Warning! If you attempt this cake, it will take you longer than you think. And whatever you think that means, double it, at least. And if you happen to have an afternoon Easter gathering to get to, well, then, you’re just outta luck.

As I’ve made more and more cakes over the past year, that is honestly one area in which I’ve improved: I can give myself a fairly accurate timetable for how long a cake will take. So I was feeling good on Easter morning, my cake all made and covered in fondant the night before, ready for the vibrant splashes of color from my paintbrushes. I meandered to the kitchen, giving myself four entire hours to paint this, but was almost certain it would take around three. It took five. And I was late for Easter. 😦

And, shhhhh… I didn’t even finish the back, something that caused me, the Ultimate Perfectionist, physical pain and anguish.

It really is quite simple: all you need are the gel food colors, a brush, and some clear vanilla or lemon extract (or any clear alcohol, like vodka!). Put a little food coloring on the plate, mix a little extract so that it becomes the shade you want, and paint away. My steps are photographed below: cover cake in white fondant, sketch design with yellow food coloring, paint in the sections, and outline with black food coloring. Ta-da!

Here’s what the top looked like! Some of the sections are a bit streaky, but like I said, I was running really late!   I also tried this neat jello dessert I saw on this blog: http://robbygurlscreations.blogspot.com/2012/04/diy-easter-egg-jello-molds.html

I CAN’T STAND HOW CUTE THEY ARE!