In the captivating world of cake decorating, Natalie Sideserf stands out as a notable influencer who has taken the art of crafting hyper-realistic cakes to new heights. With a background in art and sculpture, Sideserf has honed her skills to create exquisite edible masterpieces, each more intricately detailed than the last. Her journey began in 2010 when a friend dared her to replicate a cake of a cow skull, inspired by the popular baking shows of the early 2000s. Since that first cake, she has transformed her passion into a captivating social media presence, enticing viewers with her ability to recreate everyday objects, animals, and even abstract concepts in cake form.
Sideserf’s artistic foundation significantly informs her technique, particularly in the materials she chooses to work with. Initially, she utilized fondant, but soon discovered that it was more challenging than the molding-chocolate based edible clay she currently employs. This shift not only streamlined her cake-decorating process but also enhanced the realism of her finished products. In her interview, Sideserf mentioned her desire to make crafting cakes accessible to both children and adults, which is why she has integrated easy-to-use edible clay into her repertoire. Realizing the demand for this product, she eventually launched her own brand of edible clay, a response to countless inquiries from her YouTube audience keen on replicating her stunning cakes.
As a dedicated educator, Sideserf shares her knowledge through various YouTube tutorials that guide aspiring bakers in creating cakes that resemble everything from a classic Krabby Patty to a hyper-realistic stack of pancakes. For those embarking on their cake-decorating journey, she recommends starting with her mac and cheese cake video—an approachable project to ease newcomers into the art form.
During our conversation, Natalie graciously shared her top six baking essentials that every aspiring cake artist should consider incorporating into their kitchen. First and foremost is her signature Sideserf Studios edible clay. This innovative product simplifies the crafting process, mirroring the texture of regular clay and offering a sweeter flavor than fondant, making it an ideal choice for those aiming to create visually stunning cakes without the intricacies of traditional fondant work.
Next on her list are sculpting tools. Sideserf draws a parallel between cake decorating and traditional sculpting, emphasizing the necessity of having specialized tools to achieve intentional shapes and designs. She suggests both cake-specific tools and standard multi-purpose clay sculpting kits available from retailers like Amazon and Michaels.
The importance of details cannot be overstated in cake artistry, and that’s where cake painting brushes come into play. These brushes assist in adding the finishing touches and intricate designs that bring cakes to life. Additionally, Sideserf highlighted wafer paper as a creative medium for crafting decorations like flowers—all of which can be incorporated into a variety of designs, such as her sushi cake that featured edible seaweed.
To add depth to their creations, bakers often seek vibrant colors, and Sideserf advocates for using food color gels or powders over liquids. These forms of food coloring provide concentrated hues without excessive liquid, ensuring that cakes maintain their desired texture.
Another essential tool she recommends is a non-stick baking mat, which helps baked goods release seamlessly from pans, protecting hard work from potential ruin. Finally, she praises Fat Daddio’s cake pans for their reliability and variety in sizes and shapes, which she has trusted over the years for her baking needs.
In a world where the art of cake-making continues to evolve, influencers like Natalie Sideserf are paving the way for aspiring bakers to harness their creativity and realize their vision through cake. Whether you’re attempting simple projects or more elaborate designs, Sideserf’s guidance, along with her recommended products, equips both novice and experienced bakers with the tools they need to bring their imaginative confections to life.
