RUSTIC VANILLA WINTER CAKE

LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• 3kg Roberts Confectionery Vanilla Mud Cake Mix
• Two 6" x 3" Round Cakes
• Two 8" x 3" Round Cakes
• Roberts Confectionery Coffee Flavour
• Swiss Meringue Buttercream
• 10" round silver Masonite Cake Board
• Florist Wire and Tape
• Fresh or Imitation Flowers
• Cake Discs and Dowels - Optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1

6" Cakes

Line the base and sides of each cake tin with baking paper. Make sure the paper around the sides is raised 2-2 1/2cm above the top of the tin.

Follow the detailed instructions on the back of the cake mix packet to make the 1kg recipe. Pour half the batter into each 6&rdquo cake tin. Bake according to instructions.

8" Cakes

Line the base and sides of each cake tin with baking paper. Make sure the paper around the sides is raised 2-2 1/2 cm above the top of the tin.

Follow the detailed instructions on the back of the cake mix packet to make 2 separate batches of the 1kg recipe. Pour one batch into each 8" cake tin. Bake according to instructions.

Step 2

Flavour Swiss Meringue Buttercream with drops of Coffee Flavour. Alternatively choose another Flavour Oil or Flavour Colour from the Roberts range.

Step 3

Slice each cake into three or four even layers. Secure the first layer onto the cake board using a small amount of buttercream icing. Stack and fill layers with piped buttercream.

Tip: To create a perfectly straight even cake every time, use a small spirit level. For extra support when making this style of cake it&rsquos best to use Cake Discs and Dowels between cakes.

Step 4

Use a clean dry pastry brush to dust off loose cake crumbs.  Cover the entire cake with a thin layer of Buttercream. This is called the "Crumb Coat". Refrigerate until set. Cover the cake with a second layer of buttercream. Use a wide spatula or scraper to smooth the sides to reveal cake layers.

Step 5

Wire and tape all flowers individually. Form a bouquet, secure tightly using Florist Tape. Do not insert flowers directly into the cake.  Attach a piece of Fondant to the cake and insert wired flowers. Alternatively use Straws, Cake Flower Spikes or lay bouquet on a piece of baking paper.

Tips:

• If using fresh flowers consult a florist to ensure they are suitable for cake display.
• If using imitation flowers ensure coloured dyes won&rsquot affect the icing.
• Adjust the amount of cake layers depending on the size of the flowers you are using

Variations

Naked Cakes look fabulous topped with fresh seasonal fruit, toffee and chocolate shards.