October Cake Decorator Spotlight
Stay Sweet NYC
Lindsay, Stay Sweet NYC from New York City, is this month’s cake decorator spotlight! I’m thrilled to be featuring her and her gorgeous creations including colorful macarons! She has a carefully planned Instagram feed is every baker’s dream (well, at least it’s for me!). Just head over and you’ll see what I mean! 🙂
Hi Lindsay! How did you get started with baking?
I always loved making the boxed cake and brownie mixes growing up, but it wasn’t till about 1.5 years ago when I decided to really pursue baking and start my own brand. What once started as a stress reliever from the hustle and bustle of NYC is now a huge passion of mine! There is no better feeling when you create something that can brighten someone’s day!
You often post your macarons on your feed. Do you have any tips for bakers who struggle with macarons?
Macarons are definitely one of the most complicated cookies to make! It involves a LOT of trial and error, and I still don’t get perfect batches 🙂 I have some tips on my website, but I also recommend taking a macaron class in person. Nothing beats hands-on experience! Some places that offer macaron classes are Sur La Table or research local pastry schools that offer public classes. If you don’t have the time to set aside for a class, then the internet is FULL of tips and tricks to getting the perfect macaron cookie!
Do you have any must-haves tools in your cake decorating kit?
Oh boy, I have so many!! Some of my top ones are gel food colorings (i.e. Americolor), tall metal icing scrapers– I use one from Wilton and the metal makes it easier to heat up for smoother cakes, and some kind of sparkle (i.e. gold leaf, edible glitter, sprinkles)
Is there a favorite style (cakes/macarons) that you gravitate towards?
I would say that my style gravitates towards fun, colorful, and girly! I love making creations that make you stop and stare because the colors just suck you in! However, it is always nice to do a super elegant cake every now and then too 🙂
Is there any cake decorating techniques that you want to learn?
I would love to have more practice on gourmet pastries like mille-feuille or laminated doughs (ie. croissants, etc.)
What do you enjoy the most about being a baker?
I think my favorite thing about being a baker is creative freedom. The possibilities are endless from cakes to cookies and each one is fun to decorate in their own way!
We were both in the same online blogging course that @sprinklesforbreakfast hosted last year! It has definitely helped with your gorgeous Instagram feed! Can you share a tip or two that may help fellow bakers with their social media or photography?
Yes, I was hesitant to take an online course but it was definitely worth it! (shout out to @Sprinklesforbreakfast) 🙂 I think the biggest thing I took away was to be more mindful of the things I was posting. For example, are these colors going to grab people’s attention, is the creation innovative, does it go with my aesthetic? Obviously you want to have fun and don’t want to make it too serious, but it is important to be mindful of the items you are sharing so they make the most impact!
What is your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
I am definitely guilty of being a BIG TV binger. LOL, I work in the stressful fashion industry as my day job, so there is no better way to unwind at night than with a great binge-worthy TV Show! And of course, baking is a great stress reliever too!
Which one do you prefer to eat? Cakes or macarons?
Oh, that is a tough one, but I think I would have to pick cake! 🙂
My Favorite Creations
Floral Buttercream Macarons
I used @wiltoncakes tip 101 for the flowers.
Halloween Inspired Macarons
Pink and orange might be my new favorite Halloween colors!
Mother’s Day Buttercream Flower Striped Cake
These buttercream flower stripes are so easy to do and give an elegant touch to your Mother’s Day celebrations. I used @wiltoncakes piping tips: 225, 129, 199, 2D.
Pretty Macarons Cake
Love incorporating gold leaf into my creations! It elevates them to another level!
Color Textured Cake
I love using the small offset spatula technique because it’s so easy to do! The only important tip is you want to keep the colors as separate as possible in order for them not to get too muddy and blended together!
I used @americolor “Electric Pink”, “Electric Blue” and “Electric Yellow”.
I use American buttercream when I want a really vivid color for cakes like this. The small offset spatula I use is about 3/4” wide and perfect for long colorful streaks!
Spring Themed Macarons
What’s not to love about macarons and sprinkles!?
Paint Splatter Cake
Color explosion all day every day! I love incorporating bright colors into my creations.
It’s A Party Cake
The glitter macarons are really simple to do and all you need is some @sweetsticksau edible art paint, @wiltoncakes paint brushes, and some glitter. I have used CK techno glitter here which is non-toxic for decorative purposes but if you are looking for edible there are other options.
Navy & Gold Geode Macarons
My take on the geode trend! It is amazing what you can do with rock candy!
Galaxy Macarons
At the risk of sound corny, these Macs are out of this world. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful creations, Lindsay! Head over to her Instagram to check out more of her work and give her a follow!
Read more about the past cake decorators!
