Creating this cake was one of those rare opportunities where I was given free reign with the design. The recipient of this cake is someone for whom I have deep respect and admiration, so I was ecstatic to be a part of her birthday surprise. She’s a lucky lady to have such a thoughtful husband :) I wanted to do something hand-painted, but try something new as well. As it is fall, I thought pumpkins – but beautiful, elegant, white pumpkins. The cake is sweet potato spice, filled with spiced brown sugar buttercream and candied pecans. The cake is covered with fondant, onto which I hand-painted the pumpkins and flowers (with food colors). The white pumpkins are made out of rkt and covered with a fondant and modeling chocolate blend. The flowers and leaves are made from gumpaste. I am really enjoying painting on cakes, and was happy to get to try something new!