July Cake Decorator Spotlight
I’m thrilled to be featuring Dani from Caked By Dani in Austin, Texas! She has the most amazing and colorful cakes with cotton, pastels, leopard prints, and more! Read on to learn a little bit about Dani and check out her favorite cakes.
How did you get started with making cakes?
My interest in cake decorating began in 2009 or 10. I was obsessed with Food Network shows like Ace of Cakes, Cupcake Wars, and all the Cake Competition Style shows that would come on TV. It was those shows that inspired the beginnings of my cake journey. I am completely self-taught and relied heavily on baking blogs and what little was on YouTube to learn. Within 2 years, I was completely burnt out and I walked away from caking only doing small bake items for close friends and family. In 2016, in the midst of the hardest time of my life, I had a renewed calling to cake decorating. I was battling crippling depression and anxiety but felt strong conviction to pick it back up and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. This journey has been so therapeutic for me and has helped usher me out of such a dark place in life. I feel so thankful to call this my occupation.
What is your favorite process of cake decorating?
My favorite part of the process is definitely the actual decorating. If I am completely honest, baking in itself is an absolute bore lol. The creative process is what means the most to me. Adding all the bells and whistles that bring the cake to life is my for sure the best part of this job.
Do you have a memorable cake that challenged you?
My first wedding cake order was a beautiful disaster. Everything that could go wrong, did, to the tenth power lol. I had at least 5 meltdowns and told myself I would never do a wedding cake again. Thankfully it was for family and while I was devastated by all the imperfections, they loved it! I learned so much from that experience and it definitely made me a better cake artist.
What are your go-to tools when designing a cake?
Piping bags are an underrated necessity that I use for so many different functions when I’m decorating. My brushes are also clutch and I use them with pretty much every cake I design.
Do you have a favorite cake design?
Textured buttercream designs definitely have my heart. They are so versatile and I love that no cake ever looks the same with this technique.
For 2020, what do you hope to accomplish for your cake business/content?
I am hoping to level up my photography skills this year so that I can truly create the type of content that I envision. Hoping to acquire the proper equipment and resources to do that this year. Also, I just plan to continue to build more relationships and partnerships with people in this awesome community and with industry brands. I have gotten so many great opportunities and have connected with so many awesome people via my platform and I just want to continue to build upon that.
Where do you find your inspiration from?
Well, I guess it’s no surprise to anyone that comes to my page that color is a huge inspiration. Color is everywhere, in everything, and it inspires me every day. I am also largely inspired by fashion and my inner child. I love prints and patterns and all things whimsical and fun.
What do you enjoy doing besides making cakes?
When I’m not caking, I’m eating lol. I am a die-hard foodie and closet chef. I LOVE cooking! Although this pandemic is causing a strain on this loving relationship since I have to do it a lot more these days with the whole family home. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends and downing a nice whiskey and coke on days that end with Y.
What is your favorite dessert?
Believe it or not, this cake lady is not a sweets lover. Fun Fact: I didn’t even eat cake until after I had my first son. But if I had to choose a dessert it’s my Mama’s Pecan Pie. Not just any Pecan Pie, HER Pecan Pie lol. It’s the stuff dreams are made of and I have an out-of-body experience every time I eat some!
Dani’s Favorite Cakes
Cotton Candy Carnival Cake
(Side note: The commentary is mine for this feature. ) This cake is one of the most unique carnival themed cakes I’ve seen. Absolutely a fave of mine. Check out more carnival themed cakes here.
Colorful Pastels Cake
I am loving the watercolor effect and lots of fun accents!
Cotton Candy Ice Cream Cake
I would loved to get this amazing cake if I was a little girl!
Purple Rain Gold Beauty
Purple and gold is such a gorgeous cake combination. I am obsessed.
Fantastic Candy Themed Cake
Adding candy always is one of fun things you can do for a cake.
Stunning Pink Floral Cake
Beautiful cake set up with flowers, macarons and lots of gold.
Gorgeous Flower Cake
I’m loving the unique print on the cake!
Sexy Leopard Cake
The leopard print is one of my favorite prints and it has blended so well with the other colors.
Galaxy Rose Cake
Magnificent galaxy effect with roses.
Hawaiian Paradise Cake
I love the colors and it’s definitely giving me flashbacks of my Hawaiian trips!
Thank you so much, Dani, for sharing your wonderful creations! Please make sure you visit her Instagram for more inspiration!
Those cakes 💕💕👏
I love her cakes! 😍
Really enjoyed reading this interview. These are such beautiful cake designs! I have the hardest time picking a favorite between them.
And “ downing a nice whiskey and coke on days that end with Y” Might become my new mantra lol.
I’m glad you enjoyed reading her interview! it’s the best mantra ever. Lol
Thank you so much ladies!!!!