If you’ve been on Pinterest lately, you’ve likely noticed whimsical, dome-topped cakes popping up in your feed. Bubble cakes are all the rage right now and they’re the best way to celebrate any occasion in style. From birthday parties to wedding showers to holidays, a bubble cake is a trendy, stunning way to show your love. Take a look at our favourite bubble cake ideas that even beginners can do!
What is a ‘Bubble Cake’?
Bubble cakes are whimsical cakes topped with gelatin bubbles and they’re set to be one of the biggest food trends of 2022. You essentially dip balloons in a gelatin mixture to form “bubbles”, pop the balloons and set the bubbles on top of or around your cake like a garland. The gelatin bubbles are purely decorative and although they’re not dangerous to eat, they won’t be that tasty. They’re made from unflavoured gelatin and water and aren’t meant to be eaten, but they’re so worth it for the stunning, otherworldly effect.
7 Bubble Cake Baking Essentials to Invest In
1. 5-inch balloons or water balloons
2. Balloon pump (optional)
3. 1 box unflavoured gelatin
4. Gel food colouring
5. Vegetable shortening
6. Grid cooling rack
7. Parchment paper
How to Make a Bubble Cake: The Basics
1. Bake Your Cake
You’ll need the cake base for your bubble cake, so you can either bake a cake from scratch or from a box, it’s up to you! Depending on how creative you want to get, you can ice the cake in a fun colour or design or even wrap it in fondant. The bubbles can be used on buttercream and attached to fondant with piping gel or corn syrup. You can also make cupcakes and place the bubbles on top!
2. Prep The Balloons
Fill the balloons ⅓ to ¼ full of air and tie to close. Pinch the balloon at both ends and tie the two together. This will help create a more round, bubble-like shape. Since balloons tend to attract fibres, be sure to place them on a dust-free surface.
3. Grease Your Balloons
Once you’ve blown up your balloons so they’re 1 to 3 inches in size and tied them together, brush a light coat of vegetable shortening and use your fingers to completely coat the balloon. Use a paper towel to wipe off most of the shortening you just applied. There should be a very light, clear sheen residue left on the balloon. This step is crucial for easily removing the balloon without breaking your gelatin bubbles.
4. Create Your Gelatin Mixture
Pour a 2:1 ratio of water to gelatin into a microwave safe bowl or mug, mix gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then, place it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Stir in a few drops of food colouring, adding more until you get your desired colour. Make sure to break up any clumps or large bubbles. Let the mixture stand until lukewarm.
5. Double Dip Your Balloons
Hold a balloon by the knot and dip it into the gelatin, rotating it to coat the sides. Hold the balloon upright, with the knot at the bottom, and allow the excess to drip back into the bowl. Transfer the balloon to the grid cooling rack knot side down. Allow it to dry for 10 to 15 minutes and repeat with remaining balloons. Re-dip the balloons in the gelatin, noting you may need to reheat the gelatin mixture in the microwave for 3 to 4 seconds.
6. Let The Balloons Dry
The balloons will feel rubbery at first, but will dry to a crisp, firm shell over a 24 hour period. Once the gelatin bubbles are completely dry, you can remove the balloon. Use scissors to snip a hole right beside the tied knot. As the air escapes, the balloon should pull away from the sides of the gelatin. Use the scissors again to cut a larger hole in the bottom of the balloon and pull the balloon out with your fingers.
7. Decorate Your Cake
We’ve made it to the good part! Bubble cakes are super fun and creative so you can go all out with decorating. Whether you want to make a girly, pink bubble cake, an under the sea birthday cake, or a champagne bubble bridal shower cake, there are so many fabulous options when it comes to bubble cakes!
15 Bubble Cake Ideas for Beginners
1. Pink Bubble Strawberry Bubble Cake | Cassie Cakes
2. Gelatin Balloon Cake | My Cake School
3. Pink Champagne Cake with Gelatin Bubbles | Bakes and Blunders
4. Bubble Pop Electric Cake | The Scran Line
5. Gelatin Bubbles for Cake Decorating | Chelsweets
6. Lavender Bubble Cake | All The Things
7. Bubble Gum Frosted Cupcakes with Gelatin Bubbles | Sprinkle Bakes
8. Pink Champagne Cake with Sugar Bubbles | Sugar Geek Show
9. These Gelatin Bubbles Will Blow Your Mind | Craftsy
10. Spooky Gelatin Bubble Cupcakes | Taste of Home
11. Birthday Bunny Balloon Cake | Intensive Cake Unit
12. Gelatin Bubble Garland Cake | The Sprinkle Factory
13. Tiny Gelatin Bubbles | Cake Decorist
14. Snow Globe Cupcakes with Gelatin Bubbles | Sugar Hero
15. Edible Balloon Birthday Cake | A Subtle Revelry
Bubble cakes are a fun, whimsical way to celebrate in style! Use our tips to make gelatin bubbles and try these recipes for any occasion!
This post contains affiliate links.
Did you love these bubble cake ideas? We’d love it if you shared this post on Pinterest!
Looking for more fun cake ideas? Make sure to follow our Food and Recipes Board on Pinterest!
