re opting for a simple and elegant cursive letter or an intricate and eye-catching design, the following steps will guide you through the process of creating beautifully shaped letters that will wow your guests.
- First and foremost, it’s essential to ensure that your cake is completely cooled before attempting to shape it. Warm or even slightly soft cakes can be challenging to handle and may result in misshapen letters. Patience is key here – allow your cake to cool completely either at room temperature or in the refrigerator before moving forward.
- Next, it’s time to outline the letter on your cake. You can print out a stencil of the letter you want to create or freehand it for a personal touch. If you use a stencil, carefully cut it out using a sharp knife and gently place it over your cake. Take your time to trace the outline of the letter onto the cake’s surface, applying gentle pressure with the tip of your knife. Ensure that the lines are clear and well-defined, as they will serve as your guide for shaping the cake.
- Now comes the fun part – carving and shaping the cake to bring the letter to life. Using a serrated knife or a cake leveler, carefully cut around the outline of the letter, following the lines you traced earlier. Take time and work slowly, making minor, controlled cuts to avoid major mistakes. Remember, it’s always better to take off less cake initially and make gradual adjustments as needed.
- Once you have the basic shape of your letter, it’s time to refine and smooth the edges. Use a small offset spatula or a butter knife to gently round off any sharp corners or uneven edges. Smooth out the sides of the letter by carefully scraping away excess cake, ensuring that the surface is even and consistent.
- As you shape your letter, it’s essential to consider the overall balance and symmetry. Step back occasionally and assess your progress from different angles, making any necessary adjustments to maintain a visually pleasing shape.
Gateau Chiffres – No. 25 Cake
Pro Tips and Troubleshooting Advice
As you shape your letter, it’s important to keep in mind the overall balance and symmetry. Step back occasionally and assess your progress from different angles, making any necessary adjustments to maintain a visually pleasing shape.
With your beautifully shaped letter cake ready to impress, it’s time to take your letter cake skills to the next level with some pro tips and troubleshooting advice. These insights will help ensure that your creation turns out flawless, leaving everyone in awe of your baking prowess.
- First, let’s talk about the importance of a sturdy base for your letter cake. To avoid any mishaps or collapsing, choosing a dense and firm cake recipe is crucial. A sponge cake or a pound cake works best as they can withstand the weight and decoration that will be added on top. If you need more confidence in creating a stable base, consider using a cake mold or a stencil to guide you.
- Additionally, when baking your letter cake, it’s crucial to pay attention to the baking time and temperature. Since the shape of the letter cake can vary, it’s common for some parts to be thicker or thinner than others. You may need to adjust the temperature or baking time to ensure even baking. Keep a close eye on the cake, and use a toothpick or cake tester to determine when it’s perfectly baked.
- Once your letter cake is baked and cooled, it’s time to think about frosting. When applying the frosting, make sure you have a smooth and level surface to work on. Use a crumb coat to seal loose crumbs and create a clean canvas for your final decorations. When spreading the frosting, be patient and take your time. Smooth it out evenly, using a palette knife or an offset spatula, to achieve a professional finish.
- If you encounter any issues along the way, don’t panic. Letter cake baking can be a bit challenging, but with a little troubleshooting, you’ll overcome any obstacles. For example, if your cake is too crumbly and difficult to work with, try brushing a simple syrup or sugar syrup over it to moisten it up. This will make it easier to handle and add moisture to each bite.
Recette De Number – No 100 Cake
Decorating Techniques for letter Cakes
There are countless decorating techniques to explore and experiment with, allowing you to unleash your inner artist and make your cake truly unique.
- One popular technique is piping, which involves using a piping bag and various tips to create intricate designs with frosting. Whether it’s elegant swirls, delicate flowers, or personalized messages, piping allows you to add a touch of elegance and charm to your letter cake. Practice makes perfect when it comes to piping, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t picture-perfect. With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll soon be piping like a pro.
- Another way to decorate your letter cake is by using fondant. Fondant is a pliable icing-like substance that can be rolled out and draped over the cake to create a smooth, polished look. Not only does fondant give your cake a sleek finish, but it also serves as a blank canvas for all sorts of creative possibilities. You can mold fondant into shapes, create intricate patterns, or even use food coloring to achieve vibrant hues. The sky’s the limit when it comes to fondant decoration, so let your imagination run wild.
- If you’re looking for a simpler but equally stunning option, consider using edible flowers or fresh fruit to decorate your letter cake. Edible flowers not only add a pop of color but also infuse your cake with a delicate floral aroma. Fresh fruit, on the other hand, can provide a refreshing and vibrant touch to your creation. Whether you opt for a symmetrical arrangement or a beautiful mess of berries and citrus slices, incorporating fresh elements will elevate your letter cake to the next level.
Veena Azmamov – Number 50 Cookie Cake
Showcasing Your Masterpiece
As you showcase your finished masterpiece, you can create a truly unforgettable experience for your guests. Picture their faces lighting up with delight as they look at your stunning creation. But how can you ensure that your letter cake becomes the center of attention? The answer lies in the presentation.
- Consider displaying your letter cake on a cake stand or a beautifully decorated table. This will not only elevate its visual appeal but also make it more accessible for everyone to admire and enjoy. You can complement the cake with matching decorations or a personalized cake topper that adds a personal touch and makes it even more special.
- In addition to the aesthetics, think about the serving process. Will you slice the cake beforehand and arrange the pieces on a platter, or let guests gather around and watch as you cut and serve each slice? Both options can create a sense of anticipation and excitement, so choose the one that suits your style and the atmosphere you want to create.
- Lastly, don’t forget to capture the moment. Take pictures of your stunning letter cake from different angles, both as a whole and up close to showcase the intricate details. Sharing these photos on social media or with friends and family is a great way to celebrate your accomplishment and inspire others to try their hand at letter cakes.
Vanille Tanz – Heart cake
Some more fun letter Cakes tutorials to view
How to Make a Letter Cake by Sweet Dreams Bake Shoppe
Letter Cake Tutorial by Sugarologie
Alphabet Red Velvet Cake by Hania’s Kitchen
EASY NUMBER / LETTER CAKE by Cakes by MK
Buttercream Letter Cake by Ayo Masak Ayo Makan
Letter K Cake Tutorial by Sugarologie
Frequently asked questions
Achieving an even bake for your letter cake is crucial to ensure that it cooks through properly. To achieve this, it is important to ensure that your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before placing the cake inside. Additionally, rotating the cake halfway through the baking time can help promote even heat distribution. Finally, using cake strips or a homemade parchment collar around the pan can help insulate the sides of the cake and prevent them from overcooking.
Transporting a letter cake without damaging its delicate design can be a bit tricky. One effective method is to carefully slide a large, flat baking sheet or cutting board underneath the cake and then secure it in place with strips of parchment paper or rubber bands. This will provide a stable base for the cake and prevent it from shifting during transportation. It’s also a good idea to refrigerate the cake for a short period of time before transporting it to firm up the frosting and make it less prone to smudging.
Yes, you can definitely make a letter cake in advance to save time and reduce stress on the day of your event. Baking the cake layers a day or two ahead is a great option, as it allows the flavors to develop and the cakes to cool completely before assembling and decorating. You can also prepare the buttercream frosting in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring the frosting to room temperature and give it a good whisk or beat it briefly until fluffy before using.
If you have any leftovers from your letter cake (which is rare, given how delicious they are), it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will help keep the cake moist and prevent it from drying out. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, let the cake come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to restore its optimal taste and texture.
Emoji Cake Tutorials
Fondant Hand-Painted Cake Tutorial
Candle Shape Cake Tutorials
Easter Cakes Tutorials
Description
Ingredients
Cake Batter – 3 layers 11 x 13 sheet pan
- 3½ cups (437.5 g) All-purpose Flour
- 2 cups (400 g) Sugar granulated
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1½ cup (340 g) Butter unsalted
- 5 Eggs large
- 1 cup (240 ml) Buttermilk
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Frosting
- 3 cups (700 ml) whipping cream
- ½ cup (60 g) Powdered sugar
Or Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting
- 2 cup (470 ml) Cream cheese room temperature
- 2 cups (470 ml) Whipping Cream
- 1 cup (120 g) Powdered Sugar
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
Sugar Syrup
- ½ cup (100 g) Sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 tsp Lemon juice
Decorations of your choice
- 10 Strawberries
- 10 Macarons
- 20 Blueberries
- 20 Candy
- 10 Chocolate
Instructions
Cake batter
- Preheat the oven to 325°F /165°C/ Gas Mark – 3
- Grease and line two 11 x 13-inch sheet cake pans or three 7 x 10 sheet cake pans with parchment paper.
- Dry ingredients – Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar. Whip for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Next add the eggs, one at a time. Followed by the vanilla extract. Pro tip– adding eggs one at a time will prevent the eggs from curdling. If the batter does curdle just add a tablespoon of flour to help stabilize it.
- Next, add the flour and buttermilk in three batches. Combine well but do not over mix. Pro tip – we do not want to activate the gluten in the flour so work gently once you add the flour.
- Divide batter equally between the 3 or 2 sheet pans. Use an offset spatula to spread it evenly. Tap the pan a few times to remove air pockets and let the batter settle down.
- Bake on the middle rack for 20 to 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Pro tip – using baking/ cake strips for your pans will prevent a dome and excess caramelization around the edges which looks better for layer cakes.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Pro tip – always cool cakes completely before decorating otherwise the frosting will melt on warm cakes.
Prepare sugar syrup
- To prepare the simple syrup, boil the sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Once all the sugar is dissolved, boil a minute more – then cool completely.
Whipped Cream Frosting Or
- In the stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the cream with powdered sugar until you have stiff peaks. Transfer to a piping bag with the desired piping tip.
Cream cheese whipped cream
- In a stand mixer bowl with the paddle attachment, cream the cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Pour the chilled whipping cream and whip until stiff peaks. Add vanilla extract and whip to combine. Transfer to a piping bag with the desired piping tip.
Assemble
- Print the desired template of the number or letter you plan to make. Ensure the size is the same as your cake.
- Starting with one sheet cake, use the template to cut around the desired shape. Set it aside and do the same with the remaining layer/s.Pro tip – Place the template on the cake – use a small paring knife and carefully cut the shape. A ruler helps with straight lines.
- lace the first layer on the cake board or cake stand. Brush with simple syrup. Pipe the frosting all over with the piping bag. Then, place the second layer on top. Pipe more frosting, followed by the 3rd layer on top and more frosting. Pro tip – chilling the cake will help hold the two layers together and prevent them from moving while frosting the outside.
- The cake can now be decorated with any toppings from fresh fruits and berries to macarons and candy.
- Enjoy
Recipe Video
About Videos – most recipes has two videos – a quick version in the post & longer detailed version on this recipe card. Sometimes a similar recipe video may be used. Please do subscribe to my channel if you like my videos
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
Alphabet Cakes – Inspiration Board
By Adi Klinghofer, Chocolique, Sweet Miracles Cookies and Cakes, Taylor Made Gourmet, Image Source Pinterest, Veena Azmanov
Looks beautiful!
I want to make the “A letter cake” can I use butter cream frosting for the filling instead?
Yes, of course, Angel. You can use any buttercreamm frosting you like. Try some recipes from here – 30 plus buttercream frosting recipes
Hi if I’m using a biscuit base for a letter cake do I have to damp it with sugar syrup? Will it be heard to cut? Please advice. Thank you
I don’t dampen the cookies with syrup because the cookie soaks up moisture from the frosting. Though it does take time so it depends on how long the frosting stays on the cookies. I made mine almost 24 hours ahead and it was perfect. Not too soft and not hard either. Thanks
Hi Veena, I want to make a chocolate number cake – can I follow the chocolate cake recipe that you have for a carved cake?
Or which other one do you recommend?
Thanks so much
Yes, you can use the chocolate cake for carving as well for this recipe. Thanks
how far in advance can i pipe the buttercream in the cake and decorate before serving?
It really depends on what frosting you use. For example; whipped cream does not hold for long unless you use stabilized whipped cream. I have done it two days in advance but you must cover the cake properly to avoid drying out in the fridge.