I was asked to make a dessert table for a large graduation celebration, including a 3D replica of UNC-Chapel Hill’s “Old Well.” It’s a landmark and well-recognized. The graduate, who earned two degrees (see toppers in second picture), specifically asked for azaleas next to the iconic structure. I’d never seen a tutorial on making gumpaste azaleas, so I had to wing it; I was pleased with the results, though.

Half-sheet cake was three layers of Lemon Cake, Raspberry Filling and Lemon Buttercream Frosting. Old Well cake was either four or five layers (I can’t actually remember!) of Vanilla Cake, Apricot Filling and Vanilla Buttercream. The steps are sugar cookies with Royal Icing. Toppers are fondant, except that Ramses (the mascot) has Royal Icing design. The mini-cupcake toppers are chocolate with white chocolate frosting and RI transfers, which also decorate the sides of the half-sheet cake.

We attended the function as well, as my husband was asked to do the photography, and I ended up serving the cake. I was surprised by a woman who said, “I know it’s last minute, but can you do cake for next weekend?” For how many? TWO HUNDRED. Well, no, but I was able to create a single half-sheet for her daughter’s graduation from GA Tech!