Monday, March 16, 2009

Blackberry and Mascarpone Buttercream Filled Cake


Let me begin by saying I've cooked for 50-plus people a number of times; I've baked every one of my daughter's and son's birthday cakes for the past four years (6 cakes total and probably hundreds of cupcakes); I've made a cake and numerous cupcakes for the birthdays of my niece and a few of our friends' children; but I was never so nervous about any of those tasks as I was about this three-tiered cake I made for a friend's bridal shower this past Sunday.

With 53 eggs, 34 sticks of butter and I don't even know how much sugar, this cake was quite a feat. I just wish I would have approached it a bit calmer ... I was so anxious for it to turn out well it was insane. But I'm happy to say, it was ultimately enjoyed by all and I'm glad I got to contribute to someone's special day in this small way.




Inside each tier were four layers of buttercake with sherry-soaked blackberries and creamy mascarpone buttercream frosting sandwiched between. The buttercake though substantial enough to hold the weight of all the tiers and decorations, remained moist (I also brushed each buttercake layer with a simple sugar syrup to be sure of that). And the sherry-soaked blackberries went really well with the mascarpone buttercream (for which I followed my usual recipe for frosting, but just added the mascarpone twist).

The cake was covered in fondant (which I made with marshmallows; a surprisingly simple recipe that tastes so, so, so much better than the store-bought fondant) and decorated with fondant ribbons and gumpaste bows and flowers.

I, of course, keep focusing on the imperfections but am trying hard to remind myself that this is a cake ... meant to be eaten and thoroughly enjoyed, not placed in an art museum!

11 comments:

Maria Verivaki said...

53 eggs? you deserve a big congratulations - you really are a good friend!
and needless to say, that blueberry filling is scrumptious

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

This cake is absolutely stunning Maria. I love the sentiment attacxhed as well. Excellent way to show your appreciation for friends.

PG said...

Wow. This is a bridal shower cake? What a great friend you are. Looks like a bit of stress to produce works for you because this is beautiful.

Peter G | Souvlaki For The Soul said...

Wow! That's a work of art! Maria, you should be proud and I'm sure it was enjoyed thoroughly by all. You are a fantastic friend.

Ivy said...

Looks absolutely stunning and what a fantastic job you did. I am sure your friends appreciated all your effort and it looks very professional.

Hopie said...

What imperfections? As far as I can tell, that cake SHOULD be in an art museum ;-) Wonderful job. Nice to be able to participate in your friend's happiness in that way.

Núria said...

You are my hero Maria!!!!!!!!! What a BEAUTIFUL CAKE! It's too beautiful to eat... really amazing and awesome :D

So elegant and classy. Congratulations girl!!!!

Sara, Ms Adventures in Italy said...

Wow, that looks great! I am envious...and I definitely second the great friend comment - how nice to have a homemade cake for such a meaningful event :)

Anonymous said...

Wow, Maria! This is beyond impressive. Not only does it look great but the flavor sounds absolutely amazing. I have a hard enough time turning out a 9" cake without ruining it. You are amazing!

Peter M said...

Maria, perastika...you must be pooched from the effort it mush agve taken to make this cake.

It looks gorgeous, bravo sou and enjoy the sense of triumph. "ke se anotera"!

giz said...

WOW and double WOW - you're scaring the heck out of me. We definitely need to talk - I'm making Psychgrad's wedding cake - but after reading this - I'm not so sure.
Your end result is absolutely to die for. Good for you!!!