It has been quite some time since I’ve been in what I like to call cake mode. When I think about buttercream consistency, pan sizes, baking times, and food colorings almost constantly. That’s cake mode.

Each year since 2011, I have always made Jimmy a special cake for his birthday. There was the hamburger cake, welder cake, Oreo cake, Ford cake, and a strawberry cake.

Most years, I was really into making unique cakes. I’d spend weeks planning, researching, taste testing, and practicing. The look on Jimmy’s face when I’d surprise him with a special cake was the best, though I’m sure he caught on to the surprise after a couple of years, ha.

Aside from Jimmy’s birthday cakes, I’d occasionally make one for Hannah’s birthday or parties with friends, or just whip up a hummingbird cake for no special reason. And cupcakes from time to time. Can’t forget those!

Over the past few years, I haven’t baked quite as much as I used to. Sure I’ll make a loaf of bread or batch of cookies, but the last time I made a special cake was for Jimmy’s birthday in May.

My mom, Hannah’s bridesmaids, and I began planning Hannah’s bridal shower and I got assigned to make the cake and cupcakes (or maybe I begged? 🙂 ) I’ve been trying to nail down exactly what I want to do. Jimmy thinks I should make a large tier cake, but I’m kind of leaning towards a small layered cake and making lots of cupcakes to go with it.

I’ve been experimenting with batter flavors, food coloring, buttercream, and piping styles and I forgot how much I love baking cakes and decorating them! Pinterest and YouTube have grown so much since I first started cake decorating in 2011, so I am feeling extra inspired lately. So many ideas!

I practiced rosette cupcakes filled with whipped cream and topped with purple frosting and they came out well. I think they just need something more. Maybe some type of sparkly topping?

I also made a purple ombre cake with rosettes. The cake is made of three 6” rounds, so it’s pretty small. I’m thinking of doing the ombre cake with a bunch of cupcakes to go around it. Whatever I end up doing, I know I’m having a blast playing around in the kitchen. I’m so happy to be able to contribute to Hannah’s bridal shower in this way 🙂

What do you guys think? Send any ideas my way!