Cake art has become an exciting and increasingly popular way to celebrate special occasions or gift one-of-a-kind edible creations. More than just a beautifully decorated cake, cake art takes cake design to a whole new level with elaborate decorations, fondant or buttercream sculpting, and imaginative designs that are true custom-made works of art.

From whimsical cakes shaped like animal heads to super realistic flower or luxury handbag replicas in cake form, the possibilities are endless. For your next special event or as a surprise gift for a loved one, commissioning a custom cake art piece can allow you to transform an ordinary cake into an extraordinary masterpiece.

Finding and Selecting a Cake Artist

When looking for a cake artist to create a custom cake art piece, you want someone who can bring your vision to life in a delicious edible form. It’s worth taking a look at examples of their custom cake designs online or on social media to see if their style suits your ideas.

At Cakes by Robin, we have over a decades’ worth of experience designing imaginative cakes for weddings, birthdays and special occasions. From sculpted figurine cakes to ombré drip cakes and realistic floral accents, our custom designs are paired with glowing reviews and comments by happy clients. It’s a good idea to reach out to discuss your vision on a call or in person to talk through your ideas with the team, so we can confirm how best to translate your ideas into a design within your timeline and budget.

Deciding on a Design

The really fun part of commissioning a custom cake is deciding on the design! First, consider the occasion or reason for the cake – is it for a birthday, anniversary, graduation or a wedding? Share the theme or style you have in mind, such as classic elegance or whimsical fun, as this will inform your cake design. It’s also a good idea to consider details like cake flavours, fillings, the type of icing you want it to have and the number of tiers, portions or overall cake sizes desired.

For an intimate birthday dinner or anniversary cake for two, a single small cake is likely sufficient. The design can then focus on ornate details that shine on a petite cake. For larger gatherings like weddings or corporate events, you’ll need a bigger cake or assortment of cakes in coordinating designs to feed all your guests. In this case, you may be able to be more elaborate and extravagant with your design or theme.

Supply your cake artist with inspiration images, fabric swatches, logo designs or other visual references that will help to illustrate your vision. But be open to suggestions from your cake artist too, as they will know how to best translate your abstract ideas into concrete designs that can be structurally executed.

Don’t forget flavours

While cake art is visually stunning, a cake needs to be delicious too. When ordering your custom cake, take time exploring flavour options with your cake designer. Consider classic favourites and preferences of both the recipient and guests, such as red velvet, chocolate, vanilla, lemon, cinnamon and carrot cake.

For multi-tiered cakes, you can select a different flavour for each tier which adds variety and gives your guests options. Be sure to discuss fillings like buttercream, ganache, fruit curds or jam with your baker, and don’t forget the icing – there are several options like buttercream or fondant, but the style of design you’ve chosen may influence the final decision. With amazing visuals and scrumptious flavours, your cake will delight both the eyes and taste buds of everyone. 

Creating and revealing a one-of-a-kind cake art piece can help make any special occasion extra memorable. By researching the theme you’d like, communicating your design vision and considering the flavour you and your guests will enjoy the most, you can commission a unique edible art creation to celebrate birthdays, weddings, graduations and more.

Be sure to plan well in advance, provide lots of visual inspiration to the team and be open to suggestions from the professionals to bring your ideas to life. For any special occasion, custom cake art is the ideal way to commemorate the event. Contact the team at Cakes by Robin today to start the process of transforming your ideas into the perfect celebration cake.

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Halloween is such a thrilling time of year for kids of all ages, full of dressing up and gathering sweets. It’s also the perfect opportunity to get your little ones into the kitchen to whip up some creepy-themed treats. From critter cupcakes to mummified brownies, baking can be a frightfully fun way to celebrate Halloween as a family.

While baking, they’ll be working on their culinary skills too, from measuring ingredients and following steps and icing cupcakes, all of which are great skills to nurture. In this blog post, we’ll share some easy recipes that you and your kids can make together in no time for the perfect Halloween feast.

Spooky Spider Cupcakes

One frightfully fun baking activity is to create some creepy spider cupcakes with the little ones. Start by baking a batch of your favourite vanilla or chocolate cupcakes and let them cool completely. Get the kids to mix up some black icing made from food colouring which will form the spider’s body. This can then be spread or piped onto each cooled cupcake.

Use mini sugar icing eyes or M&Ms to create the spider’s eyes, arranging them on the icing. Finally, give them some liquorice laces or strings to cut and stick into the cupcakes as spider legs wriggling out from the sides. The kids will love getting their hands messy decorating these creepy crawly treats. Set them up with their own bowls of icing and sweets for assembling the spiders and their imaginations will run wild.

Frankenstein Monster Crispy Treats

For your next spooky bake, create some Frankenstein monster treats – a fun no-bake recipe for little ones to get involved with. Start by dyeing some rice krispie cereal green using a few drops of food colouring, then melt some marshmallows with butter and a dash of vanilla until the mixture is smooth. Mix together with the dyed cereal and press the gooey green mixture into a rectangular baking pan to let it set.

Once hardened, cut into squares and you’ve got Frankenstein monster heads ready to decorate! Have the children use sweets like M&Ms, chocolate chips or raisins for the eyes and mouth. You can also pipe some white icing for the monster’s scars. The kids can let their creativity run wild decorating the faces with different expressions.

Mummy Brownie Bites

Mummy brownie bites are another easy Halloween treat that take barely any time to whip up. Prepare your favourite brownies and spoon it into a mini muffin tin to make small brownie cups. Bake until set, then let them cool completely before decorating.

Mix up some white icing or buttercream for the kids to pipe onto the tops of the brownies to create the mummy’s wrappings. You can also show them how to smooth it over the sides for a wrapped effect. Then give them fruit roll-ups or fruit leather to cut into strips which will form the mummy’s bandages. Have them wrap the strips over the iced brownie cups to create a spooky mummified look. The mini size makes them perfect for little hands and their creamy chocolatey taste will be a hit on the Halloween dessert table.

Mud Cups

For a creepy-crawly treat, whip up these mud cups with gummy worms that are sure to be a hit with little ones. Start by filling small clear plastic cups with chocolate or vanilla custard to create the “mud”, then have the kids sprinkle Oreo cookie crumbs or broken up chocolate cake over the top and pack them down to mimic dirt.

Press gummy worms, cut in half, into the dirt cups so they look like worms are crawling around in the muck. Add any other gummy bugs you like for extra creepy effect. These mucky mud cups make fun individual desserts to serve for a spooky Halloween party.

Ghost Marshmallow Pops

For a sweet treat older kids will enjoy making, try these homemade ghost marshmallow pops. Start by inserting lollipop sticks into large marshmallows, then melt some white chocolate to roll and dip the marshmallows in to coat them fully. While still sticky, roll the chocolate coated marshmallows in shredded coconut for a ghostly texture.

Once they’re set, use coloured icing or melted dark chocolate to create spooky ghost faces. You can also pipe on some chocolate mouths if desired. These ghoulish lollies are a nice hands-on project for kids and taste delicious too.

Get your little pumpkins into the Halloween spirit with surprisingly easy bakes. These simple recipes allow kids of all ages to roll up their sleeves and whip up creepy creations. At Cakes by Robin, we love to get creative with new ideas for beautifully decorated and imaginative bakes. Contact our team today for spectacular celebration cakes and dessert tables for your next event.

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Cakes hold a special place in all our hearts. The sweet, indulgent taste makes every celebration, from birthdays to weddings, feel extra special. But many home bakers find themselves disappointed with dry, bland homemade cakes that just don’t live up to their bakery counterparts. As experienced bakers, we’ve put together our top tips for creating a delicious cake and achieving that all-important tender crumb and sweet flavour.

Preheat your Oven

Preheating the oven is one of the most important, and often overlooked, steps when baking cakes. Failing to properly preheat can lead to major problems like uneven rising, dry edges or uncooked centres. For best results, you’ll want to make sure your oven thermometer is properly calibrated, as many ovens run slightly hot or cold. Give your oven plenty of time to fully preheat – most ovens need 15-30 minutes to reach the set baking temperature.

Always double check that you have the oven set to the exact temperature stated in the recipe – even 25 degrees off can require adjusting cooking times. With proper oven preheating, you can have confidence your cake will bake uniformly from edge to centre and achieve that light, tender texture characteristic of cakes.

Select the Perfect Tin

The cake tin you choose affects the final shape, texture and structure of your celebration cake. Using the wrong type of tin can lead to uneven cooking, burnt edges and crumbling layers. When selecting cake tins, opt for smooth metal tins without scratch marks, which makes it easier to release the cake when it’s done, and make sure you’re following the recipe if it states a specific size.

For shaping, round, square and rectangular cake tins all work very well. Round tins deliver the most even heat distribution for baking layered cakes, while square or rectangular tins are a great choice for sheet cakes. You also need to properly prepare whatever pan you select by greasing thoroughly with butter or oil and dusting with flour or cocoa powder. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for fool-proof release.

Follow the Recipe for Ingredient Temperatures

Many cake recipes specify that ingredients like eggs, milk, butter should be at room temperature or chilled. It’s important to follow these temperature instructions closely for ideal results. Room temperature ingredients promote even mixing and structure development.

On the other hand, some recipes ask for chilled ingredients, especially those containing perishable dairy like cream cheese buttercreams. Cold ingredients help prevent premature melting and runniness in icings that need to hold their structure. Always check your recipe and plan ahead. If eggs need time to warm up, take them out up to an hour before baking. Similarly, chill ingredients that call for it at least 2 hours in the fridge before preparing the recipe.

Mix Thoroughly

The way you mix up the cake batter can make or break the final cake texture. For best results, start by whisking together all the dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in one bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients like eggs, oil, milk and vanilla. Then, slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and very gently fold the batter together using a spatula or wooden spoon.

It’s important not to over mix the batter, as this can overdevelop the gluten and result in a dense, rubbery cake – gentle mixing promotes lift and creates a fluffy crumb. Finally, delicately fold in any mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts at the very end, being careful not to deflate the batter.

Let Your Cakes Cool Completely

It can be extremely tempting to ice your cake while it’s still warm from the oven. But this is actually a big baking mistake that can ruin your icing texture and decoration. Properly cooling cakes before applying any decoration is essential for achieving a perfectly coated finish.

Warm cakes will cause icing, fondant or frosting to melt, slide and drizzle down the sides rather than staying put. The residual heat from a fresh baked cake also prevents icing flavours from fully developing and can create condensation under the icing, affecting the decoration. Having patience allows cakes to completely set their structure and form so they provide a solid, stable base for icing.

Baking the perfect cake from scratch is incredibly rewarding, but also requires care and precision when following recipe steps. While it does take effort, mastering basic cake techniques truly pays off with gorgeous, tasty results.

Next time you need a show-stopping cake for a special occasion, save yourself the hassle and let the experts at Cakes by Robin handle it. With years of experience, we create bespoke cakes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Get in touch today to order your custom cake masterpiece.

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The ultimate goal is enjoying your cake and eating it too – without going overboard or needing to order more cake than you’d planned for an event. This guide will provide you with tips for satisfying cake portion sizes, from standard cake slice portions for any event to techniques for cutting neat slices.

Dessert vs. Coffee Servings

Traditionally, different events call for different cake serving sizes. Dessert servings are substantial slices intended as the dessert for a meal, while coffee servings are smaller, finger-sized portions presented with coffee after a larger dessert has already been served. In the past, coffee servings were standard for weddings while dessert slices were the norm for parties.

But traditions are meant to be broken! These days, you can serve your wedding cake as a full dessert portion if you prefer. The choice between a dessert serving and a coffee serving may simply depend on your preferences and the formality of the event.

The serving size you choose is up to you. Let your preferences and tastes, not outdated traditions, decide the perfect portions for your celebration.

Standard Cake Slice Sizes

Cakes come in different shapes, sizes and slice counts. But there are some general guidelines for typical cake slice sizes that can help give you a frame of reference. Here are some common cake slice serving sizes:

1/12th of a cake: This is considered a smaller slice from a cake cut into 12 equal slices. It’s a modest portion from a standard 8-10 inch round or square cake.

1/16th of a cake: An even smaller sliver from a cake cut into 16 portions. Great for petite appetites or for dessert tables where guests may want to try more than one cake.

1/10th of a cake: A generous slice from a cake cut into 10 big portions. This is more common for large sheet cakes rather than tiered cakes.

1/8th of a cake: An extra thick slice from a cake cut into just 8 slices for a more indulgent portion.

These are helpful to use as a guide when cutting a cake, but of course, consider the event in question and your guests to choose the size that best fits the occasion.

Cutting Cakes With Height

Tall cakes have become an of-the-moment trend, allowing bakers to create show-stopping designs. But when cakes rise to dramatic heights, special considerations must be made for serving portions. For cakes above 7 inches tall, rectangular slices cut horizontally in half work best. This produces two dainty finger-sized pieces from each thick slice. The rectangular shape also prevents toppling, which can happen with unstable triangle slices.

To plan tall cake portions, first determine the overall height including layers and icing. Very tall cakes may require three or four short horizontal slices per serving. For a 10-inch tall cake, slices cut at 2.5 to 3 inches tall apiece produces elegant petite portions. The number of layers also impacts portions – three thin layers means less cake per slice than three thick layers.

With careful planning and execution, even cakes that reach for the sky can be portioned and served with style. Your towering cake creation will delight guests both with impressive height and delightful bite-sized pieces.

Cutting Cakes Neatly for Picture-Perfect Slices

The way a cake is sliced and served can make or break the presentation. With practice, you’ll be able to slice cakes like a pro for flawless slices every time. Follow these tips for cutting tidy, consistent slices for a professional cake cutting. Firstly, use a cake cutter tool – this makes perfectly straight and clean cuts. Insert the blade slowly in one smooth motion for flawless cuts. You should also cut with a gentle sawing motion. Apply light pressure and use a back-and-forth motion when cutting to prevent smashing or tearing the cake layers.

Wipe the icing or buttercream off the knife after each slice to keep cuts clean. Dipping the knife in warm water can also help ensure a smoother cut, as well as rotating the cake platter after each slice so you’re able to comfortably cut new slices. Position the knife upright and cut down to make tall, elegant slices, and consider using toothpicks or a slicing guide to mark equal intervals for consistency.

Get in touch

Cake is meant to be savoured and enjoyed, but with so many tempting cake options today, it can be easy to overload your plate without realising it. Be mindful of portion sizes to your guests to indulge in moderation so that every bite is as satisfying as the last. At Cakes by Robin, we create celebration cakes in a host of shapes and sizes, and we’d be happy to help you order the right size cake for your guest list. Get in touch with our team today to find out more and create your perfect cake.

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Here at Cakes by Robin, we love designing luxury cakes. No matter what the occasion, if you are looking for a visually stunning and deliciously tasty cake, we can create beautiful designs and unique cakes that are tailored to your tastebuds and your event theme. Just tell us your ideas and we can bring them to life in cake form, or view our lookbook and get inspiration for one-of-a kind wedding cakes, fabulous birthday cakes, charming celebration cakes, bespoke corporate cakes and much more.

But what is it about cakes that makes them so universally appealing as a gift? Whether you’re celebrating a major life event, you’re stuck for a present for someone who has everything, or you simply want to brighten someone’s day, a cake is always the right answer! Being in the cake design business, we’ve thought long and hard about why this should be – and we’ve come up with these six perfectly rational explanations why cakes are perfect as a present for any occasion.

1 – Traditional symbol of celebration

Cakes and celebrations go hand in hand, and have done so for thousands of years. Did you know that cakes were a traditional offering during religious ceremonies in Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilisations? The tradition of the birthday cake can be traced back to ancient Greece and the origins of today’s wedding cake can be found in the Middle Ages. Cakes are a symbol and bringer of joy and happiness. By giving a cake as a present, you are honouring the occasion with a tangible gift while expressing your heartfelt wishes and sharing in the delight of the recipient.

2 – Something for everyone

A cake can be anything you want it to be and, when it comes to bespoke creations, no two cakes are ever the same. We should know, we design custom cakes on a regular basis! From a wide choice of shapes and sizes, styles and designs, not to mention flavours and toppings, it is entirely possible to create the perfect cake for every taste and preference. At Cakes by Robin, we have a fabulous selection of yummy flavours including chocolate fudge, Victoria sponge, lemon drizzle and gluten-free options too, and we can decorate your cake as intricately as you would like to achieve the desired wow effect.

3 – Unique and personal gift

With Cakes by Robin’s bespoke cakes, we can deliver a truly personalised design that has been customised exactly to reflect the recipient’s personal style, favourite favours, colours or themes. Why not incorporate the person’s special interests, achievements or hobbies into the cake design? You can add a special message too. Gifting a personalised cake clearly demonstrates that you’ve put a lot of thought and effort into the cake design, flavour and decoration to ensure it is a truly unique personal gift for someone special.

4 – The element of surprise

We keep saying it but it’s true: You simply can’t go wrong with a cake. Not only do they make fantastic surprise presents, they’re always good ones! Unexpected surprises in cake form will create a memorable experience for both the giver and the receiver. The excitement of anticipation before you unveil the cake, the look of joy and delight on the recipient’s face as you present the cake as a gift, sharing the cake with loved ones in the room – they’re priceless moments that linger long after the occasion has passed and can be treasured forever.

5 – Sharing is caring

A cake is a mouth-watering, edible gift that’s meant for enjoying with family, friends or colleagues. The act of sharing such a delicious treat fosters a sense of togetherness and shared experience, creating lasting happy memories. On many occasions, the act of cutting and sharing the cake becomes a meaningful ritual that strengthens relationship and creates moments of joy. Our bespoke cakes can be made in any size, depending on the event and number of guests. As a rule of thumb, a modestly sized 6-inch cake will serve 4-8 people while a large 3-tier wedding cake will serve approximately 80-100 guests.

6 – Something out of the ordinary

An indulgent slice of cake shared with a loved one may be all that’s needed to take a break from an ordinary day and turn it into an extraordinary experience. In this way, the cake serves as a means of escape from the otherwise mundane, elevating it into a moment of pure indulgence and bliss. And who would say no to that? Gift a cake and make someone feel special, giving them permission to take a few moments out of their day and be pampered, while savouring a delectable baked treat designed to bring sweetness to their life.

So, there you have it – six good reasons why cakes are the perfect gift for all occasions. Whether you’re gifting a cake as a small gesture of appreciation or a grand gesture of love, it’s certain to bring a smile to the recipient’s face, touching their heart as well as their taste buds. For advice on luxury cake designs for engagement parties and weddings, Christenings and children’s birthdays, anniversaries and events, corporate celebrations and much more, please contact the team at Cakes by Robin.

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A dessert table is a fun and creative way to make your child’s birthday party extra special, and gives the guests plenty of options if they don’t like the flavour of the birthday cake. Not only does a dessert table add to the overall aesthetic of the party, but it also provides a sweet treat for all the little guests. Here are some tips for creating a dessert table that will make your child’s birthday celebration even more memorable.

Decide on the theme

The first step in creating a dessert table is to choose a theme. This will help you determine the colours, decorations and types of desserts to include. If your child has a favourite character or hobby, you could base the theme around that. For example, if your child loves unicorns, you could create a unicorn-themed dessert table with pastel colours and a unicorn cake as the centrepiece.

Other ideas could include their favourite football team or TV show, animated cartoon characters or their favourite band, or you could go more abstract with an animal, dinosaur or space themed party. If it’s not a surprise party, you can always ask the birthday girl or boy what they’d like the theme to be.

Pick a colour scheme

Once you’ve chosen your theme, it’s time to pick a colour palette to tie everything together. You don’t need to stick to one colour but opt for shades that work well together. For example, if you’re having a beach-themed party, you can choose desserts and decorations in blues, greens and yellows which will amplify the theme further, with tablecloths, banners and paper plates in similar shades.

Choose your desserts

The fun part of creating a dessert table is actually choosing which desserts you’ll have and making sure there are plenty of options for everyone to enjoy. You want to have a variety of treats, such as cupcakes, cookies, and cake pops, with jars of sweets too. To make it easy for guests to identify the desserts, create labels for each one. It will also help guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions to know which desserts they can eat.

Make it Instagram-worthy

Once you have your desserts, it’s time to set up the table. You can use a tablecloth or a runner that matches the theme and colour scheme you’ve chosen, as well as cake stands, tiered trays and other fun serving dishes to display the desserts. Play with different heights and make sure everything looks inviting, so the kids have fun working their way through all the different options. You can also add decorations such as balloons, banners and signs to make the table look even more festive, or amp up the theme with toys. You can also create a focal point for your dessert table with a fun and creative backdrop.

Bring in a helping hand

If you are making the desserts yourself, make sure to choose recipes that are easy to make and can be prepared in advance. But if you don’t want to be up all night before the party baking, we recommend calling in the professionals to handle it for you. You want to have at least four to six different options to satisfy everyone’s tastes and if you’re serving a large crowd, make sure you have enough of each dessert to refill plates when they’re empty.

Creating a dessert table for your child’s birthday party is a fun and creative way to celebrate their special day, and the kids are sure to love having a variety of options to pick from. Don’t forget to snap some pictures and enjoy the sweet treats with your child and their friends!

At Cakes by Robin, we offer a range of desserts that are custom made to suit the occasion. Why not get in touch with us today to discuss your child’s party and see how we can help you create a dessert table they’re sure to remember.

The post How to create a dessert table for your child’s birthday appeared first on Cakes by Robin.

Each of our spectacular unique cake creations start with an in-depth consultation with you. Before we can get started with your custom cake design, we need some key information that only you can provide, and we encourage you to describe and share your vision of the finished result as much as you can. So, how do you go about commissioning a special cake for your upcoming event? We thought it might be useful to walk you through some of the key points to think about for your unique cake design.

1 – What’s the event?

Are you looking for a showstopping cake creation for a corporate celebration, a unique artistic wedding cake for 200 guests or an adorable children’s birthday cake for a small family gathering? Clearly, your event will be the first determinant for the kind of cake you envisage us making for you. Think about the format of the event, the style of cake that would be most appropriate and the statement you wish to make, and the size of cake you need to order.

2 – Is there a subject or theme?

Coming up with the right theme for your cake can make all the difference to eyes lighting up in wonder and delight. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the reaction to a cake when it’s being presented, especially when it is relevant and meaningful to the recipient. Whether you base your cake design on a fictional character, a passion for food, fashion or music, a business activity or logo, the only limit is your imagination.

3 – Cake or edible art?

The beauty of custom cake design is that you can start with a blank canvas and design your edible creation from the ground up. By all means opt for a beautiful traditional design – round or square, one or more tiers, intricately iced or naked cake etc – but remember that your unique cake can take any shape you like. It doesn’t have to look like a cake at all if you don’t want it to. Our bespoke designs can be sculpted and painted to reflect your vision and wow your guests with high impact realism and detail.

4 – What is the budget?

A bespoke cake designed for your special celebration takes a great deal of time and effort to get just right for you, and some of our more complicated designs can take a lot of internal structural work! You would naturally expect to pay more for this kind of unique creation than for a standard cake. Please let us know your budget at the outset, so we can work with you to achieve the best possible design. All our cakes are made to order on an individual basis; please contact us for a personalised quote.

5 – Which flavours to choose?

However visually stunning your specially designed cake may be, once the initial ‘wow’ moment has passed, it’s the inside of the cake that counts. At Cakes by Robin, we promise that your bespoke celebration cake will taste as amazing as it looks. Our cakes are made with only the freshest ingredients, with a wide menu of cake flavours and fillings for you to choose from including classic Vanilla Victoria Sponge, Chocolate Fudge, Red Velvet, Sticky Toffee, Rainbow Cake and Gluten Free cake options.

Get in touch

At Cakes by Robin, we love creating eccentric and amazing delicious cakes for our clients, and we take the creative process very seriously indeed. Feel free to let your imagination run wild and perhaps take inspiration from our Lookbook too. Why not get in touch to chat through your ideas for a unique cake design for your special event and see if we can make some cake magic together?

The post 5 things to consider when choosing your unique cake design appeared first on Cakes by Robin.

Whatever industry you’re in, or the size of your business, every organisation can benefit from placing an order for a custom cake. From the perfect touch to a monthly meeting to a celebratory treat for a work anniversary, a delicious cake is the ultimate indulgence that your colleagues will absolutely love. Here, we take a look at some of the reasons why you should consider placing an order for a bespoke corporate cake.

Boost workplace culture

Keeping morale up and staff happy in the workplace is sometimes easier said than done, but employers that reward staff with treats are sure to see an uptick in morale. It’s a business’ staff and employee talent that helps the company achieve success, so celebrating their hard work is a great way to show your appreciation and creates a nicer, happier atmosphere in the workplace.

Treat hybrid teams and remote workers

Remote working is a perk of many businesses now, but one of the downsides is that it can be hard to involve employees in team activities and rewards such as office treats. Ordering corporate cakes that can be sent to employees individually, or to the office on those occasions when everyone gets together, ensures that all members of the team can enjoy the same rewards.

Celebrate company milestones in style

From a new product launch to a business anniversary, cake is always the best way to celebrate. Making sure you acknowledge those significant occasions along the way to the bigger goals is really important for morale and productivity in your business, and bespoke cakes are a great way of getting your staff to feel part of that success.

Maintain customer loyalty

Corporate cakes can also be used for your customers as well as your staff. You’re far more likely to maintain customer loyalty if you can offer something unique that sets you apart from your competitors. A gift such as a branded cupcake fosters a positive reputation and sets you up as a business that goes above and beyond for their customers. What about gifting a branded cupcake with your company logo to a new customer with a thank you message, or treating customers to a cake when they attend a new product launch?

Delicious incentives for staff

If a staff member has exceeded their targets, signed up a new client or made exceptional progress in an area of their job, why not recognise a job well done with a delicious incentive? It helps to increase job satisfaction, demonstrates their value in the company and provides recognition to the individuals that are working hard for the business.

Choosing a corporate cake

There are various options when it comes to ordering a bespoke custom cake, so where do you start? The first step is to decide whether you want a larger, multi-tiered or single-tiered cake or cupcakes. Cupcakes can be great if you’re planning on treating individuals separately, while a larger cake is perfect for making an impact.

Next, what flavour do you want? You may want to go with a classic option, such as chocolate or vanilla, or go with something a little bolder like red velvet or lemon drizzle cake. The design of your cake can also be customised to suit your business, from messages on your cake to celebrate a work anniversary or an achievement in the business, to unique designs that have the wow factor, such as a bespoke shape or cake toppers that are tailored to the celebration in question.

Order your corporate cake today

At Cakes by Robin, we specialise in corporate cakes that are delicious and beautiful to look at. With delivery in and around London, and the option to collect your cake in person, get in touch with our team today to place your order.

The post Why should you place a corporate cake order? appeared first on Cakes by Robin.

The centrepiece of a child’s birthday party is usually the birthday cake. Maybe it’s in the shape of their favourite cartoon character or decorated to look like a fairy-tale castle. In terms of flavour, It could be a chocolate sponge or a vanilla cake layered with jam and cream. Whatever they have chosen, the only thing a parent cares about is the smile on their child’s face when the cake is brought out. The candles are lit, the lights are dimmed and memories are made.

Your child’s dream cake

Here at Cakes by Robin, we know how to create a standout cake. We understand that for children even more than adults, details matter, whether that’s accurately recreating their favourite Paw Patrol character or finessing every bow and flounce on the ballgown of our popular princess cake. We specialise in bespoke creations, meaning that we can cater for specific dietary needs and we can make almost any design a reality. After all, who doesn’t want to make their child’s dreams come true, especially on their birthday?

No stress

By ordering a cake from us, you are guaranteed a showstopper that your kids will talk about for years to come. Kids’ parties involve a lot of planning, but we can at least take the stress of baking off your shoulders, leaving you more time to enjoy these precious occasions. Just tell us what you need and we will deliver an immaculate cake made to your exact specifications that not only looks amazing but tastes delicious too.

Keeping costs down

On a budget? We get it. That’s why we also offer a range of gorgeous, kid-friendly budget cake options that cost a bit less than our other ranges. You get all the taste and finishing that make our cakes so special but at a lower price.

Of course, you don’t have to leave things to the professionals. With a bit of preparation and a few tools there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to make a birthday cake yourself. Although it can be daunting at first, baking is a fantastic skill to perfect – why not check out some of our videos to build up your confidence? You’ll need to invest in a few pieces of equipment to get started but once you have everything you need to hand, making your own cake can be a good way to save money, especially if you follow our tips below.

Keep it simple

If you need to keep costs down, it’s best to choose a simple design that won’t involve splashing out on hidden extras. Tall, layered cakes or those with intricate detail often require wooden supports, a range of food colours, palette knives, piping bags and lots of other equipment besides. It’s more cost-effective to go for a simple shape such as a heart or a star, which can easily be cut from a round cake, or to think about turning a round cake into an animal face or similar. Ice it in buttercream or ready-roll fondant to keep costs low.

Hire tins or buy second-hand

If your child wants a car or a castle, a rocket or even a unicorn, the chances are you’re going to need a specific cake tin. Buying tins can quickly get expensive, especially if you only use them once, so it’s a good idea to look into hiring a tin from a local company. As well as cutting costs it also reduces waste. Nowhere to hire a tin near you? Try entering your search terms in an online marketplace; you might be able to source one second hand.

Order a personalised cake topper

Even the plainest of Victoria sponges can be jazzed up with an exciting cake topper. Costing just a few pounds, these versatile decorations on sticks come in all sorts of designs, from numbers to favourite animals, and can simply be stuck into the top of a cake for a personalised look. A cake topper is a quick and easy way to make a cake look special without breaking the bank. What’s more, you won’t need to spend much time or money on the icing. Top your cake with a simple fondant or buttercream, stick in your cake topper, et voila.

No time to make your own? Or perhaps you’d rather leave the mess and stress to us? We love to talk cake. Call our team to discuss how we can make your child the cake of their dreams.

The post Tips for creating kids’ birthday cakes on a budget appeared first on Cakes by Robin.

When you start planning your wedding, your cake is one of the first things you will want to decide on. And as a showstopping feature of the special day, it deserves plenty of attention. But as you’ll soon realise, there are a lot of decisions to make, from the size and shape to colours, flavours, wedding toppers and decorations.

You’re bound to have questions, so we’ve put together the ultimate guide to wedding cakes, from traditions and storing your cake to how you can customise it for your big day.

Why are wedding cakes white?

The tradition of white wedding cakes began in Victorian times. In the early 19^th century, sugar became more accessible and affordable, but white sugars were still expensive so only the wealthy families could choose a pure white icing. It served as a status symbol and when Queen Victoria chose white icing on her own wedding cake, it gained the title of ‘royal icing’. Today, classic royal icing is still used on fruit cakes, but wedding cakes are more likely to be covered with a layer of fondant or buttercream instead.

Where does the tradition of saving cake come from?

The tradition of saving the top tier of the wedding cake dates back decades, and it was meant to be saved for the christening of the couple’s first child. But values have changed over the years and now, couples may choose to save their top tier for a number of reasons, such as freezing it for their first wedding anniversary or enjoying it the next day for breakfast.

Can I choose a chocolate wedding cake?

Traditional wedding cakes were made from fruit because it was a long-lasting cake. But now, couples choose a wide range of different flavours that they enjoy most as a couple or which will appeal to their guests. Some brides and grooms even choose a different flavour for each tier of their cake to cater to all tastes. And if your favourite flavour is chocolate, there’s no reason not to choose it for your special day.

How long does wedding cake last?

If you’re choosing a sponge and buttercream cake, avoid storing it in the fridge as this will only dry your cake out and make the icing go hard. Keep the cake out of direct sunlight and covered in an airtight container to prevent it from drying it out, and it should last for several days like this. If your cake has been cut into, individual airtight containers is the best way to keep each portion as fresh as possible. If you’re not planning on eating it within the next few days, freezing is the best option.

How do I freeze my wedding cake?

Wedding cake freezes well, providing you take the right steps to store it properly. Make sure that any decorations, wedding toppers and ribbons have been removed from the cake and transfer it to a foil-covered cardboard or plastic plate.

Freeze the cake in the freezer uncovered for around an hour to set the icing so it doesn’t stick to the paper once it’s wrapped. Then remove it from the freezer and wrap it in a layer of clingfilm and tin foil, ensuring that the covering is completely airtight to prevent the cake from drying out. It can then be returned to the freezer until you want to eat it, at which point, remove to defrost slowly at room temperature.

How tall should my cake be?

The height and size of your wedding cake is based on the number of guests you have attending, in addition to the style of cake you envision for the day, from round tiers to a square cake or a unique shape. If you’re planning a smaller guest list, one or two tiers may be sufficient, whereas a grand celebration may require several tiers to ensure everyone gets a slice.

Which is the best choice: fondant or buttercream?

The decision between fondant or buttercream doesn’t just come down to personal preference but also the style of decoration you want for your cake. Some designs work better in firmer fondant, while a fluffy and light design works brilliantly with a soft buttercream. Buttercream doesn’t hold up well in hot, humid environments so make sure you factor this into your decision making too, as a summer wedding may be better suited to a fondant design.

At Cakes by Robin, we specialise in creating bespoke luxury wedding cakes that are guaranteed to exceed your expectations. Contact us today to talk through your ideas with a member of our team.

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