Red Velvet and Chocolate Cakes -- An experiment

I've had some wonderful red velvet cakes in my life.  They seem luxurious and indulgent and beautiful--there's something special about them.  Then I wonder, why?  What flavour are they actually?  I decided to do some research and experimenting because I had to know.  I've learned so much about baking and techniques in the past year, and yet I hadn't properly tackled the red velvet. 

Just look at that beautiful bright red color!  Completely natural and from beetroot :) 

I found a perfect video on youtube.  Her website is called Dulce Delight.  She has so many yummy recipes, an adorable accent, and a retro kitchen and tools.  I watched almost all  her videos.  ANYWAY, back to the cake.  Most red velvet cakes you'll find today are just chocolate cakes with about a bottle of red food coloring... yuck.  I didn't know that.  And it didn't sit well with me.  I use food coloring sparingly and only when I have to, like for the rainbow cake or if someone asks for it specifically.  I love when I can get natural colors from fruits or vegetables.  

I found those pretty red sugar roses at the shop :)  Thought they matched perfectly!

Beets are the secrets to a beautiful, deep, rich red velvet cake.  Something magical happens when you have the beet juice, lemon, and vinegar and mix them all up.  I was skeptical because here in Australia beetroot is quite popular on burgers and in salads and lots of things, and I've tried it-- I wasn't a fan, it kind of just tasted like dirt to me?  But, I think beetroot has gained a special place in my heart after making this cake.  I couldn't be happier :)  (Well, maybe I could be, I have to make another cake or some cupcakes for more happy!:)  If you're curious about the taste, it tastes a little bit like a citrusy (tiny bit) chocolate cake.  Pretty unique and delicious!

I also played around with making chocolate mousse for the first time.  Oh my goodness, it blew any sort of chocolate mousse I'd had before out of the water.  I also got this recipe from Dulce Delight.  I'm very happy I found her!

These pictures are of the other cake I made.  Another small red velvet and chocolate cake covered in whipped cream.  It was really yummy too!

I really love pictures of pretty fluffy frosting :D

That was a lot of fun.  What next should I try to make?! :D

1st Birthday Cake and a Smash Cake on the side!

Another Happy Birthday Cake!  

I actually hadn't made a cake for a baby boy before this one.  I did a lot of thinking about how to decorate it and then my husband just told me to stop, boys don't want all the frills and fancy decor that girls want.  He was right and it turned out perfectly!  Nikolas's mom ended up putting a little airplane on top and a nice candle :)  Inside is my yummy moist chocolate cake and it's filled with chocolate frosting and the outside is covered in a divine cream cheese frosting (I used this one.)

I have wanted to make a smash cake for a long time too.  SOOO many cute ones all over pinterest.  (If you don't already know, a smash cake is for a 1st birthday.  It's for the baby to smash, just like the name suggests!  Then it's bathtime of course :P)  I decided to make a small all-chocolate cake for Nikolas and his parents.  I am not sure if they let him smash it or they decided to eat it.. lol

Just look at that frosting!!

Happy 1st Birthday Nikolas!  I hope you loved your cake!

Daniella's Chocolate Castle Cake!

Chocolate Castle Cake

This cake was an endeavor for me.  I have been wanting to make something amazing like this for a long time but I didn't have an opportunity to pull it off.  My wonderful friend Jennifer gave me the chance I needed when her little girl Daniella had her 6th birthday.  Her party was prince/princess themed so I decided to make a her a grand castle cake of chocolate and yumminess :)

I only wish I had taken more pictures.  I didn't get to even clean up the work space before we had to rush out the door (I must admit I was later than I would have liked finishing this massive cake.  I didn't budget my time too well that day due to a doctor's visit and a family thing >.<)  BUT we got it to the party on time.

I used my yummy moist chocolate cake recipe and topped it off with my yummy chocolate frosting and piped some pretty flowers and vines with buttercream.  This was such a fun cake to make and I hope I have more opportunites like it!

I hope you had a wonderful birthday Daniella! <3