Uggh, I did my first paid cake today for someone who was not family or friend and it turned out okay but there were flaws that really bugged me! It was like every step of making the cake and decorating it, something bad happened! First I was using a 3" tall pan and when I cut my cake noticed it was a little wet still in the middle. The cake batter had mini chocolate chips in it so when you test and it comes out wet, sometimes it is because you hit melted chocolate. Well when I tested it I got onw wet toothpick and the rest dry. So I had to stick it in the oven a bit and the sides got a little dry. Then I botched the fondant and had to do it again. Then when writing a message on it, I messed up and had to wipe it off and you could notice a slight off color and then the moisture in the icing caused a 2x2 inch piece of fondant to crack and slide about 1/2 inch down the side! And the top it already decorated and I don;t have the time to redo the whole cake decorations. I'm trying to do this all and in the middle go to find out that my toddlers got into the fishtank and various other things so I'm really frustrated and in tears. I have made tons of cakes and not had any problems then all of a sudden with one cake, everything that could go wrong did! It was my son's kindergarten teacher and I didn't want to take money for the cake because I was not satisfied with it and I told her that but she handed it to my son and drove off! I don;t know what to do!

I'm so sorry for your crisis! *hugs and tea*

If you told her that you weren't happy with it, but she paid you regardless, it may entirely well be that -she- was happy with it, and that should count for something. Besides, if everyone wanted perfect cakes, we'd all be buying machine made & molded tasteless pieces of sawdust.

Next time, if the edges dry (and that happens to me all the time), make a "simple syrup" and dab some of it on the edges. I can't remember if it's Squirrelly or Cali4dawn that has a good recipe (could be both!) but it'll help.

It sounds like you crumbcoated with buttercream? Did you let it crust over for a few hours beforehand?

*hugs* In situations like this, I toss a peanut butter sandwich to Loki and then things start to look up. Better next time?

Illy

You know, some ladies here once told me..
" Never tell you customers your flaws!" "Never point out where you thought you did wrong." I was feeling the same way today with the bratz cake. But when she came in and said " I love it, it's so good". I was so happy.. I responded with " I love it too, It turned out wonderful". It really felt good to say something nice about your own cakes even though you have some doubts. Give yourself more credit! So dry those tears and keep on baking!!! I'm sure it was wonderful!!

Sounds like to me Murphys Law.... I too seem to always have those kinds of cakes.... but I was told, on here I believe, that "relax, and things will turn out better". When I relax it does work, but I get all anxious when I start to decorate again..... You aren't a failure, not at all, you're learning right? so its not failure!

Thanks everyone for the advice and comfort. Next time I just have to leave myself more time in case of mess-ups, maybe get the kids out of the house while doing it, and relax and have fun! I love doing cakes but the joy was just gone when I did it the last time. I need to quit worrying and just have fun

We are always our own worst critics-"woulda shoulda coulda" really puts a damper on our self confidence-try next time " I think I will change this or that or whatever..." I found out that changes my attitude-it's hard to do things on demand-even if we take it upon ourselves to do it-you can't second guess what the customer is going to like and as long as you do it with pride-the rest is a learning experience!

We are always our own worst critics-"woulda shoulda coulda" really puts a damper on our self confidence-try next time " I think I will change this or that or whatever..." I found out that changes my attitude-it's hard to do things on demand-even if we take it upon ourselves to do it-you can't second guess what the customer is going to like and as long as you do it with pride-the rest is a learning experience!

Pat yourself on the back & wipe the flour off you apron!! You got through a cake disaster!! Good for you!! I seem to have a disaster everytime I go to the kitchen to bake & then it turns out good in the end!!!!! Good luck on your next cake~