It’s that magical time of year once again! We are absolutely thrilled to launch our **third annual** holiday series, a cherished tradition here at the blog: The 12 Cakes of Christmas! Over the next month, prepare to be captivated and inspired as we unveil twelve truly marvelous cake designs, each one meticulously crafted and created exclusively for this beloved series. Every single cake is brand new, never-before-seen, and brought to life by some of the most talented and favorite bakers in the industry. For this year’s festive theme, we’re taking a heartfelt moment to pause and reflect on our most treasured Christmas memories and time-honored traditions. As the month of December progresses, our days often become a whirlwind of endless to-do lists, last-minute shopping, and countless holiday tasks. The season meant to be the merriest often transforms into the *craziest* time of year!

So, amidst all the hustle and bustle, the planning and the rushing, we sincerely hope you’ll check in with us regularly. Let our blog be a little refuge, a sweet escape from the holiday mayhem. Because right here, on these pages, we are dedicated to celebrating the simple, heartwarming things that truly make this season shine bright. To achieve this, each of our incredibly talented featured bakers was given a special task: to create a cake based on a classic and cherished Christmas tradition, bringing their unique artistry to a universally loved theme. This journey promises to be a delightful exploration of festive flavors, imaginative designs, and the spirit of Christmas, one exquisite cake at a time.

The Second Cake of Christmas: A Gift-Wrapped Masterpiece of Edible Art

And just like that, it’s officially day two of our dazzling “12 Cakes of Christmas” series! Today, our second extraordinary cake beautifully celebrates one of the most heartwarming aspects of the season: the spirit of gift-giving and the profound joy of sharing with others. A present, irrespective of its size or monetary value, possesses an incredible power to spread cheer, warmth, and anticipation in the hearts of both the giver and the receiver. Who among us doesn’t feel a thrilling rush of excitement at the sight of a beautifully wrapped box, its contents a delightful mystery, a treasure awaiting discovery inside? This sentiment, this universal experience of holiday delight, served as the primary muse for **The Second Cake of Christmas**. Its inspiration? The art of gift wrap itself!

Meet the Artist: Stevi Auble of Hey there, Cupcake!

The stunning second cake in our esteemed series comes to us from the immensely talented Stevi Auble, the visionary owner of Hey there, Cupcake!, an acclaimed bakery nestled in sunny San Diego. This marks Stevi’s second consecutive year gracing our “12 Cakes of Christmas” series, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her back. Her extraordinary talent first captivated us with her breathtaking winter white cake from last year’s Christmas series. And who could forget her ethereal shimmering silver snow cake, a masterpiece unveiled earlier in 2012?

Stevi Auble is widely recognized as a trailblazer and a true leader when it comes to designing and crafting cakes with innovative edible papers, such as delicate rice paper and versatile wafer paper. Her expertise in transforming these seemingly simple materials into intricate, artistic elements is unparalleled. This celebrated trendsetter now makes her highly anticipated return to the blog with a cake that not only embraces but also elevates the potential of wafer paper to an entirely new echelon of gorgeousness. This particular creation by Stevi brilliantly captures many of 2013’s most coveted design trends. From its striking bold black and white graphic details to an elegant block of rich Emerald green and exquisite touches of metallic gold, every element speaks to contemporary aesthetics. It’s a design that is at once subtly edgy and overwhelmingly gorgeous, showcasing an innovative style that is both exquisitely elegant and wonderfully unique. Stevi’s latest creation is, quite literally, a perfect little present, beautifully wrapped and ready for all of us to admire and enjoy! It’s time to fully appreciate **The 2nd Cake of Christmas**!

The Inspiration Unwrapped: A Personal Touch

We had the pleasure of asking Stevi about the creative spark behind this remarkable design. **Stevi of Hey there, Cupcake! generously shares the heartfelt inspiration behind her festive creation:**

“For this particular cake, my primary goal was to truly reflect my own personal favorite holiday tradition: the thoughtful and artistic process of gift wrapping. There’s something profoundly enchanting about seeing a Christmas tree, its branches adorned with shimmering lights, surrounded by a magnificent pile of beautifully wrapped packages beneath it. It’s a vision that embodies the joy and anticipation of the season. What truly captivates my eye is the aesthetic appeal of perfectly mismatched papers and ribbons – the delightful interplay of various patterns, textures, and colors that somehow come together harmoniously. That’s precisely the vibrant and cohesive look I aimed to achieve with this cake. So, I took some very traditional Christmas patterns, such as classic plaids, and consciously chose to use them in an entirely non-traditional, fresh, and modern way, giving them a contemporary twist.” This approach allowed Stevi to infuse a deep personal connection into her design, making the cake not just a dessert, but a narrative of holiday joy.

Mastering the Technique: Wafer Paper Wonders

Diving deeper into the exquisite craftsmanship, **Stevi of Hey there, Cupcake! elucidates her innovative technique for this festive cake:**

“To bring my vision to life, I began by printing a selection of intricate patterns directly onto wafer paper sheets. The versatility of wafer paper allowed me to then meticulously transform these printed sheets into delicate, lifelike flowers – each petal carefully shaped and arranged to mimic the softness and beauty of real blooms, yet with an ethereal, almost paper-art quality. To ensure the overall aesthetic remained modern and fresh, I strategically incorporated contrasting elements. The bottom tier of the cake is elegantly covered with a classic yet strikingly bold black and white houndstooth print, lending a sophisticated foundation. For a playful and vibrant touch, a cheerful red and white polka dot print was ingeniously mixed in with the plaid flowers, creating a dynamic visual texture that prevents the design from becoming too static or predictable.

Adding layers of luxury and visual intrigue, a slender two-inch tier adorned with exquisite gold leaf was incorporated. This shimmering gold element, alongside the inclusion of small, meticulously crafted bows, served to introduce a crucial element of contrast and a beautiful sheen that catches the light. Consequently, while this cake maintains a very traditional foundation in its overall Christmas color scheme – embracing the classic reds, greens, blacks, and whites – the deliberate combination of mixed prints, diverse patterns, and varying tier heights works in perfect harmony to keep the design wonderfully fun, delightfully whimsical, and utterly unique. It’s a testament to how traditional motifs can be reimagined with contemporary flair, resulting in a truly memorable edible art piece.” This intricate balance of elements showcases Stevi’s mastery of wafer paper and her keen eye for design, making the cake a vibrant expression of holiday cheer and modern elegance.

Beyond the Cake: An Art Form Evolving

This “Gift Wrap Cake” by Stevi Auble isn’t just a dessert; it’s a vibrant illustration of how cake decorating has evolved into a sophisticated art form. Stevi’s innovative use of wafer paper, transforming it from a simple edible sheet into delicate floral structures and intricate patterns, pushes the boundaries of what is possible in confectionery. Her ability to blend traditional holiday aesthetics with bold, contemporary design trends highlights a growing movement in the culinary world where visual appeal is as important as taste. Cakes like this serve as stunning centerpieces, conversation starters, and an embodiment of personalized celebration. They challenge conventional notions of dessert, proving that a cake can truly be a canvas for boundless creativity and a reflection of personal stories and beloved traditions. Stevi’s work inspires home bakers and professionals alike to explore new techniques and infuse their creations with unique artistic expression.

Learn from the Best: Master Wafer Paper Techniques

We extend our sincerest gratitude to Stevi of **Hey there, Cupcake!** for conceptualizing and creating this truly stunning and innovative gift wrap-inspired cake design. Her artistry and vision have added an unforgettable masterpiece to our “12 Cakes of Christmas” series. And our heartfelt thanks also go out to Caleb Ackley, whose gorgeous photography perfectly captured every intricate detail and the vibrant spirit of this extraordinary cake, bringing it to life for all our readers.

For those of you who are inspired by Stevi’s remarkable work and are eager to unlock the secrets behind her incredible wafer paper flowers and decoupage techniques, we have fantastic news! Be sure to check out her comprehensive new **online class available at Craftsy**. In this highly anticipated course, Stevi herself will guide you step-by-step through her expert methods, teaching you exactly how it’s done, so you can infuse your own cake creations with similar elegance and innovation.

Looking Ahead: More Holiday Delights & Exciting Giveaways!

The holiday celebrations on the blog are far from over! Tomorrow, we eagerly move on to unveil **The 3rd Cake of Christmas**, promising yet another breathtaking design to inspire your festive baking. But that’s not all! We’ll also be sharing a brand new, delectable recipe perfect for all your holiday entertaining needs, ensuring your gatherings are filled with both beauty and deliciousness. It’s going to be a captivating two-post kind of Wednesday that you absolutely will not want to miss, so mark your calendars and prepare for a double dose of holiday cheer!

While you wait with bated breath for tomorrow’s exciting reveal, why not seize another incredible opportunity? Click through right now to enter our spectacular mega **KitchenAid Mixer Giveaway**! One incredibly lucky reader will win a top-of-the-line, coveted 7-quart KitchenAid mixer – the ultimate tool for any baking enthusiast. Don’t let this amazing chance slip away! Enter to win **here** and make your holiday baking dreams come true!

VENDORS & CREDITS

Cake Design and Creation : Hey there, Cupcake!
Photography : Caleb Ackley
Inspiration Image for Gift Wrap Motif : Ikea via Babble
Online Class for Learning Wafer Paper Techniques : Delicate Wafer Paper Flowers with Stevi Auble on Craftsy