A couple of weeks ago, my sister-in-law hosted a lovely birthday dinner for my mother-in-law. She and my other SIL prepared a delicious meal of family-favorite party foods and asked me to bring dessert. I asked the birthday girl what kind of cake she would like for her special day, but she said I could choose, which meant my husband and kids hinted at an Italian cream cake for several days after that, heehee. So, Italian cream cake it was!
My sister-in-law said she would be decorating in a fall theme, so I wanted the cake to reflect her decor. As I mentioned a few months ago when I first posted the recipe for this cake, it really lends itself to so many different occasions with it’s creamy white icing and neutral (but delicious!) flavors. All I needed to do was add some fall flowers, and I found these gorgeous yellow-orange roses at the grocery store. Aren’t they stunning! The cashier told me they would open up so beautifully, and she was correct!
Before adding the flowers, I spread a generous application of the cream cheese icing onto the cake which I smoothed out with my Wilton icing spatula. Next, with one hand gently pressing the end of the spatula into the icing while turning the cake platter with my other hand, I made my way up the cake. I then did the same with the top. I’m sorry I couldn’t photograph this part since I was using both hands.
I already loved it just like this!
To add the roses, I clipped the stems almost to the flower, leaving just an inch or so of stem, and inserted a toothpick into each rose stem. I placed three roses on the top left side of the cake, and one rose on the bottom right side. This carries the eye in a pleasing cascading motion from upper left to bottom right. I then tucked sprigs of washed greenery from my yard up under the roses, and placed three tall gold candles on top. Oh, they were even more elegant when they were lit and glowing! I took a couple of ice cream choices to go with the cake to top of this festive dessert.
We enjoyed a fun evening together celebrating our guest of honor! The food was delicious and my sister-in-law’s home was decorated so pretty with all her autumn centerpieces. I wish I’d taken some pictures to show you.
When I came home later that night, I was surprised by a couple of roses left on the counter! I’d forgotten that there were still two roses left from the bundle that I didn’t need to use on the cake. So, I put them in a little vase with some leftover yard clippings, and enjoyed them on my desk for a whole week!
Have a blessed weekend, friends!
The cake is beautiful and so elegant! You should have one of the kids video you as you ice it. It was so impressive! I’m glad you had a wonderful evening celebrating your week MIL!
Oh, that’s a good idea! It’s such an easy technique and a video would show that anyone could easily do it. Thanks!
That is a gorgeous cake! Those roses are the perfect embellishment, and I am sure the cake tasted every bit as good as it looks!! 😋
Thank you, Denise! That’s what I love about this cake recipe—it’s pretty and delicious which makes it a keeper! I was so excited to find those roses in that pretty fall color. 🧡💛 Happy fall baking!
My mouth is watering looking at that beautiful cake!!
Aww, thank you, Rivers! I just finished a special surprise for the field trip tomorrow. 🎃🍪🤫
That cake is just beautiful, Alinda! Knowing you, it was even more delicious than it looks! Glad y’all got to celebrate your sweet mother-in-law!
You’re so sweet, Kelli! Thank you! We were so thankful to get to celebrate with Bonnie after the tough couple of years she’s had. She certainly deserved it!!
This is the same cake I made for Rivers’ shower. I didn’t get to eat any that night since I was on detox, so I was thrilled to eat a piece this time (even though the sugar headache followed 😜 but it was sooooo yummy).