The Suitcase Cake Template: A Simple Guide to Baking a Travel-Ready Treat
Are you looking to bake a cake that’s as memorable as your next vacation? Do you want to impress with a dessert that’s visually stunning and surprisingly easy to create? The suitcase cake is the answer! This article provides a comprehensive guide to using a suitcase cake template, transforming your baking into an adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this guide will help you create a charming and delicious suitcase cake.
What is a Suitcase Cake?
A suitcase cake is a cake designed to resemble a classic travel suitcase. It’s a popular choice for travel-themed parties, bon voyage celebrations, graduations, or simply as a fun and unique dessert. The beauty of this cake lies in its versatility; you can customize it to reflect the recipient’s travel style, favorite destinations, or even their actual luggage.
Understanding the Suitcase Cake Template
The “template” in this context refers to the method and framework you’ll use to build your suitcase cake. It’s not necessarily a physical template you buy, but rather a set of instructions and techniques to shape and decorate your cake. The core principles involve:
- Shaping: Using cake layers to create the rectangular or square shape of a suitcase.
- Covering: Applying fondant or buttercream to achieve a smooth and realistic exterior.
- Detailing: Adding decorative elements like straps, buckles, handles, and personalized details to complete the suitcase design.
Essential Supplies You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Cake: Your chosen cake recipe (e.g., vanilla, chocolate, red velvet). Consider using a sturdy cake that holds its shape well.
- Frosting: Buttercream or ganache for crumb coating and under-fondant support.
- Fondant: Colored fondant for covering the cake. Consider pre-colored fondant for ease.
- Tools:
- Sharp knife or cake leveler
- Rolling pin
- Fondant smoother
- Rulers or measuring tape
- Edible glue or water
- Paint brushes (for applying glue)
- Optional: Fondant tools (e.g., stitching wheel, embossing tools)
- Board: A sturdy cake board, slightly larger than your finished suitcase cake.
- Decorations: Edible markers, edible paint, edible glitter, and any other decorations to personalize the cake.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Suitcase Cake
Here’s a simplified process for creating your suitcase cake:
Bake and Prepare Your Cake: Bake your cake layers according to your recipe. Let them cool completely.
Level and Trim: Use a cake leveler or a long, serrated knife to level the tops of your cake layers. This ensures a flat and stable base.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place a layer of frosting between each cake layer to assemble your cake.
- Stack the layers to the desired height for your suitcase.
- Frost the entire cake with a crumb coat. This seals in the crumbs and provides a smooth surface for the fondant. Chill the cake in the refrigerator to set the crumb coat.
Shape the Cake (The “Suitcase” Shape):
- Rectangular Shape: If you want a basic rectangular suitcase, trim the sides of the cake to create a straight, box-like shape.
- Rounded Shape: For a more traditional suitcase shape, gently round the top edges of the cake using a knife or cake shaper tool.
Cover with Fondant:
- Roll out your fondant to a sufficient size to cover the entire cake.
- Carefully lift the fondant and drape it over the cake.
- Smooth the fondant with a fondant smoother, working from the top down and outwards, to eliminate any air bubbles.
- Trim any excess fondant from the bottom.
Add Details and Decorations:
- Straps: Roll out strips of fondant and attach them to the cake with edible glue, creating the straps.
- Buckles: Create buckles using small fondant squares or metal-looking edible decorations.
- Handles: Form a handle out of fondant and attach it to the top of the cake.
- Personalization: Use edible markers, edible paints, or stencils to add details like travel stickers, the recipient’s name, or the destination.
Final Touches:
- If desired, add a small amount of edible glue to the edges of fondant details to ensure they stay in place.
- Let the cake set for a few hours before serving. This allows the fondant to firm up and the details to set.
Tips for Success
- Use a Sturdy Cake: Cakes like pound cake or a dense butter cake are best for this project.
- Chill the Cake: Chilling the cake before applying the fondant will make it easier to work with and prevent the fondant from melting.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new techniques.
- Research Designs: Look online for inspiration and design ideas. Pinterest and Instagram are great resources.
- Work in a Cool Environment: Fondant is sensitive to heat. Work in a cool, dry environment to prevent it from becoming sticky.
Conclusion: Embark on Your Baking Adventure!
Creating a suitcase cake is a rewarding experience that allows you to express your creativity and bake something truly unique. With this simple guide, you have the knowledge and tools to make a cake that will transport your friends and family to a world of deliciousness. So, gather your supplies, follow the steps, and prepare to embark on your own baking adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of cake is best for a suitcase cake? A dense cake like a pound cake or a sturdy butter cake is recommended. These cakes hold their shape well and are less likely to crumble during shaping and decorating.
Can I use buttercream instead of fondant? While it’s possible to decorate a suitcase cake with buttercream, fondant provides a smoother, more polished finish and is better suited for the detailed decorations often associated with suitcase cakes.
How far in advance can I make a suitcase cake? Fondant cakes can be made a few days in advance. Store the cake in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid refrigerating the cake unless absolutely necessary, as it can affect the fondant’s texture.
What if I’m not good at decorating? Don’t be discouraged! Start with a simple design. Focus on the basic shape and adding a few key details like straps and a handle. You can always add more complex decorations as you gain confidence.
