Embark on a culinary and artistic adventure with this unique cake creation that transcends the conventional. Our goal is to craft a super photo-realistic, minimalist cake shaped like a modern chair. This confectionery masterpiece is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, marrying the worlds of baking and sculptural art. Perfect for themed parties, art exhibitions, or as a show-stopping centerpiece, this cake is sure to intrigue and impress.
Cake Base
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups
- Granulated sugar: 1.5 cups
- Baking powder: 1.5 teaspoons
- Salt: 0.5 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): 1 cup
- Eggs (large): 4
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Whole milk: 1 cup
Fondant
- Marshmallows: 16 ounces
- Powdered sugar: 4 cups (plus extra for dusting)
- Water: 2 tablespoons
- Gray food coloring: a few drops
Edible Metallic Paint (for chair legs)
- Silver luster dust: 1 teaspoon
- Vodka or lemon extract: 1 tablespoon
Additional
- Corn syrup or piping gel (for adhesive): as needed
Preparing the Cake Base
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1.5 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Adding Eggs and Vanilla: Gradually add 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Combining Mixtures: Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1 cup of whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Baking the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Constructing the Chair Shape
- Cutting the Layers: Once cooled, level the tops of the cakes. Cut out pieces to form the shape of a chair, including the seat, backrest, and legs. You may need to refer to a template or image of a chair for guidance.
- Assembling the Chair: Use a small amount of buttercream or frosting as glue to assemble the chair-shaped cake on a sturdy cake board.
Preparing and Applying the Fondant
- Making Fondant: Melt 16 ounces of marshmallows with 2 tablespoons of water in the microwave. Stir in a few drops of gray food coloring. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, kneading until the fondant is smooth and pliable.
- Covering the Cake: Roll out the fondant on a surface dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully cover the cake, smoothing out any wrinkles or air bubbles. Trim excess fondant.
Adding the Metallic Finish
- Mixing Edible Paint: Combine 1 teaspoon of silver luster dust with 1 tablespoon of vodka or lemon extract to create a paint-like consistency.
- Painting the Legs: Using a fine brush, paint the legs of the chair cake with the silver edible paint, giving them a metallic finish.
Final Touches
- Refinement: Ensure all edges are smooth and the chair shape is distinct. Use a small amount of corn syrup or piping gel to fix any fondant imperfections.
- Presentation: Place the cake on a clean, white plate for a minimalist display.
With patience and attention to detail, your chair-shaped cake will be a stunning, edible work of art, ready to amaze your guests!