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Cherry Blossom Cake Tutorial

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Learn how to paint on buttercream frosting using two different techniques with my easy to follow cherry blossom cake tutorial!

Check out this cherry blossom cake tutorial to learn how to decorate a cherry blossom cake by painting on buttercream! Tutorial, FREE stencil printable, and video on GoodieGodmother.com

One of my absolute favorite things about spring in Northern Virginia is the cherry blossom trees. The blossoms are just gorgeous, and I don’t even have to trek to the District to enjoy beautiful blooms – we have a few trees right outside our condo. Of course, it is a beautiful sight to see the Basin in full bloom by the Jefferson Memorial, and we did head out there last year despite the crazy crowds. This year, the weather warmed up a bit early (hooray!), but that means peak bloom is in just a few days! Since we may not make it into DC to see this year’s blooms at their peak, I have created plenty of other ways to celebrate – like this cherry blossom cake tutorial!

WARNING: Picture overload ahead 😉

Check out this cherry blossom cake tutorial to learn how to decorate a cherry blossom cake by painting on buttercream! Tutorial, FREE stencil printable, and video on GoodieGodmother.com

My cherry blossom cake tutorial showcases one of my current favorite cake decorating techniques to play with, painting on buttercream. Depending on the paint medium used, you either end up with a lovely watercolor like finish, or a textured oil painting style finish. Either one is beautiful, and I mixed the two on this cake because I like the contrast.

Check out this cherry blossom cake tutorial to learn how to decorate a cherry blossom cake by painting on buttercream! Tutorial, FREE stencil printable, and video on GoodieGodmother.com

Check out this cherry blossom cake tutorial to learn how to decorate a cherry blossom cake by painting on buttercream! Tutorial, FREE stencil printable, and video on GoodieGodmother.com

The best part is, you don’t have to freehand the design! Not everyone is a great artist (I’m not!), and you can use stencils when you paint on buttercream to help guide you as you work.The stencil I used for today’s cake is available when you click here as a free download courtesy of my neighbor and friend, Melissa Lew. You might remember her from the Rose Ginger Steamed Cake post where I featured her Chinese New Year jewelry.

Check out this cherry blossom cake tutorial to learn how to decorate a cherry blossom cake by painting on buttercream! Tutorial, FREE stencil printable, and video on GoodieGodmother.com

Check out this cherry blossom cake tutorial to learn how to decorate a cherry blossom cake by painting on buttercream! Tutorial, FREE stencil printable, and video on GoodieGodmother.com

Anyway, a few weeks ago she posted a picture on Facebook of her Cherry Blossom line for this year, and I was smitten by the modern look and the splatter painted charm! So I told her I was going to make a cake, or cookies, or something with a cherry blossom. Instead of leaving me to figure out a cherry blossom outline, Melissa was fabulous enough to just make me a printout of a cherry blossom design – inspired by her work – in a few sizes for me (and you) to use.

Check out this cherry blossom cake tutorial to learn how to decorate a cherry blossom cake by painting on buttercream! Tutorial, FREE stencil printable, and video on GoodieGodmother.comCheck out this cherry blossom cake tutorial to learn how to decorate a cherry blossom cake by painting on buttercream! Tutorial, FREE stencil printable, and video on GoodieGodmother.com

The easiest way for me to explain the different techniques was to film a video. You’ll see the materials used in a list on this page when you scroll past the video. I only talk about the flower painting in the YouTube video, I added the splatter paint later and filmed a live feed video that you can find on my Facebook page.

Materials:

  • 8″ styrofoam cake dummy – use if you’re practicing and not working with a real cake. If you’re making a real cake, check out my recipe index for a fabulous recipe for a from-scratch cake!
  • Crusting buttercream frosting – use your favorite recipe. I don’t have a vanilla crusting buttercream on the blog at the moment (will do soon!) but the general rule is 4 cups of powdered sugar per pound of butter. I don’t use shortening in my buttercream.
  • Cherry Blossom Stencil Printable
  • Tracing film
  • edible marker
  • xacto knife
  • toothpick or scribe tool
  • edible pearl sprinkles
  • food coloring gel
  • edible petal dust in pink and green (use a pale green for a more delicate overall look)
  • firm square-tipped paintbrush dedicated to food use – The one I’m currently loving is from this set
  • clear food extract (lemon or almond work well) or a high-proof alcohol like everclear or vodka

Check out this cherry blossom cake tutorial to learn how to decorate a cherry blossom cake by painting on buttercream! Tutorial, FREE stencil printable, and video on GoodieGodmother.com

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, please feel free to comment below or send me an e-mail if you have any questions!

Check out this cherry blossom cake tutorial to learn how to decorate a cherry blossom cake by painting on buttercream! Tutorial, FREE stencil printable, and video on GoodieGodmother.com

And, of course, be sure to pin this for later! 😉

Check out this cherry blossom cake tutorial to learn how to decorate a cherry blossom cake by painting on buttercream! Tutorial, FREE stencil printable, and video on GoodieGodmother.com

This post is part of a fabulous flower-themed blog hop, and some of the ideas are fabulous! Be sure to check out the other posts too… <3

4 Fabulous Fun Florals

Goodie Godmother’s, Cherry Blossom Cake Tutorial

Cook. Craft. Love’s, Royal Icing Flowers

No Bohns About It’s, Easy DIY Floral Wreath You Can Make With Kids

An Aiming High Wife’s, Bloom Where You Are Planted

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Tara

Monday 21st of March 2016

I love how adorable this cake turned out...It would be perfect for Easter, or really anytime!

Nicole @Little Blog on the Homestead

Sunday 20th of March 2016

This is so gorgeous! What a great look, and perfect for spring :-)

Erin

Friday 18th of March 2016

Wow! That is so cool! This cake might be just the thing to get my over my sadness of not seeing the Cherry Blossom Festival. This former VA girl misses it!

The Godmother

Friday 18th of March 2016

If you make it (or have the kids make it), I want pictures! ;)

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