Number cakes aren't something we make often so buying a pan for one use becomes rather a waste right? Here's a simple, easy and effortless method on how to make an easy number cakes one, two or twelve. You can use the same method with almost all numbers.
If you've been following my blog by now you probably already know how I feel about buying special pans. So, here again I'm doing a cake that does not rely on a special pan.
Now I'm making a number 12 cake but you could use the same techniques for almost all the numbers. The best way to figure it out is to draw a number is just drawn or print the number on a paper then cut the shapes that connect.
The other simplest way is, of course, to use a number cut out and just trace round to get a full number. This is a good option if you don't mind extra kiddy snacks.
So here's how I made this number cakes - Number cakes 1, 2, or 12
I baked two sheet cakes, and one single 10" round cake because I'm making two numbers. And, if you were making a Number ONE you would need just a one-sheet cake. And, if you were making a Number Two you would need a round cake and a square cake.
Number cakes 1, 2 or 12
Here are my cakes. Two single layer sheet cakes and One 10 x 3" high round cake.
- The first layer, tort and fill your cakes as needed.
- My sheet cake (Picture 3) - I cut into 3 lengthways, stacked two layers together.
- Layered in Jam and buttercream and crumb coated.
- The second sheet cake (Picture 4) will make the bases for both the Number One and Number Two cakes.
- Here you can see I have again cut the sheet cake into three layers lengthways and then stacked two together which will be the base for my number One.
- The third layer I have cut in half and stacked together that will be used for the base of number Two.
Making the number 2 cake
- Use a large cookie cutter or bowl as a guide, to cut out the center of the number 2.
- Now go ahead and crumb coat it inside out.
- Next cut out a triangle from the circle. (make sure you have a neat cut).
- Now take this piece of the triangle you just cut
- Flip it around and place as shown in the collage below.
- Remember the second sheet cake that was meant for the base of your cakes. Use the smaller one for the base of number two.
- Use your spare from sheet one if you need to ensure your base and the side of number two are equal.
Next, start working on Number 1
- Remember the sheet cake picture from above. This is the first sheet cake - Picture below.
- Cut a small rectangle from the side piece and shape it to form the top of your number one.
- Remember the second sheet cake that is supposed to be used for the base of the numbers. Use the larger piece for the Number one.
- And this is what you should have.
Time to roll out the fondant for our number cakes 1, 2 or 12
- Roll fondant and cover both the cakes as one piece.
- It is important to stretch the fondant gently around the corners so the fondant will stretch rather than tear.
- If you do it slowly and gently you will be able to achieve a nice smooth finish.
- Use your fondant smothers on the straight edges but use your hands on the round corners.
- Decorating your Numbers as per your design.
- This was made a Bat Mitzvah and the young lady wanted a Large number 12 in bright violet with white stars all over and snowflakes around. so here is what I did.
A white border in white... I used my gum paste extruder for this. - White stars in various sizes on the sides and mini stars light purple on the top. And of course the whole board is covered in snowflakes. and icing sugar to simulate snow. I used the star cookie cutters and snowflake cookie cutters for these.
- And the girls' name is English and Hebrew at the base.
Don't forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later.
You can find a collection of my tutorials and recipes here on Pinterest.
How I made the number 6 cake
And just in case you are interested in how I made the number 6 here. I just cut out a shape from the PC and traced it on the cake.
Linda
Thank you so much for helping out us amateur bakers. Your cakes are amazing! I am almost finished making the number 2 cake, i never could have done it without your photos and directions. I’m putting tractors and a garden on top. My grandson will love it. Your awesome!
Veena Azmanov
You are very welcome Linda. Thank yo so much for your kind words and support
Follan
Thank you for this tutorial. I made a number two cake for my friends daughter.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Follan. So happy to hear you found this post useful and you made a cake for your friends daughter. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback. Have a lovely day.
Sherry
Thank you for this tutorial, you saved me from buying an unnecessary pan.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Sherry. So happy you have success with this tutorial and enjoyed it. Thank you for coming back to write this feedback too. Have a wonderful day.
Joleen Lanning
Number cakes are and will always be in trend no matter how much cake decorating evolves. I love your take on this. Thanks
PS. Love your blog
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Joleena. That is true... Number cakes will always be in treand. So happy you hear you find my tutorial helpful. Thank you so much for coming back to write this feedback. Appreciate it very much. Have a wonderful week.
Ruk
Thanks a lot. Veena
Ruk
Dear Veena,
Thank you for the tutorial. You are just amazing. iam making my first 3D number '8' cake for 30 servings. Can u pls suggest the size of pans to be used...
Thanks in advance
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Ruk. A 9 inch cake batter will give you about 32 servings. Dont' forget to calculate cake scraps when making a novelty cake.
Ruk
Thank you Veena. Iam planning to make two 8 inch round cakes (two layers each) & join them to minimize the wastage... Do you think it will be enough for 30 servings or will there be too b much leftover. Pls advise
Veena Azmanov
Two layers of 8 inch cake will make 24 servings, plus you will remove the center!! So that's even lesser!
Ruk
Thanks Veena... So two layers of one 9 inch & one 8 inch should be enough rt?
Veena Azmanov
Yeah that should work for 28 servings.
Yurina
Hi I'm making my first number 2 cake for like 15 people what size of pans do I need to use
Veena Azmanov
For 15 people you would need an 8 inch size cake. Splint in two the shapes you require
Maria
Hello! I need to make a -#6 for 30 people. What size of pan I need to use?
Veena Azmanov
A 9" cake would feed 32 people
Jacqueline
Hi. Great tutorial. My niece would like me to make a #30 that will feed about 100. Could you help me figure how much cake I would need to make the #30 and still feed 100+. Thanks
Veena Azmanov
A 9 inch round cake 4 inches tall would make about 32 servings so based on that you can then calculate the size and shape.
julie
hi i have come across this which is really helpful, but please can you advise me, i am making my first number one cake and it needs to feed 25-30 what size would you recommend thanks in advance julie
Veena Azmanov
Well, an 8 inch round 4 inch high makes 24 servings and a 9" round 4 inch high makes 32 servings. SO if you take that batter and make a rectangle cake - may be a sheet cake. You would have the sevings you want. Keep in mind that you will need to consider that when you carve you will loose some cake. So bake a bigger and then carve accordingly <3
Candace Berryhill Johnson
Thank you for the tutorial. I am so glad I came across it. Would the half sheet still work for the number 16 cake as well? I am in need of serving about 50-60 people. Thanks