I have a request for a sorting hat (harry potter) cake. I want to do it 3-D and have never done a 3-D cake before. I really need some advice and tips on how I could do this successfully. Any do's and don'ts would really help. Thanks.

Are you planning on covering it with fondant?

Jibbies

I saw one posted here somewhere. Maybe you could do a gallery search and then PM that artist to help you.

Definately use a dense cake recipe. I use the good old DH pound cake. I would have to see the shape but I am thinking it will be a wizard hat (my kids are still too young for HP,lol)

Smiles,

Val

My first suggestion is that you use the right textured cake. Everyone seems to swear by WASC, but I find it too fluffy. You might want to try a cake that has more of a pound cake consistency - it will carve much easier and then you can crumb coat it.

http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1T4GGIH_enUS258US258&q=sorting+hat+cake
Google images of sorting hat cakes

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://pics.livejournal.com/cauldroncakebkr/pic/000fqb0h/s640x480&imgrefurl=http://cauldroncakebkr.livejournal.com/21405.html&h=480&w=360&sz=30&hl=en&start=4&um=1&tbnid=n9a1-fOt170PPM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=97&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsorting%2Bhat%2Bcake%2Binstructions%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4GGIH_enUS258US258
This is a step by step tutorial

I do plan on covering it with fondant. And after I posted this, I did find some cakes on here that other people have done. So I am asking for help there. At this point, Im not sure what kind of cake they are wanting. Should I freeze whatever cake Im doing first? I think I read on here somewhere that carving frozen cakes is "easier".

Thank you foxymomma521 for the link. Im going to read it right now!!

Good luck and update us when you are done!

A denser cake is important.. but if constructed right it wont be too much of a bother.

A suggestion on the tip of the hat top and possible facial expression ... use rice krispy treats. Its easier to mold and sturdy enough to hold fondant.

Just a suggestion.

Thanks to ALL of you. I have considered rice kispy treats as well. I don't need to make it until towards the end of August so thank goodness I still have some time to "plan". I will let you guys know how it turns out.....

i don't know how big you need it.. but what about using the wondermold.