Ingredients & Equipment
Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary ingredients and equipment. You will need a basic cake batter, typically from a box or from scratch, or you can use a ready-made cake mix. You will need an assortment of icings and decorations, including gel, food coloring, and nonpareils, small candy sprinkles or balls. Consider buying some large palm leaves from your local florist to use as patterns for your cake decoration. Finally, you will need a cake board or cake stand, pans, and other simple cake decorating tools, such as cake sleeves and spatulas.
Form a Basic Cake
Start by preparing the cake batter as per the instructions and baking the cake in a large cake pan. Once the cake is cooked, allow it to cool and then carefully remove it from the tin. Place it on the cake board or cake stand and then spread a thin layer of icing over the entire cake. This a crumb coating, which helps keep the cake moist and binds the crumbs, while also providing a smooth surface to work with.
Form Palm Leaves
Now you can begin giving shape to the palm leaves. Start by taking a large leaf from the florist and tracing it on a piece of cardboard or wax paper. Use this as a template to cut out multiple leaves from the prepared icing. Place the cut-out leaves on the cake, repeating the pattern until the entire surface is covered. In addition to giving shape to the palm leaves, you can also make use of the food coloring and gel to give it character and vibrancy.
Form Fronds and Flowers
Once the main shapes have been formed, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Use the small icing and gels to form the fronds and flowers. For the fronds, start by spreading a thin layer of icing, and then form a small Y shape with three lines that have been pressed together. Use a small brush to apply gel on the fronds and flowers, to give them an extra touch of vibrancy and shine.
Assemble the Cake
Now it’s time to assemble the palm tree cake. Start by carefully laying the fronds and flowers onto the cake. For the flowers, use small pieces of nonpareils and other cake decorations, to give the center of the flower texture and color. Once the leaves and flowers are in place, you can use the remaining icing and food coloring to form the trunk and branches of the tree, as well as any other details you would like to add to the cake.
Prepare the Cake Boards
As a finishing touch, prepare the cake boards. Cake boards are an important accessory for any cake. Not only do they provide a sturdy base for the cake, but they also give it a professional look. Prepare a cake board for each layer or tier of the cake with white icing and you are all set.
Garnish & Present
Finally, you can add a few extra decorations to the cake. You can use small pieces of nonpareils, colored sugar sprinkles, edible flowers, and other cake decorations to give the cake the perfect finishing touch. Carefully cover the cake with a cake sleeve or wrap it and present it on the cake board.
Storage Instructions
Palm tree cakes should always be refrigerated in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. This will help keep the cake fresh and stop it from drying out. Depending on the size of the cake and the number of tiers, it may be necessary to cut the cake in half before refrigerating it. It’s important to note that many icings and fillings can not be exposed to extreme cold. When storing a cake in the refrigerator, make sure all of the frosting, icing, and filling is completely covered.
Troubleshooting & Tips
When making a palm tree cake, there are a few tips and tricks worth keeping in mind. First, start off with a good-quality cake that is not overly sweet. Secondly, make sure that all of the ingredients you use are fresh. Many icings and decorations can give the cake a strange taste if not used correctly. Finally, be sure to allow enough time for the cake to cool before applying the icing and decorations. This will help ensure that the cake is perfectly cooked and that the decorations adhere correctly.
Multiple Tier Design
For a more impressive design, try making a multi-tiered palm tree cake. This type of cake is a great option for larger celebrations, such as weddings and anniversaries. To create a multi-tiered cake, simply create multiple cakes in the same way as described above and layer them together using a cake board in between each tier. Decorate the cake in the same way and add extra details, such as edible flowers, to make it stand out.
Edible Image Cakes
An easy way to impress your guests with a palm tree cake is to use an edible image. Edible images are pre-made images printed on edible paper that can be applied to the top of the cake. This eliminates the tedious process of having to make the decorations from scratch and gives you a professional-looking cake in just minutes. Simply purchase an edible image of a palm tree, apply it to the top of the cake, and add a few additional decorations.
Cake Toppers & Accents
For a more detailed and eye-catching palm tree cake, consider adding cake toppers and accents. There are a variety of toppers, such as palm trees, leaves, and flowers that you can use to decorate the cake. These toppers can add a realistic and fun touch. Additionally, adding texture to the cake can also help to make it stand out. Try using a variety of different icings and decorations, such as royal icing, fondant, and nonpareils, to create a unique and beautiful cake.
