Nov 17 2008
The Complete Story of How I Made a Mickey Mouse Cake (Including the Disaster Photos)
This is supposed to be the post where I write about the total success I had over the weekend while making my son’s third birthday cake. I was ready to tell you how I conquered the art of making and using fondant.
Instead, I will tell you how evil fondant is and how it nearly ruined my night.
It all started with a dream. An inspiration cake that I thought, no problem, I can do that. (see it here).
Here’s my story. I’ve include photos so you can truly appreciate my effort.
I started with the basics for a wonderful cake. Piping icing on a chocolate layer cake.
Next was the fondant, or fon-DON’T as I like to now say. I made the recipe. Colored it red. My husband helped by rolling it out. Then, he tried to pull it up to place on the cake I just made. As you can see, the fondant didn’t want to come off the table. But he tried again.
We were able to get some on the cake, but as you can see it was a total disaster. It was after midnight when the fondant disaster happened. I was depressed and exhausted. Ready to give in. I decided to call Publix in the morning and see what they could do for me. Then, inspiration struck me. I realized that my son is only three years old. His friends are all only three years old. They don’t care what the cake looks like. I could salvage the cake. Onward I went.
Here is the final cake. Not what I had envisioned, but not the disaster I was headed for either. After my midnight emotional meltdown, I put on a second layer of buttercream icing, tinted some of it blue and piped stars around the top and bottom of the cake and called it a night. Luckily, I had already purchased the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse characters to adorn the top of the cake. The next day, just before the party, I purchased the pre-made letters to spell out Happy Birthday. (I didn’t have it in me to hand pipe letters so early in the morning.) The kids loved the cake. They couldn’t see the imperfections. My son just remembers his “Mickey Mouse cake” with toys on top. Success, after all.
My favorite part of the cake is where I felt the most creative. On the side, I piped little blue dots in the shape of Mickey Mouse heads. It adds a personalized and creative touch that makes me feel this cake it special.
Overall, I am glad that I tried to make the cake. The other night I swore I would never do this again, but I am sure I will. Next time I’ll do more planning and not try to use a technique that I haven’t practiced. But, I will try to conquer fondant again. You’ll be the first to know if I’m successful.
Related:
- See how to make chocolate covered race car pretzel favors.
- Car cake.
- My very first decorated birthday cake: A 3D duck cake.
Ahhh- it turned out wonderful. I was getting worried from the first two photos but …nice job. I’m leaning towards Costco cake…but one year I need to try to be creative.
Nice work, Alicia!
By the way, I’ve figured out that the “We will rock you” song is something the kids are learning in Chapel. Not real sure what that has to do with Jesus…..but at least they are paying attention!
Has Liam shared the best part of the song with you? After Rachel sings the verse, she says “bum bum chshhh, bum bum chshhhh”. It’s hilarious.
It looks AWESOME Aunt Alicia! Way to go! I love you all and miss you lots!
I love how it turned out! The red fondue scared me at first too.
That is so cool — where did you get the little tram? The Mickey head dots thing are pure genius! I can’t believe you were able to come out with such a beautiful cake after what happened with the fondant — a true testament to a mother’s love and persaverance!!
this cake is adorable! where in the world did u get the little toppers/figurines?? I would LOVE to do something like this for my daughters 2nd bday party next month while we’re planning our 1st family vacation to Disney set for April.
Nicole:
Thanks for the comments
I got the toppers at Toys R Us. They were sold individually as part of a Mickey Mouse toy set.
Ok I found some cute topper/figurines- my next question is…Where did you find those cute candles?? The match so well with your toppers!
I got the candles at a party store. I think it was Party City.
Been there, done that with the baking disasters! At least you pulled it off and it looked great! I’m making a Mickey Mouse cake tomorrow for my son, I’ll have to let you know how it turns out!
i am getting ready to try fondant for the first time this weekend but i hear u are supposed to refrigerate it overnight before you use it so we’ll see what happens when i try it..im doing mine for mothers day so no biggie if it doesnt work out..i will let u know
by the way ur finished cake looks awesome u did a really great job
Thanks Pam and Jamie! Would love to see pics of your creations.
That’s a great post. I’m decorating a Mickey Mouse Club House birthday cake tonight and was looking for ideas….I definitely won’t be trying fondant! The birthday party is tomorrow so I’m definitely cutting it close. Hopefully I won’t have a similiar disaster!
Hello there! Your cake turned out beautiful none-the-less!!
I just recently used fondant for the first time about a month ago, my cake turned out nice, but I did heavy research on it before doing anything… Let me share what I learned.
-It is best to buy fondant from the store for your first time. If you decided to make it, kneed it until it elastic in texture (about 8 minutes) then let it refrigate for 1-2 days. (It will keep for about 2 weeks).
-Never use regular food coloring on fondant because it will make it runny. Instead, use gel food coloring and kneed it into the fondant until color is even.
-Always put corn starch on your working area to avoid sticking.
-If your fondant gets dry and hard to work with add in a little bit of crisco.
If you want to make it, here is a good and easy recipe:
16 ounces of white mini marshmallows (high quality brand)
2 to 5 tablespoons of water
2lbs of powdered sugar (s&h brand is best)
1/2 cup crisco shortening ( put it in a bowl for easy access)
-Melt the marshmallows and 2 tablespoons of water in a microwave for 30 seconds, open and stir, back in for 30 seconds more, open and stir again - do this until melted - about 2.5 minutes.
-Place 3/4 cup powdered sugar on top of mix.
-Generously grease your hands (front back in between fingers) then heavily grease your working area. Dump the marshmallow mix in the middle.
-Start kneeding -this part is VERY sticky- add in the rest of the powdered sugar and continue kneeding. Regrease your hands as needed.
-If your fondant is tearing easily you can add more water, 1/2 tablespoon at a time
-It takes about 8 minutes of kneeding to get a firm elastic ball
-Best to let it sit, double wrapped, overnight.
Hope that helps for your next fondant adventure!
Bethany … thanks
Melissa … thanks for the tips and the recipe!
Your cake turned out great! I don’t know if I would have been able to keep going so late and after having it not work out, so great work Mama!
I make my own marshmallow fondant and I color it with gel coloring BEFORE I add my powdered sugar and then my hands don’t get stained! I am also able to use it on the cake right away and it doesn’t need refrigeration. It takes awhile to make and decorate, but I’ve gone through A LOT of good and bad times with the fondant, and in doing so have taught myself some pretty simple ways of doing it. I would love to share with anyone that is interested!!!
The cake came out very nice. I also wanted to mention pre-made, store bought fondant. I went to culinary school for baking and pastries, and even most of the professional bakeries and cake shops use pre-made fondant.
love the way it turned out…….
carly….so what are your secrets with working and decorating with fondant
Thanks! Trying to figure out a (reasonable) way to make a Minnie or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse cake for my four year old. I LOVE the MIckey Mouse heads on the side of the cake. I have the toys for the top and think my daughter’s cake may end up a lot like yours, except a lot more pink.