BATMAN BEGINS

Ethan decided that this year, he wanted me to make him a Batman cake. He was very specific that he didn't want a Batman symbol cake, a Batmobile cake, a cake of simply Batman's head or upper body - it was to be the entire Batman...feet and all. I'm not a professional cake decorator, so the entire body sounded more advanced than my current skill level. I did some thinking and came up with a 3-D Batman bust cake idea - VETO. Less exciting upper body of Batman from the belt and above - VETO. After little to no consideration, I over ruled his request and decided to do the Batman from above the belt. As anyone in my family could tell you, I'm no artist - but this is what we ended up with. I made this cut out cake out of two 9x13 pans. I used my mom's trick, and traced the pans, so I would know the actual size I was working with, and then drew the batman shape I wanted on a paper bag using actual cake size I had to work with. That way, I know exactly how I need to cut it. Works like a charm every time (or, at least we always plan for that). Hopefully, Ethan isn't disappointed when he wakes up in the morning to find Batman has no legs. We'll have to have a talk... Here is a picture of my Batman in the frosting stage.

People have asked me before how I

make my cakes, so if you're curious, here is a quick overview:

(sorry, I never remember to take pictures of the cakes prior to the frosting phase). I always cook the cakes and freeze them prior to

decorating. When they're frozen, they're easier to cut and frost...and it cuts down on all the crumbs (btw, I have my mom to thank for ALL my cake decorating tips).

After I cut the cakes out using my paper sketched outline, I always do an initial layer of frosting before I add all the colors and details. Then with a toothpick, I etch the details into the frosting so that I know how much of each color I'm going to need...and most importantly, so I'm not just guessing as I go. Then I determine, based on the color, amount of frosting required, decorating tips etc. where to start.

I was unsure how this cake was going to turn out, but I'll tell you - I was happy with the end result...I'm not used to making "guy" cakes, but I have a feeling this is the first of many to come. (This is of the cake with the Batman toy that Ethan asked me to pattern the cake after).