Some cakes are just cakes—sweet, simple, and satisfying. But some cakes tell a story, bring a feeling, or make you smile before you even take a bite.
The “Here Comes The Son” Cake is exactly that. It’s warm, happy, and filled with the kind of joy that only a homemade treat can bring.
I love cakes that have personality, and this one is pure sunshine. With its soft vanilla layers, creamy buttercream, and colorful fondant details, it’s like a little celebration on a plate.
The bright yellow sun, the soft blue waves, the tiny birds—it all comes together in the sweetest way.
Whether you’re making it for a baby shower, a birthday, or just because you feel like baking something beautiful, this cake is guaranteed to steal the show.
I’ll walk you through every step, from mixing the batter to shaping the fondant decorations, so you can create something that looks just as stunning as it tastes. No fancy baking skills required—just a little patience and a love for making something special.
“Here Comes The Son” Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake (Three 8-inch Layers):
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup whole milk
Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 6 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Gel food coloring (ivory, yellow, brown, blue)
Fondant Decorations:
- 1 ½ lbs white fondant
- Gel food coloring (yellow, brown, blue)
- Cornstarch (for dusting)
- Edible glue or water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Add vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk + whole milk, mixing just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Add sugar gradually, beating until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla and cream to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Color portions:
- Ivory for base frosting
- Yellow, brown, and blue for decorations
- Apply a thin layer of buttercream, chill for 30 minutes.
- Frost with ivory buttercream.
- Fondant designs:
- Sun & Rays: Color fondant yellow and brown. Roll out and cut sun and alternating rays. Attach with edible glue.
- Waves & Birds: Color fondant blue, cut wave strips. Use white fondant for birds.
- Side decor: Cut out clouds, stars, and birds. Attach to sides.
- Pipe a buttercream bead border along the base.
How To Decorate A “Here Comes The Son” Cake With Fondant?
Decorating a “Here Comes The Son” Cake should be an enjoyable process, and with the right approach, you can create a design that’s both stunning and simple to achieve. Here’s how you can do it effortlessly.
- Start with a Smooth Base: Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream and chill the cake before adding the final layer of frosting. A smooth surface helps the fondant adhere properly.
- Use the Right Fondant: Pick a pliable fondant that rolls out easily and doesn’t crack. Knead it well before rolling for a soft, workable texture.
- Dust Your Surface: Prevent sticking by lightly dusting your work area with cornstarch or powdered sugar. Roll fondant evenly to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Apply Fondant Gently: Drape the rolled-out fondant over the cake and smooth it out using a fondant smoother. Work from the top down to avoid air bubbles.
- Shape the Sun and Rays: Tint fondant in shades of yellow and orange. Cut out a half-circle for the sun and thin strips for the rays. Arrange them on top of the cake.
- Add Details: Use blue fondant to create waves and small birds. Attach pieces with a dab of water or edible glue for a secure hold.
- Enhance with Texture: Use tools or embossing mats to add slight imprints on the fondant for extra depth and character.
Can I Make A “Here Comes The Son” Cake Without Fondant?
Yes! If fondant isn’t your thing, there are plenty of ways to achieve a similar look using other methods:
- Buttercream Design: Pipe the sun, rays, and waves directly onto the cake using different piping tips. A palette knife can also be used to create soft, painted strokes.
- Colored Chocolate: Melt white chocolate, tint it with food colors, and spread it on parchment paper. Once hardened, break it into sun-ray shapes and place them on the cake.
- Fruit Arrangement: Use mango slices, orange peels, or banana strips to form the sun and its rays. This adds a natural, refreshing touch.
- Stencils and Sprinkles: A sun-shaped stencil with sifted powdered sugar or colored sprinkles can create a striking effect.
How To Achieve A Smooth Buttercream Finish On A “Here Comes The Son” Cake?
Achieving a flawless “Here Comes The Son” Cake requires smooth buttercream, well-crafted fondant decorations, and proper planning if you’re making it in advance. Here’s how to get it just right. A perfect buttercream finish makes the cake look professional and neat. Follow these tips to get that clean, polished look:
- Apply a Crumb Coat: Spread a thin layer of buttercream to trap any loose crumbs. Chill for at least 20 minutes before adding more frosting.
- Use an Offset Spatula: Keep it at a slight angle while spreading buttercream evenly across the cake.
- Smooth with a Bench Scraper: Hold it upright and press lightly while rotating the cake on a turntable. This helps remove excess frosting and creates sharp edges.
- Warm Your Tools: Dip your spatula or scraper in warm water, dry it, and then smooth out the surface for a sleek finish.
- Refrigerate Between Layers: If adding multiple layers of buttercream, chill between each coat to help it set properly.
- Fill in Gaps and Imperfections: After chilling, check for rough spots, fill them with extra buttercream, and smooth again for a flawless look.
Can I Make This Cake In Advance?
Yes! Making the cake ahead of time saves effort and ensures everything is fresh when it’s time to serve. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Cake Layers: Bake the cake, let it cool completely, then wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Buttercream: Make the frosting ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, bring it to room temperature and re-whip for a smooth consistency.
- Fondant Decorations: Create the fondant pieces and let them dry before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them firm and easy to handle.
- Final Assembly: Decorate the cake a day before serving for the best results. This allows the frosting to set while keeping everything fresh.
What Tools Do I Need To Decorate A “Here Comes The Son” Cake?
Decorating this cake requires a few basic tools to create smooth buttercream, vibrant fondant details, and a polished finish.
- Offset Spatula: Helps spread buttercream smoothly across the cake.
- Bench Scraper: Essential for achieving a clean, even buttercream finish.
- Fondant Rolling Pin: Needed to roll out fondant evenly for decorations.
- Circle and Strip Cutters: Makes it easier to cut out the sun, rays, and wave details.
- Edible Glue or Water Brush: Helps stick fondant decorations securely onto the cake.
- Gel Food Colors: Needed to create vibrant yellow, blue, and brown shades for the design.
- Sharp Knife or X-Acto Blade: Useful for precise fondant cuts.
- Cake Turntable: Makes decorating smoother and more controlled.
- Piping Bags & Tips: For any additional buttercream details or borders.
How To Color Fondant For A “Here Comes The Son” Cake?
Coloring fondant correctly ensures bright and beautiful decorations without altering the texture.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Liquid food coloring can make fondant sticky. Gel colors are more concentrated and provide vibrant results.
- Knead Gradually: Add a small amount of color at a time and knead until fully blended. Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands.
- Create Different Shades: For the sun, mix yellow and a tiny bit of orange for depth. For the waves, mix blue with a touch of white.
- Avoid Overworking the Fondant: Too much kneading can make it dry and crack. Knead just enough to mix the color evenly.
- Let It Rest: After coloring, wrap the fondant in plastic wrap and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps distribute the color evenly.
Can I Make A Gluten-Free Version Of A “Here Comes The Son” Cake?
Creating a gluten-free version of this cake is easy with a few simple swaps. The key is choosing the right flour and adjusting the ingredients to maintain a soft, fluffy texture.
- Use a Gluten-Free Flour Blend: A high-quality gluten-free flour mix with xanthan gum will help mimic regular flour.
- Alternative Flour Options: If making your own blend, try a mix of rice flour, almond flour, and tapioca starch for a light and moist cake.
- Increase Leavening Agents: Gluten-free cakes may need extra baking powder or baking soda to achieve a good rise.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Stir until just combined for the best texture.
- Adjust Baking Time: Gluten-free cakes often bake differently, so check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.
How To Store A Decorated “Here Comes The Son” Cake?
Keeping your cake fresh while maintaining its beautiful decorations requires proper storage. Follow these tips to ensure it stays perfect until serving.
- Cool Completely: Never store a warm cake. Let it cool fully to prevent condensation, which can ruin the frosting and decorations.
- Use a Cake Box or Dome: A cake box or dome protects it from air exposure and keeps it fresh longer.
- Refrigerate if Needed: If your cake has perishable fillings like cream or fruit, refrigerate it. Before placing it in the fridge, let the frosting harden slightly to avoid smudging.
- Keep Away from Sun and Heat: Direct sunlight and heat can melt the buttercream and fade fondant colors. Store the cake in a cool, dry place.
- Cover to Prevent Drying: If refrigeration is necessary, lightly cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it inside an airtight container to maintain moisture.
- Freeze for Long-Term Storage: To store for weeks, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.