How to make a watercolour cake

Before you start “painting,” you need to prime your cake. Spread a thin layer of frosting to seal in the crumbs—the pros call this the “crumb coat.” Let the icing harden for 30 minutes in the fridge. Add a topcoat and get out your brushes.

1. First add a neutral coloured topcoat of icing.

2. Then stir gel food colouring with a bit of water. (If you want a darker shade, use less water.)

3. Using a food-safe paintbrush, dab colouring all over the cake in an abstract fashion.

Looking for more cake inspiration? Try making this pretty petal cake.

A version of this article appeared in our April 2016 issue with the headline "Piece of cake", p. 51. 

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