Animal print cakes are versatile and easier than you might think, and there are a couple different ways to do them to match your ability level and get the desired look.
The first thing you might want to decide is if you want your print to be created before or after you cover your animal print cake in fondant. Beforehand is a little riskier, but will give your fondant a flat, uniform look (pink cheetah print above). Adding your pattern after you’ve covered your cake will result in a more 3D look, but is much more forgiving and easier to execute (pink tiger print above).
The inset look is simple, but you really only get one shot to get that animal print right on your cake. So make sure you are already fairly comfortable covering cakes, or have plenty of extra fondant:
- Roll out your base color.
- Cut out your animal patterns (spots, stripes) and place on top of the base color. Cut the pattern slightly smaller than you want it to end up, as it will grow as you roll it. If you make your own fondant like I do, you may need a bit of water to affix it to the base color.
- Gently roll until flat, cover cake!
Use the leftover fondant to decorate the cake!
In our house, I allowed the kids to choose one stuffed animal to have a birthday celebration every year. Their most beloved stuffed animals: Cheetah and Tiger. <3 Happy baking, everyone.
