Hi! I have an order for this type of design where a transformer figurine is "bursting" out of the cake but she doesn't want fondant covering the cake. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to achieve this look without covering the cake in fondant? 

you could stand up jaggedy chocolate pieces that you piped on -- or you could use cookies and pipe over them -- those cream filled wafer cookies come to mind --

you could bake your own pointy sugar cookies

I immediately thought of Airheads mainly because of the color and they can be cut and shaped.

You could use modeling chocolate.

You can make the jagged edges out of fondant and place them over your buttercream.  They are easily removed before the cake is cut.  I've never had any complaints as long as the fondant can be removed.

You can use royal icing because it dries hard. You van take a greased mold in that shape made from foil or something and pipe the shape you need, let dry, and use.  I've never tried this before but it should work since I've seen people make all sorts of things using royal icing.  

Thank you all for your posts! After I talked with her again she decided against the popping out of the cake look, but I will keep these ideas in mind for cakes in the future!

I’m sorry I didn’t post before but I have been having issues replying to posts. It seems to be fixed now, hopefully it will stay that way :) 

I’m going to try to attach a picture of how the cake turned out. Her son loved it, that made me happy :)

very cool! the best part is the honoree loved it -- doesn't get any better than that!

You cake is awesome, B. E. Sweetcakes!  It looks about a hundred times cooler than the original!

Thank you! I really enjoyed making it. Can’t wait for my next cake, it’s a Stanger Things cake for next weekend. I hope it turns out as good as the inspiration picture the client showed me! 

I have my money on you, Sweetcakes!!  You will kill it!

Very nice cake!  Well done.  It's no wonder it was well recieved :) 

Turned out great!  Makes it all worth it when you know they loved their cake!