From Photo to Frosting

Meeting The Cake Boss

My husband and I meeting Buddy at the Canadian Baking and Sweets Show in Toronto after winning tickets through a contest sponsored by PAM!

Chocolate, Chocolate and more Chocolate

For this wedding, the couple asked to come by for a cake taste testing in search of the perfect chocolate cake. I baked four different chocolate cake recipes, and I’ll admit, I was more than a little nervous. In the end, they chose their favorite… and happily took the rest home to enjoy.

These delicious New York–style cheesecake bites were each displayed on a tiny doily and arranged on a rustic slice of wood that my Dad carefully cut from a few logs for me. 

Elegant Wedding Cake

My husband’s aunt was getting married and asked if I could make their wedding cake. They wanted a three-tiered square chocolate cake with chocolate ganache filling, covered in white fondant with just a touch of blue, and adorned with lots of meringue royal icing roses; her favorite! The topper was a little scene of the couple dancing, a nod to her soon-to-be husband’s ballroom teaching and their shared love of dance. They also requested “Mr. and Mrs.” piped on the cake, along with their wedding date.

The design was simple yet elegant, and they absolutely loved it! It was such a joy to create a cake that reflected their personalities and the love they share.

This was one of my first attempts at working with fondant, and I have to say, they turned out not too shabby! The cupcakes were chocolate with cherry filling, topped with cream cheese frosting and a delicate fondant rose. It was such a joy to help create something unique and meaningful for their celebration.

This was the largest and most intricate cake I have ever created, with extensive fondant work and fine details that needed to be just right to achieve a polished, professional look. While I can’t locate the inspiration photos they originally shared, one for the elegant front and one for the superhero back, I clearly remember the sense of pride I felt once the cake was finished. It truly felt like I had pulled it off.

A Cheesecake for "I Do"

This couple asked me to create a New York–style cheesecake for their wedding. They envisioned four layers, wrapped with a thick black ribbon accented by a thin white ribbon, and finished with their wedding flowers on top.

And here’s the finished product! A 4 layer vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream. A sweet celebration of the vision brought to life in cake and frosting.

And here’s the finished masterpiece that sprang from the gingerbread-themed inspiration. A 4 layer Pumpkin Spice Cake with brown butter buttercream icing and a hint of maple flavoring, brought to life in frosting, gingerbread men, and a little holiday magic.

Let It Snow!

I was asked to make a Christmas-themed cake for a church Christmas dinner. I chose a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and decorated it with caroling snowmen. It turned out pretty cute and festive enough to bring some holiday cheer to the table!

Supporting Movember

When I was asked to make 100 cupcakes for a Movember fundraiser, I happily stepped up to the challenge. It was one of my first large cupcake orders, and I wanted to make each one feel a little extra special. I hand-cut all the tiny mustaches and attached them to toothpicks, then created custom cupcake liners for each flavor to elevate them just a bit beyond the ordinary.

Lemon Raspberry Cake

This lemon raspberry cake is made with layers of soft lemon cake filled with a bright raspberry filling, then covered in a raspberry cream cheese icing. The icing is naturally tinted with dried raspberry powder, giving it that lovely variegated look along with real colour and flavour.

Apple Crumble Pie Cake

We had a vision for an apple crumble pie cake.Vanilla cake lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, filled with homemade apple pie filling, and finished with swirls of vanilla buttercream. It was garnished with fresh apple slices, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and generous chunks of baked crumble.

It looked really pretty, even with the runny caramel, and the best part came later when the person who purchased it at the cake auction let us know just how much they enjoyed it. Hearing that the cake was absolutely delicious and loved by everyone made the whole experience feel extra sweet.

Easter Egg Cake

The inspiration photo that got our creative juices flowing for this Easter egg cake.

Oreo Cake

The photo that inspired the oreo cake.

The second Oreo cake and we were definitely getting better at the chocolate drip with this one!

Our recreation! So cute and fluffy with all those marshmallows!

This was such a fun cake to make. A rich chocolate cake filled with caramel cream cheese filling, fluffly caramel buttercream, and finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce, crushed pretzels, taffy bits, and chopped pecans.  Sweet, a little salty, and full of cozy goodness.

My kids’ school was hosting a fundraiser bake sale, so my kids got right to work baking, and my oldest even tried her hand at decorating. They turned out really cute, and the pride on their faces said it all. When they came home from school, they were so excited to share that their cupcakes were some of the first items to sell out!

Lemon Chick Cake

Because this fundraiser was just before Easter weekend, I wanted to create cakes that would complement the holiday and also appeal to the children. This picture of a sweet little chick was simply too cute to ignore, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to pair all that cheerful yellow with a bright lemon cake.

The Pictures Recreated Into Cake

We were all so pleased with how the cakes turned out and the guests at the cake auction fundraiser felt the same. They were a huge hit and made the experience even sweeter for everyone involved.

We felt it turned out not too shabby! The lighting in this photo doesn’t quite do it justice; the colours were softer and lighter in person, but it came together so nicely and stayed true to the inspiration. We absolutely loved how it turned out.

Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate! This cake featured layers of rich chocolate cake, chocolate fudge, and chocolate buttercream. The garnishes included white, milk, and semi-sweet chocolate, finished with a delicate touch of gold. Elegant and decadent, it was a true showstopper that captured everyone’s attention.

Cupcakes taking shape!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

We were in a chocolate chip cookie phase and decided our final cake should be inspired by everyone’s favorite treat. When we came across this picture, we thought, why not? We could definitely recreate this!

Strawberry Shortcake - Flop

At one of the fundraisers, someone was surprised there wasn’t a strawberry shortcake up for auction. I decided to fix that by making one. A light angel food cake layered with fresh strawberries, homemade vanilla custard, real whipped cream, and topped with chocolate-dipped strawberries. It looked amazing… until it didn’t. I quickly realized that the delicate cake couldn’t support the weight of the chocolate-covered strawberries. Needless to say, this cake never made it to the fundraiser, but my children certainly weren’t complaining!

Fall School Fundraiser With Pumpkin Cake Pops

When cake pops became all the rage, we thought it would be fun to try our hand at them for our kids’ school fall fundraiser. We made both vanilla and chocolate, and to tell them apart, we dipped the vanilla in colourful sprinkles and the chocolate in crushed Oreo crumbs. The students loved them, and it was such a joy to see everyone enjoying our little creations!

There were lots of broken chocolate hearts for my kids to enjoy along the way, but after a little practice, I got the hang of estimating the right amount of pressure so the chocolate would sit perfectly in the icing without breaking.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake 

My kids loved the look of the chocolate chip cookie cake so much that they asked if we could make another one to bring along when we visited their grandmother. As you can see, the chocolate drip wasn’t our best, but it still tasted delicious and that’s what really mattered. We made a vanilla cake and folded mini chocolate chips into the batter to mimic a classic chocolate chip cookie, which made it extra fun and impressive when sliced.

A Sister’s Wish, A Brother’s Bake

When one of our daughters was getting ready for her birthday, she drew a picture of the cake she wanted. Our son saw her drawing and confidently said, “I can make that!” And so he did. This is his recreation of the cake she imagined.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a photo of her original drawing, but his sister insisted he replicated it perfectly, even down to the little marbling details in the fondant. Moments like this make my heart so full. I love how my children look for ways to make each other’s special days feel even more special

Pumpkin Spice Cake

When our church was planning a fall dinner, they asked if I could make a cake to go along with it. I happily said yes and reached for my Pumpkin Spice Cake with cream cheese icing because fall practically demands it. I dressed it up with candy corn and gingerbread cookies, then tucked a little scarecrow right in the middle, popping up through the cookies as if he’d wandered in from the pumpkin patch to say hello.

It started as a simple idea, but Photo to Frosting moments like this are where the fun really happens; taking a theme, adding a dash of imagination, and seeing where the frosting leads.

Farm Animal Birthday Cake

When I was asked if I’d have time to make a birthday cake ready for a specific day, I checked my calendar and said yes, having no idea what I was actually getting myself into. When they sent the inspiration photo, I wasn’t sure it would even be possible to recreate. I took a deep breath and reminded myself, I can do this.

Vanilla with raspberry filling for the bottom layer, lemon for the next, then chocolate for the remaining layers.

Puppy Dog Birthday Cake

For this birthday, I was sent the sweetest puppy cake inspiration. They asked for a little dog tag etched with the number “2” to celebrate a very special second birthday. The pictures looked fairly straightforward, but working with fondant can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to mixing and matching the right colours.

Baby Shower

When I was asked to create this baby shower cake, I felt truly honored. The colour scheme was chosen to match the invitations and decorations for the celebration. Making sure the patterns lined up perfectly all the way around the cake wasn’t easy, but somehow it all came together.

The most challenging and most fun part, was creating the tiny baby booties to sit on top of the cake. They were almost too cute to eat! Cakes like this are such a joy to make, especially when they’re part of celebrating a brand-new little life.

It’s a simpler design, but achieving a perfectly smooth buttercream finish is anything but easy. Those clean lines take patience and care. This cake was a vanilla cake with a raspberry filling, proving once again that sometimes the most understated designs can be the most elegant.

2 Legit 2 Quit

This was the picture that got our creative juices flowing for the retro/hip hop birthday cake. From the cassette player to the microphone, it perfectly set the vibe for the whole celebration.

The decorated sugar cookies turned out even better than I expected! I had a bit of a challenge getting a nice shimmering gold, and while they weren’t perfect, they still looked sweet and festive. Definitely a skill I’m still learning, painting gold and silver accents is trickier than it looks!

The two-tier retro/hip hop cake, topped with a cassette player and microphone, paired perfectly with the cookies. I was so proud of how it all came together, and the family who ordered it couldn’t stop smiling. A little bit of hard work, a lot of creativity, and a lot of fun!

Reese’s Pieces Cake

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers, rejoice! This cake was inspired by everyone’s favorite candy, packed with layers of chocolate cake, peanut butter filling, and finished with a colourful cascade of Reese’s Pieces on top. Sweet, nutty, and fun, just like the candy itself!

When my kids saw it, they were excited and reassured me that the family would love it too. And they did! Seeing their faces light up made all the stress worth it.

It’s my way of showing the youth that they are truly cared for, and I hope this small gesture lets them know they’re celebrated. The cupcakes are chocolate and vanilla with creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting, and I always make sure to include vegan and gluten-free options so everyone can enjoy a sweet treat.

Piping Practice

After decorating a cake, there’s always extra icing and for the longest time, I never knew what to do with it. Later, I learned you can actually freeze it for future cakes, but until then, I let my kids have a little fun!

They would grab plates and use them as their canvases, practicing piping and getting creative with all the leftover frosting. They absolutely loved it, and it became such a fun way for them to experiment and explore their own creativity in the kitchen.

Celebrating 104 Years!

When I was asked to make a special cake celebrating the Kiwanis Club’s 104th year of service, I knew I wanted to support this incredible organization. My husband helped by creating a personalized edible printed image, and I incorporated the club’s colours into the decoration. The cake was a hit, and everyone at the celebration enjoyed it!

With a little patience and effort, I was able to make them look presentable enough for the celebration. Sometimes it’s the small imperfections that make a treat feel homemade and extra special.

Belly Dancer Cake Birthday Cake

When I was asked to make a belly dancing cake for my husband’s aunt, who had a friend visiting from Scotland, I came across this picture and used it for inspiration. The cake captured the colourful, fun spirit of their belly dancing costumes and the joy they share while dancing.

Celebration Cake

I was asked to make this cake for a small youth class to celebrate a special occasion. To make it personal, I added decorated sugar cookies that reflected each youth’s interests: one featured dogs, another basketball, and others highlighted photography and baking.

It was such a fun way to make each young person feel seen and celebrated, turning a simple cake into something truly special.

It took some back-and-forth communication to gather all the necessary details to accurately recreate the time machine clock, but once everything was clarified, the design started to come together beautifully. Cake was red velvet with cream cheese icing.

Minion Royal Celebration Cake

This two-tier birthday cake was a playful celebration of fun and imagination. Covered in smooth white buttercream, it was bordered with cheerful yellow and blue accents, and featured a sweet birthday greeting to mark the special day.

Chocolately Birthday Joy

Our oldest daughter was all smiles as she got ready to dig into her birthday cake, lovingly decorated by her younger siblings. Chocolatey, fun, and full of love, this cake was as sweet to make as it was to eat!

The family sent me a picture of the cupcakes all arranged on the stand, ready for the birthday party. They looked absolutely stunning, and it was such a joy to see my little creations shine at the celebration!

To accompany the cake, we made a few dozen matching cupcakes, giving everyone a sweet treat to enjoy while honoring the retiree. A heartfelt celebration made even sweeter with a little frosting and love!

The result was a simple yet refined cake, with thoughtful details that made it feel special despite the short notice. Sometimes, a little creativity and leftover decorations are all it takes to make a memorable celebration!

Little Cakes, Big Flavor

When asked to make two small cakes, a carrot cake and a pumpkin spice cake, I decided to add a little creative touch to the decorations. I piped a few carrots on top of the carrot cake and a pumpkin on the pumpkin spice cake, making it easy to tell the two cakes apart while adding a charming, playful detail.

The result was both practical and delightful, giving each cake its own personality while keeping the focus on the delicious flavors inside. Sometimes, it’s the little touches that make a cake extra special!

Cinderella Carriage Cake

This special Cinderella birthday cake was a fun but challenging project. The vine-like wheels were definitely tricky to create and attach without breaking, but with a little patience, they came together beautifully.

Dino-Mite Birthday Cake

This birthday cake was topped with a bright orange dinosaur, making it a fun and whimsical centerpiece for a 5-year-old’s celebration. Creating the little dino was a joy, and it brought a playful touch to the cake.

The vibrant colours and cheerful design made the cake feel extra special, perfectly suited for a young dinosaur fan. It was a sweet and memorable way to celebrate turning five!

Creating the three fondant dinosaurs was a fun challenge. Each one had its own personality, and shaping the details really brought them to life. It’s always so satisfying when a design comes together just as imagined.

Out of This World, Tropical Style

This tropical birthday cake had a fun twist. Combining beachy vibes with a hint of extraterrestrial flair. Decorated with palm trees, sandy shores, and a blue ocean, it felt like a little island escape… with a surprise visitor from the sky in the form of a tiny alien ship.

The cake itself was a rich red velvet paired with classic cream cheese icing, a flavour combination that never disappoints. The playful mix of tropical and “out of this world” elements made this cake both unexpected and memorable, perfect for a birthday celebration that wanted something a little different.

A Sweet Secret: Gender Reveal Cake

This gender reveal cake was truly an honour to make. Being trusted with the big secret before the family knew was both exciting and a little nerve-wracking, but of course, the secret was kept safe until the celebration. There’s something so special about being part of such a meaningful moment, knowing that one slice would reveal a surprise everyone had been waiting for.

A Toothless Birthday Adventure

My nephew was absolutely obsessed with How to Train Your Dragon, so when his mom asked if I could make him a Toothless birthday cake, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I was definitely up for the challenge. There’s something extra special about making a cake for family, especially when you know how much joy it’s going to bring. I could already picture his face lighting up the moment he saw it.

An Elsa-Inspired Winter Dream

This round Elsa cake, inspired by the movie Frozen, was such a fun one to make. There’s something magical about bringing a beloved character to life in cake form, especially one as iconic as Elsa. The cool, icy theme was a joy to work with and perfect for a Frozen-loving birthday celebration.

Minnie Mouse Magic

This Minnie Mouse inspired slab cake was such a cheerful and fun creation. A fondant picture of Minnie took center stage, displayed on a rich red velvet cake layered with cream cheese icing and filled with fresh strawberries. The cake was finished with a bright red icing border that tied the whole look together beautifully.

To complete the theme, chocolate cupcakes were made to match, each topped with sweet little mouse ears and a bow. Together, the cake and cupcakes made an adorable display; playful, classic, and perfect for a Minnie-loving celebration.

A Timeless Favorite: Classic Carrot Cake

This classic carrot cake, generously layered and finished with smooth cream cheese icing, is one of those desserts that never goes out of style. Topped with a simple fondant daisy, it has a sweet, understated charm that lets the flavors shine.

It’s a favorite of many and one of my most frequently requested cakes. Comforting, familiar, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Flying High: Dusty Crophopper Birthday Cake

This birthday cake was inspired by Disney’s Planes and made for a little fan who loves everything aviation. The cake was half chocolate and half vanilla, giving a delicious variety of flavors to suit any sweet tooth.

The centerpiece of the cake was a carefully crafted fondant plane, Dusty Crophopper himself. Every detail, from his wings to his cheerful expression, was sculpted with care to bring the beloved character to life.

Creative Colors: Crayola Crayons & Paint Cake

This playful cake was created for a birthday child who has a true love for art. From the very start, the goal was to make a cake that felt colorful, fun, and full of creative spirit—just like the little artist it was for.

In front of the paint can, a row of fondant crayons was carefully arranged, giving the cake a realistic and vibrant feel. Tiny fondant paintbrushes were added in front of the box to complete the scene, making it look like the tools were ready for the next masterpiece.

My Little Pony Rainbow Cake

This colorful My Little Pony inspired cake featured a fondant figurine of Dash as the star, with a bright fondant rainbow arching across the cake and rainbow fondant balls surrounding the base. The playful details and vibrant colours made it a magical centerpiece, perfect for any little pony fan’s birthday celebration.

Whimsical Flower & Butterfly Cake

This two-tiered cake was designed with a magical, fairy-like feel in mind, bringing together bright colours, playful flowers, and delicate butterflies. The whimsical decorations and vibrant hues created a joyful, enchanting centerpiece that felt straight out of a storybook celebration.

A Literary Celebration: Author’s Cake

This special cake was made with layers of rich red velvet and cream cheese icing, covered in smooth marzipan for a polished, elegant finish. The design was inspired by the world of books, with fondant decorations along the sides crafted to resemble a bookshelf filled with carefully arranged volumes.

Childhood Favorite: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This pineapple upside-down cake was a special birthday order for one of my brothers, inspired by a beloved childhood favorite. Sweet caramelized pineapple and tender cake layers made for a nostalgic and delicious treat, bringing back warm memories while celebrating another year in style.

Caterpillar Fun: Green Cupcake Cake

This green caterpillar cupcake cake was a playful and unique birthday treat, perfect for a child looking for something a little different. Each cupcake formed part of the caterpillar’s body, topped with bright green frosting and cute details, creating a fun, interactive, and delicious centerpiece for the celebration.

While the photo quality isn’t the best (I’ll admit I’m not the most skilled photographer), the cake itself captured the magic of the films. From the delicate fondant decorations to the carefully chosen colours, it was a sweet tribute to some beloved stories on the big screen.

Each cupcake was decorated with little fondant animals, leafy greenery, and fun jungle elements, giving each one its own personality. The combination of fondant and buttercream allowed me to practice piping, shaping, and arranging details in a way that was both challenging and rewarding.

Sweet Celebrations: Jumbo Chocolate Cupcake

This simple jumbo chocolate cupcake was made to celebrate my daughter’s second birthday. Rich, moist chocolate paired with a generous swirl of frosting made it a delightful centerpiece for her special day, proving that sometimes the simplest treats bring the biggest smiles.

Jungle Joy: Smash Cake Photo Shoot Cupcakes

These jungle-themed cupcakes were created for a friend starting her photography business, who wanted beautiful props for her smash cake photo shoots. I was excited to make something that was not only visually appealing for her portfolio but also safe and delicious for my then one-year-old to enjoy.

Picnic Fun: Insect Cake Experiment

I tried out a new cake pan by creating these little insect-themed cakes alongside a playful picnic basket design. It wasn’t a bad first attempt, and while there’s definitely room for improvement, it was a fun experiment that allowed me to practice new techniques and explore creative ideas in a whimsical way.

A Cake for an Arborist

This special cake was created for a young graduate celebrating both her birthday and her achievement as an arborist. I made a vanilla cake and topped it with a carefully crafted 3D tree, accented with delicate fondant butterflies and flowers, giving it a whimsical yet nature-inspired feel. I was quite proud of how it turned out!

Tinkerbell Doll Cake

My oldest daughter was over the moon to receive this Tinkerbell doll cake for her birthday. I found a kit with the accessories to create the doll, and made extra fondant to craft her dress out of delicate leaves. She loved every detail, and this cake marked the beginning of my doll cake phase. A magical start to a whole new style of cake decorating.

Each fondant Minion was carefully crafted with its own personality and placed on the cake to create a playful, heartfelt scene. The cake not only captured the child’s favorite characters but also celebrated the love and excitement of becoming part of a family. A truly sweet and memorable moment.

Classic Black Forest Cake: Father’s Day Celebration

For a Father’s Day BBQ family gathering, I made a classic Black Forest cake, topped with fresh, juicy cherries for a simple yet elegant finish. The rich chocolate layers, paired with whipped cream and the bright burst of cherries, made it a timeless favorite that everyone enjoyed while celebrating together.

The fondant animals were a joy to create, bringing each little pig, goose, and chicken to life with playful details. It was a fun and creative challenge to capture their personalities while keeping the design cohesive and visually appealing. Vanilla cake with a fresh strawberry filling and vanilla buttercream.

A Hummingbird Lover’s Dream Cake

This birthday cake was designed for someone with a deep love for hummingbirds, making it a truly personal and meaningful celebration. From the moment I received the request, I knew I wanted to create something delicate, colourful, and full of life, just like these beautiful birds.

Fondant flowers were carefully handcrafted to add pops of colour across the cakes. Each bloom was unique, mimicking the variety and vibrancy of a garden that hummingbirds might visit. This attention to detail helped bring a whimsical and natural feel to the overall design.

The arrangement of the flowers and birds was carefully planned to create a balanced composition. I wanted every angle to be visually engaging, whether someone was looking from the front or side. The interplay of colours and shapes made the cake feel like a little garden in full bloom.

When the cake was revealed to the birthday celebrant, their eyes lit up with delight. The combination of two large cakes, colourful fondant flowers, and the four meticulously crafted hummingbirds created a show-stopping centerpiece that was as meaningful as it was delicious.

Learning the Ropes: Practice Cake from a Decorating Class

This cake was a practice project from a two-day cake decorating class, designed to help me explore new techniques and improve my skills. I focused on shaping and smoothing the layers, experimenting with different textures and trying out piping details to see how they could elevate a simple cake.

A second cake I attempted at home

One of the best parts is cutting into the cake to reveal the beautiful layers inside. The combination of flavors and textures, tangy lemon, sweet blueberries, creamy cheesecake, and soft cake, makes each bite a delightful experience, both visually and tastefully.

The cheerful daisies added a touch of whimsy and warmth, reflecting the joy and pride of graduation day. Though understated, the cake was a meaningful centerpiece, honoring the hard work and accomplishments of the graduate while keeping the focus on the celebration itself.

A Sweet Celebration: Grandmother’s 90th Birthday Cupcakes

These birthday cupcakes were created to celebrate my grandmother’s incredible 90th birthday. I was inspired by a picture I came across, but my first attempt using the provided recipe didn’t yield the flavor or texture I wanted. After recreating the batter, the cupcakes turned out perfectly. Orange-flavored with bits of strawberry and blueberry, and topped with a luscious black raspberry buttercream.

Summer Fun Cupcakes

These trays of cupcakes were made for a summer outdoor activity, and they turned out beautifully. Each cupcake was decorated with care, and the vibrant colors and fun designs made them a hit with the attendees.

The result is a decadent treat for cookie and cupcake lovers alike. The combination of soft cake, creamy buttercream, and rich cookie dough layers creates a truly indulgent experience. The first picture shows the inspiration, and the second captures my final creation; a fun, playful, and utterly delicious gourmet cupcake.

To finish, each cupcake was garnished with a glazed strawberry and delicate white Belgian chocolate curls for a touch of elegance. The second picture shows the final creation. A playful, vibrant, and delicious cupcake that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors.