Black Tie and Tails Cake

Step 1

In advance: Prepare base board. Using largest pan as a guide, cut board 1 in. wider than pan on all sides. Tint 136 oz. fondant blue. Use 36 oz. to cover board; reserve remaining blue.

Step 2

Also in advance: Make figures. Tint fondant: 8 oz. skin tone, 4 oz. black (suit), 4 oz. dark brown (hair, dog ears), 4 oz. yellow (cat), 4 oz. brown (dog). Reserve 4 oz. white. Use 2.5 in. globes for heads and bodies of adults, 2 in. globes for dog and cat. Tape top holes closed on globes for heads. Roll out fondant 1/8 in. thick. Brush globes lightly with Piping Gel.

For adult heads, cut a 6 in. fondant circle; for body, cut a 2 1/2 x 8 in. fondant strip. Attach fondant to globes; smooth with hand. Cut fondant away from open holes. Cut 3-6 in. diameter circles for hair, then use knife to cut hairline; carefully remove excess fondant. Attach hairline with damp brush, then smooth. If desired, add 2nd layer or use veining tool to add detail. Let dry 1 hour before drawing facial features. Use FoodWriters to draw dot eyes and outline mouths.

Step 3

For Bride: Roll 2 1/2 in long logs, 3/8 in. wide for arms; shape and attach. Cut small ovals for sleeves or cut two white pansies; cut off 2 top petals. Attach sleeves above arms. For Veil: Gather 6 x 10 in. tulle and wrap with florist wire. Insert in hair.

Step 4

For Groom: Use pattern to cut away shirt front; cut white shirt and insert. Cut small triangles for collar as needed. Use pattern to cut 1 lapel; reverse pattern for 2nd lapel. Attach using damp brush. Shape 3/4 in. wide bow tie; or cut a 1 1/4 x 3/8 in. strip for straight tie; attach. Roll 2 1/2 in. long logs, 1/2 in. wide for arms; shape and attach.

Step 5

For Cat and Dog: Use 2 in. globes for bodies. Tape top holes closed. Roll out fondant 1/8 in. thick. Brush globes lightly with Piping Gel. Cut a 5 in. fondant circle to cover globes; attach and smooth with hand. Cut fondant away from open holes. Roll 1 in. balls for heads; attach using damp brush. Roll and flatten small balls for cheeks; attach. Roll tiny ball noses; attach. Shape ears; attach. Let dry 1 hour before drawing eyes. Use FoodWriter to draw dot eyes.

Step 6

Finally in advance: Make flowers. Roll out white fondant 1/8 in. thick. Cut 2 pansies using cutter from Set. Set on thick foam and shape using ball tool. Pipe 3 dot centers; let dry in melting plate.

Step 7

Bake and cool 2-layer cakes. Prepare and cover with reserved blue fondant. Prepare for Stacked Construction.

Step 8

Set cakes on turntable or cake pan to raise above counter. Imprint sides using open heart, medium C-scroll and vine pattern presses. Stack cakes on base board. Use tip 6 outlines to cover imprints and add extra scrolls; overpipe with tip 3 outlines. Pipe tip 6 bead bottom borders.

Step 9

Trim 2 pillars to 8 in. for bride and groom; trim 2 pillars to 5 in. for cat and dog. Insert in top layer to rest on cake board. Slide figures over pillars. Attach white flower where bride and groom’s arms meet and on veil.

* Combine Brown with Red-Red and Black for brown hair shown.