Let Them Eat Cake…Violet Cakes by Claire Ptak

Is it early morning as you read this? Afternoon? Late in the evening? Because I can’t think of a time it won’t be appetizing.

If it’s late, and your eyes are tired, do read the title Let Them Eat Cake…Violet Cakes, carefully.

I don’t want you fretting about VIOLENT cakes and the implications.

Pay me no mind. I’m famished, running on empty, and have been mindfully eating* clean, healthy, cake-less meals for weeks.

Ask my sister Jo about me and cake.

She’ll say, “…pie brings out the worst in her.”

But cake!

Beautiful cake styling from Violet bakery's Claire Ptak. Come see LET THEM EAT CAKE...VIOLET CAKES. #cakelover #violetbakery #violetcakes #claireptak #shabbychic #cakedecorating #letthemeatcake #bakingideas #bakingideas #cakestyling #cakequotes

Violet Cakes by Claire Ptak

You’re gazing at Claire Ptak’s lovely creations and may recall a notable one known as Meghan and Harry’s royal wedding cake. Her cakes also showed up in the glorious A Floral Affair by Rachel Ashwell.

Claire has a way about her when it comes to showcasing blooms on buttercream.

Autographed - My Floral Affair: Whimsical Spaces and Beautiful Florals Book #rachelashwell #floralaffair
A must own! My Floral Affair by Rachel Ashwell: FIND HERE

BTW. All four of us in the family read a lot, but I am the only one who rarely reads fiction.

My three men enjoy discussing whatever fictional series they happen to be devouring.

Not me.

Give Me Nonfiction (and Cake)

I’m a nonfiction girl with a fondness for shelter magazines (Milieu!), design and picture books. spirituality and contemplative Christianity titles, and COOKBOOKS.

The French Kitchen Cookbook by Patricia Wells #frenchkitchen #cookbook #frenchcooking #frenchrecipes
The French Kitchen Cookbook by Patricia Wells

Yes, ma’am. Especially books about baking.

They engage the senses, and since I am a serial baker, they influence my baking.

In fact, before I ever read a design blog, my guilty pleasure was cupcake blogs. I think it may still be a thing.

Julia Child quote. A party without cake is just a meeting. A cupcake graphic by Hello Lovely Studio. #juliachild #cake #cupcakes #quote #hellolovelystudio

Let Them Eat Cake…Violet Cakes

So when I wanted to learn more about baker/writer/stylist Claire Ptak of Violet Bakery fame, I stumbled upon the cake menus for her East London bakery, Violet.

Heavens to Buttercream. Sweet cozy Moses on a naked cake with espresso.

This is JUST the sort of lick-the-bowl literature in which I adore getting lost:

“Three layers of moist vanilla sponge filled with tart raspberry jam and Madagascan vanilla buttercream. The top is generously adorned with Madagascan vanilla buttercream while the sides are left with a thin, almost sheer ‘naked’ covering of buttercream. “

(Vanilla Jam Naked Cake)

Humor quote about cake. Cake is the answer - who cares what the question is? Pink graphic by Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #cake #cakequote #quote #humor #baking #cakelover

The only thing more blissful than reading the descriptions of layered cakes at Violet?

Seeing images of them with Claire’s signature undone, noncontrived, unusual styling.

Pale pink buttercream on a cake decorated with fresh flowers. Beautiful cake styling from Violet bakery's Claire Ptak. Come see LET THEM EAT CAKE...VIOLET CAKES. #cakelover #violetbakery #violetcakes #claireptak #shabbychic #cakedecorating #letthemeatcake #bakingideas #bakingideas #cakestyling #cakequotes
Let Them Eat Cake…Violet Cake: Claire Ptak.

Gorgeous Food Styling

What I admire about Claire’s cake styling is the imperfection, romance, and old fashioned embellishment.

They look timeless and as if they were lovingly made at home by a great grandmother who has yet to invest in a clothes dryer and hangs her linens on the line. Her name is Esther. She mixes her batters in vintage bowls purchased from Woolworth’s in the early 60’s, delights in her garden roses, and sets the table with a handmade lace tablecloth for Sunday dinners.

Let them eat cake quote. Pink graphic by Hello Lovely Studio. #quote #marieantoinette #letthemeatcake #cakelover #hellolovelystudio #baking

Creations from Violet set my mind at ease and transport it to a simpler time in childhood when in summer we joyfully munched on rhubarb (or clover!) plucked directly from the earth and played kick the can or sardines when the sun went down.

To a season before grocery store bakeries sprayed neon art or photos upon birthday cakes, when strident efforts were still made to spell celebratory messages correctly.

Quote about dessert. Know what stressed spelled backwards is? Desserts. Random coincidnce? Doub it. Pink graphic and quote by Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #dessert #humor #quote #cakelover #baking

My Cake Style

I love to bake cakes but am too lazy with no talent for have little interest in: meticulous cake embellishment, gravity defying towers, fondant art, or complex cake decor.

My style is more granny-bundt-happy than cake-boss-couture, and I like to ice my cakes liberally yet simply, allowing the balance of delicious flavors to be the WOW.

In other words.

My buttercream brings all the boys to the yard.

Humorous cake quote with cupcake photo. Hello Lovely Studio. It's cake o'clock somewhere. #hellolovelystudio #cupcakes #cakelover #quote #humor #baking #sprinkles

Let’s be inspired and transported to LOVELYLAND with a parade of Claire Ptak’s uncommonly lovely creations from Violet.

(Pssst. I had never seen this image of Violet’s berry topped cake before decorating the flourless chocolate cake I made for my gluten-free husband RIGHT HERE, but it’s very similar, yes?)

Claire Ptak’s Violet Cakes

Fresh berries atop a white cake. Beautiful cake styling from Violet bakery's Claire Ptak. Come see LET THEM EAT CAKE...VIOLET CAKES. #cakelover #violetbakery #violetcakes #claireptak #shabbychic #cakedecorating #letthemeatcake #bakingideas #bakingideas #cakestyling #cakequotes
Let Them Eat Cake…Violet Cakes
Claire Ptak of Violet Bakery
Claire Ptak of Violet Bakery
Violet Bakery interior.

Beautiful Styling by Claire Ptak

White naked cake with fresh flowers on top. Beautiful cake styling from Violet bakery's Claire Ptak. Come see LET THEM EAT CAKE...VIOLET CAKES. #cakelover #violetbakery #violetcakes #claireptak #shabbychic #cakedecorating #letthemeatcake #bakingideas #bakingideas #cakestyling #cakequotes
Let Them Eat Cake…Violet Cakes. Claire Ptak.
Simple old fashioned white cake with fresh flowers on top. Beautiful cake styling from Violet bakery's Claire Ptak. Come see LET THEM EAT CAKE...VIOLET CAKES. #cakelover #violetbakery #violetcakes #claireptak #shabbychic #cakedecorating #letthemeatcake #bakingideas #bakingideas #cakestyling #cakequotes
Let Them Eat Cake…Violet Cakes. Creation and Styling by Claire Ptak.

Let Them Eat Cake: Violet Cakes by Claire Ptak

Fresh peony on top of old fashioned cake. Beautiful cake styling from Violet bakery's Claire Ptak. Come see LET THEM EAT CAKE...VIOLET CAKES. #cakelover #violetbakery #violetcakes #claireptak #shabbychic #cakedecorating #letthemeatcake #bakingideas #bakingideas #cakestyling #cakequotes
Pretty spring cupcakes with fresh flowers on top. Beautiful cake styling from Violet bakery's Claire Ptak. Come see LET THEM EAT CAKE...VIOLET CAKES. #cakelover #violetbakery #violetcakes #claireptak #shabbychic #cakedecorating #letthemeatcake #bakingideas #bakingideas #cakestyling #cakequotes
Old fashioned layer cake with fresh flowers on top. Beautiful cake styling from Violet bakery's Claire Ptak. Come see LET THEM EAT CAKE...VIOLET CAKES. #cakelover #violetbakery #violetcakes #claireptak #shabbychic #cakedecorating #letthemeatcake #bakingideas #bakingideas #cakestyling #cakequotes
Old fashioned layer cake with fresh flowers on top. Beautiful cake styling from Violet bakery's Claire Ptak. Come see LET THEM EAT CAKE...VIOLET CAKES. #cakelover #violetbakery #violetcakes #claireptak #shabbychic #cakedecorating #letthemeatcake #bakingideas #bakingideas #cakestyling #cakequotes
Let Them Eat Cake…Violet Cakes
Old fashioned layer cake with fresh flowers on top. Beautiful cake styling from Violet bakery's Claire Ptak. Come see LET THEM EAT CAKE...VIOLET CAKES. #cakelover #violetbakery #violetcakes #claireptak #shabbychic #cakedecorating #letthemeatcake #bakingideas #bakingideas #cakestyling #cakequotes
Pale pink old fashioned layer cake with fresh flowers on top. Beautiful cake styling from Violet bakery's Claire Ptak. Come see LET THEM EAT CAKE...VIOLET CAKES. #cakelover #violetbakery #violetcakes #claireptak #shabbychic #cakedecorating #letthemeatcake #bakingideas #bakingideas #cakestyling #cakequotes

Baking Lovely from a Cake Lover, Not a Boss

Just a reminder. The easiest way to show appreciation for this blog? If you have anything at all in your cart on Amazon (doesn’t have to be stuff from this site) USE THIS LINK before you checkout to buy what you already intended to buy…it won’t cost a dime extra yet may earn Hello Lovely a few pennies!!!

The easiest way I know how to bake someone happy:

Wilton Nonstick Pan
Wilton Nonstick Pan: FIND HERE

I use these for cinnamon rolls, deep dish pizza, and sometimes CAKE…

Wilton Round Cake Pans
Wilton Round Cake Pans, Set of 2

Mine get used all of the time, and this is what I use for a gooey butter cake and Special K bars:

Wilton Aluminum Sheet Pan
Wilton Aluminum Sheet Pan: FIND HERE

This saves on cleanup…

Silicone Baking Mats, Set of 2
Silicone Baking Mats, Set of 2

I don’t like weeping over broken or chipped mixing bowls…

Melamine Mixing Bowls, Set of 2
Cheerful Melamine Mixing Bowls, Set of 2

Here’s the exact cake pedestal I have:

FootedCakePlatterWDomeSHF15
Cake Pedestal, Crate & Barrel

Guys. This simple pedestal can display a range of lovely baked goods or fruit or tea sandwiches or…do people make tea sandwiches? I’m just saying I use mine all the time.

Front Pocket Striped Linen Apron
Linen Stripe Apron: FIND HERE

If you’re kind of a Betty Basketcase in the kitchen and want to transform your batter making (and smoothie making!), this will surely rise to the occasion…take it from a girl who hates machines, I find this model super easy to use.

Explorian Series E310 Blender
Vitamix Explorian Blender: FIND HERE

If ever you’re in East London, swing by

Violet Bakery:

47 Wilton Way, E8 3ED, London

Monday to Friday 8:00–6:00

Saturday and Sunday 9:30-6:00

Humor quote about cake. How do I like my eggs? Um...in a cake. #hellolovelystudio #cake #humor #quote #bakers #baking #dessert

SHOULD YOU SUDDENLY BE IN THE MOOD FOR MARIE ANTOINETTE…

Marie Antoinette For No Good Reason

And further…

for my flourless cake recipe, SEE THIS. Visit here for my Sugar Cookie Truffles recipe (you can make ’em GF or with regular cookies).

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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8 Comments

  1. July 25, 2018 / 11:45 am

    I love white cake with raspberry filling and white almond buttercream frosting! I am actually getting ready to make a cake in about an hour for a party we are having tomorrow. I love this post and can’t wait to explore Claires cake more. Have a lovely day Michele.

    • michele
      Author
      July 25, 2018 / 12:25 pm

      Can I come, Elizabeth!?! Thanks for playing along. You are describing some of my favorite flavors! I once made a memorable white almond cake with buttercream and raspberry filling for friends who were newly engaged. I don’t often make layer cakes, but this was one of those special occasions. It also had white chocolate shavings on top. Time to bake! 🙂

  2. July 25, 2018 / 1:49 pm

    Michèle i hear you on cake, but I have to admit a pie and cake blend sometimes is the BEST of both WORLDS…
    lové a good lemon Cheese cake, ( Lemon supreme cream cheese) layered gram pie crust, cheese cake, cream cheese layered with lemon pie filling topped with hand whipped cream and shavings of lemon topping.
    As for cake, lemon in the summer and rich dark fudge in the winter.
    I have a great decorators spinning pedestal and I even like to use my new set out for baking painters knife. It’s the flexablity in it and sharp edges that handles like a pro decorator.

    I love stainless steal and glass and steal mixing bowls, I toss if I get a chip, I love that I can chill nicely in them when need be and creams just whip sooo! Smoothly. You need to do a … hello baker, site and bake your heart out, I love seeing your yumminess and inviting bakers to share is the best.
    I feel like putting the brushes and paints away and getting out the baking tools.

    I ador violet cakes, the royal wedding put her on the map. As for the floral Affair, could a book as such RA get any better.

    Lots of sweet powder sugar kisses to you sweet friend.
    Xx
    Doré

    • michele
      Author
      July 25, 2018 / 2:07 pm

      You’re a gem, Dore. Claire’s work is so charming and timeless. I could gaze at her pretty ‘unstyled’ lovely all day. If you are callin’ a cheesecake a pie, then we’re good – never met a cheesecake I didn’t want to date. But fruit pies have never done it for me. Give me a crisp or a cobbler with a la mode melting and pooling luxuriantly. I can indeed imagine becoming an imperfect cake blogger and will have to discuss it with my people (translation: my sis). Thx for the sugar, love! 🙂

  3. Mary
    July 25, 2018 / 3:01 pm

    So much to absorb today! First, cake pedestals: have collected a lovely dozen over time, finding them at random antique shops in whatever city. I cherish them and display them in a lovely glass cabinet, using them as often as possible, even for more than cakes. Wish they could talk to tell me about their past. Second, reading selections: I read what you read. My son is a writer of crime fiction so I have to read his works (he is talented; books out in the Fall) but prefer the LOVELY, be it home, kitchen or spirit. Favorite cake? My mom and I had the same birth date and we both loved coconut cake which we shared each year. Sentimental coconut cake. This was a gorgeous post. Are we all craving “simple times”, in this too-nutso-getting nuttier world? You hit on something important today. Let’s celebrate sweet, lovely, simple…with cake! Be at peace, dear Michele.

    • michele
      Author
      July 26, 2018 / 1:20 am

      How special that you collect pedestals. I have quite a few! Your words have found me at just the right moment. I love that you get it, and I am with you about celebrating with cake…let’s lead the way. Thanks for the peace, friend. xox

  4. July 26, 2018 / 6:17 am

    This is such a lovely, artistic, romantic post today! Claire’s cakes are just heavenly to look at and I’m sure equally amazing to taste!
    xo
    Holly

    • michele
      Author
      July 26, 2018 / 8:40 am

      Yes! I am sure the taste is transcendent. Thanks so much for devouring this post!

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White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
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Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
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White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
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Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
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Belgian Linen Duvet Set
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Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing