Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and along with the hearts, cheesy cards, and all things red and pink, we like to indulge in sweet treats as well! Some like to give a box of chocolates, but if you are looking for something a little more homemade, why not dress up your own favorite cake recipe?
Marie Nicole baked her family’s favorite chocolate cake recipe complete with buttercream frosting, and then embellished it with a sweet little banner crafted from some of our Canvas Corp papers.
Materials for Banner:
Canvas Corp Red & Ivory Toile
Canvas Corp Ivory Cardstock
Felt flowers in red and pink
Tiny white brads
Scalloped Circle Punch- 2 1/2 in
Circle Punch- 2in
Cardstock Ephemera Pieces- butterfly, sparrow, and crown
Chipboard Letter Stickers
White Thread
Paper Straws
Foam Adhesive
Glue Dots
The Process:
This chocolate cake is my family’s favorite, so I usually end up baking this one at any special occasion. I wanted to decorate it in a fun way for Valentine’s Day, so after frosting it with buttercream frosting, I sprinkled on a little gold glitter around the edges, and then created this paper banner to hang on top.
First, I punched out my cardstock pieces- the scalloped circles are punched from the Red and Ivory Toile paper, and the smaller inner circle is punched from Ivory Cardstock. I adhered these circles together using foam adhesive.
Next, using the glue dots, I attached the felt flowers to the circles after attaching them together with the tiny white brads. The little cardstock pieces are just bits that were in my stash, and those were added with some foam adhesive, as well.
The word “sweet” was added by using some chipboard letter stickers. Having a generic word makes it possible to keep and use this banner again! It’s definitely Valentine’s themed, but you could also use it for a girl’s birthday party or for a baby shower!
The last step was to string all the pieces together, and then tie them onto the paper straws. My husband helped hold the straws in place while I tied the banner on. It definitely helps to have an extra set of hands for this part!
My banner was a little heavy, so you might notice that the middle part is actually touching the cake. If you want your banner to hang freely, maybe try making your banner lighter, or having longer straws or even sticks.
As you can tell, I am no expert in cake decorating! The great thing is, if you keep it simple, you can make great looking cakes that don’t have to be perfect. As long as they taste great, that’s what will be remembered!
I’ll also share the recipe below if you are interested in this chocolate cake recipe!
Moist Chocolate Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup canola oil
1 cup brewed coffee, room temperature
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Buttercream Frosting
1 cup butter, softened
6-8 cups confectioner’s sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 – 3/4 cup milk
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add the oil, coffee, and milk; beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla; beat 2 minutes longer.
Pour into two greased and floured 9in round cake pans (I also line the bottom with parchment paper so the cake comes out easier). Bake at 325*F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, in a bowl, cream butter and confectioner’s sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Add enough milk to achieve desired spreading consistency. Spread frosting between layers and then over top and sides of cake.
Decorate with your cute handcrafted cake banner!
A simple and sweet Valentine’s craft and treat that takes just a few papers and embellishments. Serve up this cake at any Valentine’s party, or maybe even alongside some chocolate covered strawberries for a romantic dinner date at home. Keep the sentiment simple with using the word “sweet” or put your own spin on it!
We’d love to see what Valentine’s Day ideas you come up with using Canvas Corp Brands! If you make something, go ahead and post it and don’t forget to tag us! We love to see what our readers are up to!
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'DIY Valentine’s Cake Banner and Chocolate Cake Recipe' have 3 comments
February 6, 2017 @ 11:22 am Laura Kuhlmann
Yummy! I love buttercream frosting! But this sweet banner took the cake to such a special place! Love the papers used!
February 6, 2017 @ 12:27 pm Linda Simpson
Fabulous banner and oh my that cake looks delicious.
Hugs
Linda xxx
February 6, 2017 @ 4:15 pm jean marmo
This is just delightful!!!