For my final cake assignment in culinary school, I wanted to create something that reflected not only my creativity but also my personal story. While most of my classmates were planning traditional wedding cakes with buttercream roses, I was drawn to something more modern and unconventional. Inspired by my teenage years in Arizona and my love for contemporary design, I decided on a concrete-grey cake with succulent flowers made from gum paste and fondant.
But I didn’t want the cake to just look unique—I wanted it to taste like a piece of home. So, I made it churro-flavored, a nod to the warm, cinnamon-sugar treats I often enjoyed during my teenage years. Whether I was at a local fair or hanging out with friends, churros were a constant comfort, and I thought the flavor would bring a familiar warmth to my otherwise edgy cake.
The first hurdle was getting the grey frosting just right. Grey isn’t the most common choice for cakes, but I wanted it to have that sleek, industrial look that reminded me of the concrete landscapes in city spaces. After a lot of experimenting, I found the perfect soft, cool grey that balanced elegance with an urban edge. It reminded me of Arizona's desert after a summer rain, when the sky turns grey, but everything feels alive.
Next came the succulents. Growing up surrounded by the desert’s natural beauty, I always admired how resilient yet beautiful succulents could be. Using fondant and gum paste, I carefully crafted each succulent leaf, shaping them to capture the natural curves and colors of the real plants. It was a slow and meticulous process, but the result was worth it. The flowers looked lifelike, adding a natural element to the otherwise structured cake design.
It stood out not only because of its bold, modern aesthetic but also for its unique flavor. The warm, cinnamon-sugar notes from the churro cake surprised my classmates, who were expecting something more traditional. The combination of the sleek grey exterior with the cozy, nostalgic flavor was the perfect blend of old and new, of where I’ve been and where I’m going.
In the end, I earned top marks, but more importantly, I learned that taking risks pays off. This cake allowed me to blend my love for modern design with the flavors that defined my teenage years in Arizona. This cake was my most proud creation while I was in school and I was so happy to share a part of Arizona with my New England classmates.
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