Pillow Cake

A pillow cake gives that wonderful, warm-hug feeling. And, making it a red heart cake just makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day. You will be surprised how easy this cake is to make. And, your valentine will think you slaved all day over it.

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Pillow or cushion cakes are a delightful confectionery trend that brings a touch of whimsy and elegance to any celebration. These cakes are crafted to resemble plush pillows or cozy cushions, often adorned with intricate designs, textures, and vibrant colors, creating a visually stunning centerpiece. Pillow or cushion cakes are often made for various occasions, including birthdays, bridal showers, weddings, and anniversaries. However, they are particularly popular for Valentine’s Day due to their romantic and whimsical appearance.

Why make this cake?

• Versatile: This recipe can be adapted to different cake flavors and fillings, allowing for creativity and personalization.
• Professional Results: Using fondant and the lattice pattern creates a professional-looking cake that will surely impress.
• Valentine’s Day Theme: The heart shape and red fondant make this cake perfect for Valentine’s Day, adding a romantic touch to your celebration.
• Easy-to-Find Ingredients: The ingredients required for this recipe are common and easy to find in most grocery stores or baking supply shops.

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Step-by-step: Pillow Cake Recipe

Bake the cake

• Preheat the oven to 350℉/175℃/Gas mark 4. Grease and line one 7-inch heart cake pan or 8 x 8-inch square pan
• Sift the flour with baking powder and salt.
• In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Followed by the vanilla extract. Lastly, add the flour mixture and buttermilk and combine until smooth.
• Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Always cool cakes completely before decorating or storing them.
  Pro tip – Freeze the cake for an hour (optional) to make carving easier.

Prepare frosting

• In a large bowl with the whisk attachment, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Then, add the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Add the salt and vanilla extract, followed by the heavy cream. Continue to whip until light and fluffy.

Pillow/Cushion cakes

• If you use a square pan – Using the heart template, cut out the heart cake. Hold the knife at a 90% angle – straight up – so you get a nice straight side (not beveled)
• Round the edges and shape the heart, as shown in the video. Make sure to flip the cake over and carve both sides.
• Crumb-coat the cake and let it chill for 15 minutes. Make sure to flip the cake over and carve both sides.
• Chill the cake for at least an hour. Then, use a cling wrap to smooth the cake, as shown in the video.
• Roll red-colored fondant 10 inches larger than the diameter of the cake. Gently roll it over the rolling pin. Then, unroll it over the cake. Use your hands to smooth it out, cutting any excess as necessary.
• Tuck the fondant under so the edges are raised from the sides. Use a fondant smoother or your hands to smooth the sides and edges.
• Use a fondant lattice tool or the back of a paintbrush to create diagonal lines about an inch apart in one direction. Then, turn the cake over and do the same diagonally in the other direction.
  Pro tip: Starting from the center works best. Make a line in the center, then continue on one side, then the other. This helps keep them evenly spaced.
• You should now have a square (lattice) pattern on the cake. Use the back of a paintbrush to deepen the same lines. Use the bottom of your paintbrush to make a slight dip at every intersection of the lines.
• Using a tweezer, place a dragee at the corner of every square. Dust the cake with luster dust for a smooth, shiny finish.

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This is one of the cakes from my Heart Cake Tutorials collection. You may also like to see the videos for my Heart Cake and Conversation Heart cakes.

How do you create a lattice pattern on the cake?

• Roll out a small amount of red fondant into a thin rope.
• Use a lattice impression mat to create the lattice pattern on the fondant rope. Alternatively, you can use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to create the lattice pattern by hand.
• Attach the fondant lattice to the top of the cake using a small amount of edible glue or water. Start from the center and work your way outwards, gently pressing the lattice onto the fondant-covered cake.

• Valentine Strawberry Gift Box Cake
• Heart Cake Video Tutorial
• Valentine Heart Macarons
• Strawberry Red Velvet Cake
• Valentine Heart Cookies

Frequently asked questions

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