DIY Guitar Shaped Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Strings

If you're looking to add some guitar-themed flair to your next baking project, then a guitar-shaped cake could be the perfect choice. This article will guide you through the process of creating a guitar-shaped cake, with a particular focus on making the strings. Whether you're planning a music-themed celebration or simply want to be creative, this tutorial is for you.

Ingredients and Tools

To start, you'll need the following ingredients and tools to make your guitar-shaped cake:

2 cups of all-purpose flour 3/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup of white sugar 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup of milk, at room temperature Pie crust or roll-out fondant for the body of the guitar Cream cheese or fondant for the strings Food coloring (optional) Pastry bag and tips Knife or pizza cutter Cake pan or mold Pen or marker

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Baking the Guitar Body

Begin by preparing the batter for the guitar body. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and baking powder, then gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Ensure you mix until a smooth batter is formed without overmixing.

Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan or guitar-shaped mold. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it.

Step 2: Filling and Decorating the Guitar

Once the cake is cooled, you can add a layer of buttercream or flavored frosting, if desired, to create a smooth base. Next, cover the body of the guitar with a pie crust or fondant. Use a knife or pizza cutter to carefully remove any excess, ensuring a clean, even surface.

Step 3: Making the Strings

The strings of the guitar can be made using fondant or a cream cheese-based dough. These ingredients will give your strings their vibrant, elastic appearance. Here's how to make the strings using fondant:

Roll out the fondant to a thickness of about 1/16 inch (1.6 mm). Use a small round cutter to cut out individual string pieces. If you want colored strings, you can use food coloring to tint the fondant. Using a needle or a small pin, poke a tiny hole in the center of each fondant piece to create a hole for the string. These holes will be your tuning pegs. Use a pastry bag and tip to pipe or roll out long, thin strands of fondant to resemble actual guitar strings. You can adjust the thickness and length as desired, but thinner strings are generally more realistic. Attach the fondant strings to the guitar using icing or edible glue. Start by securing the strings near the tuning peg area, leaving enough length to wrinkle and drape realistically. You may need to fill the holes with frosting to create the tuning pegs. Once the strings are in place, create any additional details or decorative elements using fondant or additional icing.

Step 4: Finishing Touches and Display

Finally, decorate the guitar with any additional details, such as carved-out notes, gemstones, or floral designs. Place the guitar on a cake stand or platform, and display it in a prominent place for your celebration or for simply admiring your culinary and artistic creation.

Tips and Variations

To make the guitar strings more realistic, consider using different colors or patterns to match the colors of the guitar body. If you're working with beginners, you can use marzipan or fondant pasta to create the strings, which are easier to manipulate. For a more intricate design, you can add small, intricate details like fretboard markings. Experiment with different types of frosting or fillings, such as fruit-based fillings, if you prefer a more natural taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make other shapes with this technique?

Yes, you can adapt the technique to create cakes in the shape of other musical instruments or specialized cakes for specific themes.

Are there any particular brands of fondant or icing that you recommend?

When shopping for cake decorating supplies, look for high-quality brands such as Wilton or Americolor. These brands offer a wide range of options, from plain fondants to colored ones that can be mixed in various shades.

What is the best way to store a guitar-shaped cake?

Cover the cake and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. It should be enjoyed within a few days, and any leftover frosting or filling should be stored separately in the refrigerator.