The Confetti Cakes Cookbook: Spectacular Cookies, Cakes, and Cupcakes from New York City's Famed Bakery

by Elisa Strauss, Christie Matheson

When a world-famous shoe designer walked into his surprise birthday party and saw the cake that was waiting for him -- a Manolo stiletto perched alluringly next to a tissue-filled shoebox -- it was his turn to ogle someone else's talent. The cake, created by Elisa Strauss of Confetti Cakes in New York City, was a sensation. Not only did everyone at the party want to know how it was made, they wanted to know how to create something as dazzling themselves.

This unique book contains projects for every skill level: from gorgeous, sugar-dusted heart cookies to delightful billiard-ball cupcakes, to sculpted cakes in the shape of wine bottles and Chinese takeout boxes, to the extravagantly beautiful, threetiered embroidery cake showcased on Sex and the City . With delicious recipes, stunning creations for every occasion, suggestions for time-saving shortcuts, and hot tips for fabulous results, all illustrated with gorgeous photographs and easy-to follow diagrams, The Confetti Cakes Cookbook is a must-have for the outrageously chic baker in all of us.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 2, 2007

About the author

Elisa Strauss is the founder and sole designer of Confetti Cakes in New York City. A former designer for Ralph Lauren, Strauss is famous for her whimsical, elaborate, fashion-related cakes. Her work has been featured in dozens of magazines as well as on the Today show, The View, and the Food Network.

Reviews

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pictures in this book are FABULOUS. Even if you don't know anything about cake decorating and just like to eat cake, you need to read this book. I learned a few new techniques and found out that I need a few more tools in my cake decorating tool box.

[Melanie Baeza · Rating 5 out of 5]

To those bakers thank you to inspire me thank you

[Sophie Ricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best cookbook ever!!! Elisa has the most delicious recipes and the great detailed instructions!!

[Purplepaperreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some amazing cakes - they're creative, beautiful and imaginative. If you're looking to actually make the cakes, and don't have an expansive background in cake design I could see the instructions being vague, the pictures too few and there are large leaps between steps.

There is a nicely detailed section at the start of the book that outlines how to construct a cake and what tools are needed, but it's the actual individual how-to pages that I find a little lacking. Instructions like "get the eggs as hot as you can" does not help the novice - what temperature is "as hot as you can"? (this is from the swiss meringue buttercream which is very tasty)

Details are also missing for example Strauss uses gum paste extensively in the book - but no recipe is provided.

I would use this book to gain ideas with the knowledge that some additional resources may be necessary to perfect technique

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an awesome book. I love the coffee notes in the chocolate cake, and the vanilla cake is light and spongy. The Swiss meringue buttercream is my go-to frosting, and it may be my favorite ever. Though the decorations are quite involved, the instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for a self-proclaimed decorating amateur like myself. I made the flipflop cupcakes; they took three days (I was very slow) but wow they looked great.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very few real (read: non-pro bakers) would actually make this stuff.

But the photography is great, the cakes are gorgeous, and I enjoyed looking at the pictures.

I think this book would have been better as something with photos of cakes made by the author and anecdotes about why she made that cake and the occasion ecc. ecc. rather than a cookbook.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun with this book!! I love the fact that it gives you the recipes and instructions for all the cookies, cupcakes, and cakes. I ended up making the onsie cookies and baby block cake for a friends baby shower, and the sports cupcakes for my nephews birthday!

[Melissa Shmish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extensively informative and includes stencils, designs for elaborate cookies, cupcakes and cakes, along with detailed how-to illustrations and a glossary of techniques used in the construction of the confections.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly inspiring. Great photos and tips from the author. You have to see these cakes to believe them!

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent photos and step by step directions. I'm definitely inspired.

[Lisaslc44 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to make, but can't. So I look at book and drool :)

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, if cakes could really turn out that pretty!

[Raha]

I've seen this cake designer on Food TV; her cakes are stunning!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful book of tips,techniques, equipment needed, recipes....& the pictures & ideas are amazing!

[Sara]

Also good, would like to have it on my shelf at home. Also has a good choc. cake recipe that I want to try.

[Jos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decorator's be prepared to be wowed!