Do you know what I’ve been doing today?
Drinking coffee and dream of cake shops.
Because I had the most wonderful Cake Stand party on Thursday night, and I realized that my dream was inching closer to reality.
Thanks to the loveliest Mallory Alison, I was able to put my five cakes on Vintage Heart’s enviable counters. The “eagle rock” walls contrasted well with my meringues and buttercreams. And although it was a hot night in Austin, TX, we all enjoyed masterfully prepared iced coffees and slices of cake.
On the menu:
Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Strawberry Cream Cake with a Swiss Meringue Buttercream
Chocolate Mocha Cake with a Caramel Filling and French Meringue Buttercream
Sisters’ Birthday Cake (Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting)
And…my personal favorite…Banana Cream Cake with a Cinnamon Heart on top.
By the end of the night, I was exhausted, but also thankful and hopeful. Thankful for the love and support of my friends. Hopeful for what the next year will bring for me and Cake Stand.
In fact, I got so excited about opening a cake shop that I began browsing through restaurant supply stores. Because if a girl iss going to open a cake shop, she’s going to need some sliverware and plates.
And I think I’d go with a classic white china set. Something that would show of my cakes without stealing attention. Like this:
Lovely, huh? Simple yet functional. And I know they’d look smashing with a thick slice of Red Velvet Cake. You know you can already picture it in your head.
So when I do open my shop–soon, I hope–I’ll be contacting Crosbys and ordering a set or two of these Porcelite plates.
Until then, I’ll be making as many cakes as I can. And also some cupcakes too. Because cupcakes, especially small cupcakes, are the perfect antidote to a long and tiring day. These very vanilla cupcakes were made for two friends…two friends that both celebrated their birthdays on Saturday. They are moist and light and not too sweet. In fact, that is one compliment I was so happy to receive on Thursday night. People came up and told me that they liked me cakes because they weren’t like walking into a semi-truck of sugar. They were subtle and moist and packed with flavor. Yum.
Vanilla Cupcakes
1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter (room temperature)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a 12 cup muffin pan or a 24 cup mini-muffin pan.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients until well combined.
3. In a large bowl, ideally using a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and smooth, about 3 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla and beat until well combined. Add half of the flour mixture, stir; pour in buttermilk, stir; and then add the remaining flour. Stir until well combined.
4. Distribute evenly in muffin pans, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes for standard size cupcakes, 12-15 for mini cupcakes. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
If you want a great tutorial for how to make the “roses” on the top of these cupcakes. Read here!
It makes my heart happy to see you getting closer and closer to your dream. The cakes look divine and I have to agree with you, the white porcelain plates are so classy, simple and beautiful. I hope you have a wonderful day, Monet
All five cakes are gorgeous. I’d have to go with the strawberry cream cake though. It sounds divine! Looking forward to following you on your quest for your dream!
I’m so excited for you! Those cakes are gorgeous and sound amazing. Love those plates-I’ve been looking to replace my Ikea (chipped) white dishes so maybe I’ll get some too. Classic indeed. Just like those vanilla cupcakes! Yum.
Wow, that sounds like a fabulous opportunity! Good for you! And that banana cream cake sounds amazing.
I’m so glad it went well! It’s exciting to watch you getting closer and closer to your dream. You deserve it so much.
You are so close my friend, I can feel my excitement growing for you
Keep it up!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Those cakes are all absolutely gorgeous! You did an amazing job. I would eat all of them. You certainly seem capable of opening a cake shop.
ALL 5 of your cakes look and sound amazing!!! Beautifully iced and I’m certain just delicious. And I need to check out the icing tutorial…though I may need an actual intervention to get my cupcakes frosted so beautifully!!! I do so a cake shop in your future. xo
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Hooray for dreams becoming reality…and I love that compliment on your cakes that “weren’t like walking into a semi-truck of sugar”. Now that’s vivid!
Ahhh- inspiring once again- my only complaint- you have made me very very hungry for a slice of each of these cakes… and a cupcake on top. And there are no cakes in site here in my Colorado home! What’s a girl to do???? You must come and visit and bring or make cakes. We need your cakes Monet!! In fact the world needs your cakes.
Your future in this business looks very promising. Let me know when you need investors. We’d all be wise to jump in. 
All the cakes look beautiful and the flavors sound delicious! I can’t pick a favorite…lol.
I wish you all the best with your dream…you are so talented and deserve to do this for a living
Monet, you are getting so close to your dream! I am so happy for you. Those swirls are so sexy.
Ahh!!! How exciting!! All of those cakes look glorious and I wouldn’t be able to resist ANY of them. Not to mention the cupcakes. Swoon.
These cakes look gorgeous and delicious! What a sweet dream you have, and I know you have the determination and talent to succeed. I can’t wait to visit your shop someday!
I often dream about cake shops. Too bad I don’t make cakes all that often. Dont give up on your dream!
These cupcakes are SO cute, I could eat them all!
Why did I come here now when I am craving something sweet;) All your cakes look so pretty. I think your dream is coming true sooner than you think. Then I can’t wait to come visit you at your shop:) xx
This looks amazing I can’t wait to try all of them. i love cakes. i could have it everyday.. am i greedy.
Hi Monet! Your cakes are absolutely amazing! I hope all of your dreams come true! And I know you would be a smashing success! In the meanwhile, I just admire your beautiful work! Those cupcakes are so pretty. I just love the way you’ve iced them! : )
These are lovely, Monet. Amanda really does have some fantastic tutorials. Not that I’m nearly ambitious enough to even try most of them! I’ll leave that to you and Cake Stand. I’m so thrilled to see so many happy things happening for you!
I love the simplicity of a good vanilla cupcake, and imagine yours are nothing short of perfect. I’m so excited about your future and all the cakes in it!
congrats–i have a feeling you have many amazing doors that will open in the future!
i would love to visit your cake shop someday!
Wow Monet those 5 cakes look absolutely stunning. Very professionally done and grandiose. I’m glad the evening was such a success for you
I like the way your mind is working, looking into practial details to make your dream come true. You go girl!
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