An incredible display of culinary artistry has captured the attention of many as Welsh baker Emma Jayne Morris showcased her latest creation – a life-sized sculpture of Queen Elizabeth I made entirely out of cake. The remarkable piece was crafted over a four-week period in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Cake International.
Emma Jayne, the creative mind behind Emma Jayne Cake Design based in Aberdare, drew inspiration from The Rainbow Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I for this intricate masterpiece. Known for her detailed sculptures, Emma has previously amazed audiences with creations such as a life-sized horse from War Horse, and designs inspired by popular films like Avatar and Maleficent.
The royal cake sculpture was unveiled at Cake International held at Birmingham’s NEC, where bakers from around the world gathered to showcase their talents. Emma’s Queen Elizabeth I cake stood out as a true showstopper, attracting attention for its intricate details and lifelike representation.
During an appearance on This Morning, Emma shared insights into the creation process, revealing that the entire sculpture, from head to toe, was meticulously hand-painted and glazed with confectioner’s glaze. The attention to detail was paramount, with every aspect of the dress holding symbolic meaning related to the historical Queen.
However, the journey to completing this impressive cake was not without its challenges. Emma recounted a mishap during the carving stage that resulted in a serious injury to her left hand, requiring hand therapy due to a cut tendon. Despite the setback, Emma’s dedication to her craft shone through, and the finished cake is now destined for Hatfield House before being auctioned for charity.
Emma’s passion for creating edible artistry began a decade ago when she first crafted a cake inspired by the film Avatar, leading to subsequent invitations to Cake International year after year. Each new project pushed the boundaries further, culminating in the creation of the towering Maleficent sculpture, which required some creative problem-solving to transport.
The Queen Elizabeth I cake stands as a testament to Emma Jayne Morris’ creativity and skill as a baker, capturing the essence of historical significance in a delectable form. As the cake makes its way to Hatfield House for display and charity auction, Emma’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring bakers and artists alike, showcasing the transformative power of creativity and dedication in the world of culinary arts.