How to Make a Gorgeous Bridal Gown Cake and Cupcakes: A Guide for Novice and Experienced Bakers

Did you know there are over 2,000,000 weddings in America every year? With numbers like that, it’s no surprise that the wedding industry is booming. As a professional baker, I still find joy in making cakes for family and friends. These projects come with less pressure and much more creative freedom. Kids are easily thrilled by bright colors and fun designs, and family members appreciate the love (and the discounts!) baked into every slice.

So, when a friend of the family asked me to make a bridal shower cake, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. Brides can be very particular about their wedding-related events, and I worried about meeting expectations. But let me tell you—it’s absolutely doable and much easier than you might think!

One of my favorite techniques for bridal shower cakes is inspired by the classic Barbie doll cakes made in Pyrex bowls. You’ve probably seen them—the doll’s torso is placed into the center of a cake, creating the look of a stunning gown. For this cake, I used that same idea to design a bridal gown. The process was straightforward, though a bit time-consuming, and the result was worth every second.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just dabbling in cake decorating, this technique is a fun way to create a show-stopping centerpiece for any bridal shower. Ready to give it a try? Let me walk you through the steps!

• One 2 quart glass Pyrex mixing bowl
• 1 package of cake mix prepared mixed according to instructions
• 2 tubs of icing or homemade recipe
• 1 Wilton Doll pick or Barbie with head removed
• 2 oz. of Black Fondant/ Modeling Chocolate
• 1.5 lb box of White Fondant/ Modeling Chocolate
• Black Sugar Pearls
• rolling pin
• Petal cookie/ fondant cutter
• Karo syrup
• rolling ball tool

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour Pyrex bowl.
2. Prepare batter according to directions on box. Pour prepared batter into greased bowl.
3. Bake for 50- 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted in center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool completely.
4. Remove cake from bowl and invert onto a cake board.
5. Cover doll pick with karo syrup and apply black fondant over pick.
6. Roll out a small amount of white fondant and gather some over black fondant to cover part of torso. Be creative and design neckline however you like. I went the simple route and folded it over.
7. Stick doll pick in center of inverted cake
8. Cover cake with icing.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a stunning ruffled fondant gown cake that’s sure to wow everyone at your next event:

1. Roll Out the Fondant
   Start by rolling white fondant to about 1/8 inch thick on a clean, cornstarch-dusted surface. Ensure the fondant is evenly rolled for uniform petals.

2. Cut the Petals
   Use a petal cutter to create individual petals from the fondant. Plan to make about 100 petals at a time, as you’ll need plenty to cover the entire cake. Keep the cut petals soft and pliable by placing them under plastic wrap or in an airtight container while you work to prevent them from drying out.

3. Ruffle the Petals
   Take each petal and gently ruffle the edges using a ball tool. Work on a foam pad to achieve soft, realistic folds that mimic fabric.

4. Apply the Petals to the Cake
   Starting at the bottom of the iced cake, begin attaching the ruffled petals. Apply a small dab of edible glue or water to the back of each petal and gently press it onto the cake. Overlap the petals slightly for a seamless, layered effect. Work your way up the cake, row by row. The beauty of this design is its forgiving nature—just space the petals evenly and follow your instincts.

5. Add Embellishments
   Once the entire cake is covered in ruffled petals, focus on the doll pick's neckline. Decorate it with sugar pearls, edible glitter, or other embellishments to add a touch of elegance and sparkle.

6. Step Back and Admire Your Work
   Take a moment to appreciate the stunning creation you’ve brought to life. This cake is as much a piece of art as it is a dessert—enjoy the well-deserved admiration!

Whether for a bridal shower or a whimsical celebration, this cake is sure to leave a lasting impression!

Fondant used to get a bad rap for its taste, with many people describing it as chalky or bland. But the good news is, fondant has come a long way and is now available in a variety of flavors! From fruity Tutti Frutti to rich Dark Chocolate, there's something for everyone. Personally, I’ve found Satin Ice fondant to be the best-tasting option on the market.

If you're someone who just can’t get on board with fondant, you might want to try modeling chocolate instead. It's made by melting down chocolate or candy melts and mixing it with corn syrup to create a rollable, clay-like substance. It’s incredibly easy to work with and tastes absolutely delicious. Keep in mind, though, that modeling chocolate doesn't handle high heat as well as fondant does, so it’s important to consider the temperature when using it for your cake decorations.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t choose the easiest method for making these cupcake toppers. I hand-cut the fondant, and let me tell you, it was a bit tedious! The dresses were free-formed, and I used fondant plungers for the flowers. However, since then, I’ve discovered cookie cutters that make the job much easier and more efficient. They not only cut the fondant with precision but also add detailed stencil designs, giving a more polished look. If I’d known about this option, I definitely would’ve gone this route. Trust me, spare yourself the extra effort and use a cutter and stencil for cleaner, more uniform results. Even though it was a bit of a challenge, I still think I did a great job handcrafting them!