Cake Decorating

Top Hat Cake

I’m making a top hat cake this weekend, just like this one:

http://www.simmer.co.nz/Wedding%20Cakes/top%20hat.jpg

I have two questions:

(1) How do I get the 2 curves in the brim?

(2) The customer just wants the cake for show. I would like to do a tapered effect and have the cake about the same size as it is in the picture above. So with that being said, what size cakes should I use, how many layers (2 or 3) and how many inches should I taper it down to?

1 Reply

Think a size 6 or 8 inches round should do, actually depents on how big you want it, Definitely 3 layers, 2 layers will not be tall enough. I really can’t see any tapering in that cake picture but if you want to taper a 1 inch difference between the cake top and base should do. With the tapering a fabric ribbon won’t stay (lie down properly) at the base, so use a fondant ribbon. For the brim use gumpase and prop it up with either bits of foam cut to shape or crumpled up cling film, till it dries and takes on the curved shape – this should take a day (depending on your climate, takes longer in humid climates). Do remember to remove the props before handing it to the customer.

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