Mirror cakes, anyone ever tried one? Pricing?

[SL6827]

Anyone ever ordered a "mirror" cake for a birthday? I have a feeling they are pretty pricey, right? I am going to get some quotes from several professional bakeries on them just to see how pricey they might be. Can someone elaborate on how the icing taste?

And this too, why are cake serving size guides so different? Some will say a 8 inch will feed 10-14, some will say an 8 inch will feed 24-28. I know you are suppose to cut a wedding cake smaller than a birthday cake, but it seems to me like all cakes are priced along the wedding cake guidelines, so I just though I would ask.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Do you bake? YouTube has some mirror cake videos. Using this recipe http://www.southernfatty.com/how-to-make-a-mirror-glazed-cake/ it looks like it tastes sweet. I mean, water, sugar, and glucose/corn syrup?I

I would think the servings would be based on the density and flavor of the cake, as well as if it's being served on its own or as part of a medley of items. I mean, technically a cake could be one serving...If you're hungry enough.

 

[_19disnA]

Never heard of that before, but the recipes I see online are mostly white chocolate, gelatin & sweetened condensed milk. Those ingredients would combine to give a sweet white chocolate flavor. It seems like a variation of chocolate ganache which also dries to a glossly finish, but the white chocolate gives a more neutral background so you can add other colors. Typically, things that are 'trendy' cost more in the store. If you are a baker, you could use that type of frosting on any smooth cake and get similar results. Cupcakes might be good for a birthday party, as you have a better idea how many you will get.

 

[SL6827]

Do you bake? YouTube has some mirror cake videos. Using this recipe http://www.southernfatty.com/how-to-make-a-mirror-glazed-cake/ it looks like it tastes sweet. I mean, water, sugar, and glucose/corn syrup?I

I would think the servings would be based on the density and flavor of the cake, as well as if it's being served on its own or as part of a medley of items. I mean, technically a cake could be one serving...If you're hungry enough.

Oh, law no. But I have seen some of those, so neat to watch. I ordered an 8 inch from the bakery that does all my cakes and it is in the $70 price range. Ill see if I can find a pic of it.

 

[SL6827]

 

[kaytieeldr]

Nice!

 

[AgentMama]

I love baking and think I'm okay at it, but this looks intimidating. Maybe if I follow the directions on the link that kaytieeldr posted and double the wine, I'll give it a try.

 

[smiths02]

Oh, law no. But I have seen some of those, so neat to watch. I ordered an 8 inch from the bakery that does all my cakes and it is in the $70 price range. Ill see if I can find a pic of it.

$70 seems pricey for an 8 inch cake that only has a mirror glaze as the decoration. I guess it could be where you live as well, but where I live a basic 8inch supermarket bakery cake would be less than $20. Specialty bakery looks around $25-42

 

[AgentMama]

$70 seems pricey for an 8 inch cake that only has a mirror glaze as the decoration. I guess it could be where you live as well, but where I live a basic 8inch supermarket bakery cake would be less than $20. Specialty bakery looks around $25-42

I don't think you can compare the cost of a supermarket cake to one you buy at a true bakery. The prices certainly aren't comparable in the market I'm in. There is also a quality difference here.

 

[smiths02]

I don't think you can compare the cost of a supermarket cake to one you buy at a true bakery. The prices certainly aren't comparable in the market I'm in. There is also a quality difference here.

Which is why I also quoted a specialty bakery who will make 8 inch cakes for $25-42.

I got a decorated 6inch cake at Disney...which should have huge markup for $65 (granted it was 3 1/2 years ago, but still)

 

[AgentMama]

I got a decorated 6inch cake at Disney...which should have huge markup for $65 (granted it was 3 1/2 years ago, but still)

Sounds like what they paid is right in line since your cake was 6" and $5 cheaper than their 8" cake.

 

[Shughart]

It's definitely a regional thing as far as pricing. Bakeries/cake decorators know what they can charge in their area. Trendy/boutique/custom cakes take skill and hard work. Some of these things take HOURS just to finish, not including the actual prepping/baking. I will say that in my area, the above cake would definitely go for around $70-80. That cake is tall, and can be cut smaller. You could absolutely get 24 slices out of it it. Slices are thinner, but longer.

Source: Cake dabbler, buyer of trendy cakes

 

[descovy]

Also how tall is the cake? Fillings? Grocery store cake about 3-4” tall with a thin layer of icing in between layers.

Bakery cake might have 4 layers of cake with 3 layers of substantial filling. Slice it thinly, but it will cover a plate.

A 3” tall basic cake may not serve as many people as a 5” tall multi layered cake with filling. Hence the difference in price too.