'Tiers' of Matrimonial Joy Loosed in CalJava Cake Competition

The sweet artistry of 11 Pennsylvania College of Technology students brought a touch of spring to campus Thursday: an annual cake competition sponsored by CalJava International. The students, all enrolled in an advanced cake-decorating course taught by Suzann L. Major, assistant professor of baking and pastry arts/culinary arts, created three-tiered wedding cakes – stunningly intricate and swaddled in fondant – that were judged by industry experts and the general public alike. After the competition, the cakes were moved from the Thompson Professional Development Center to the Madigan Library for display.

– Photos by Jennifer A. Cline, writer/editor-One College Avenue

Amanda J. Bickel’s orchid-adorned cake

Gum-paste flowers

Tanna M. Brewer’s dress-inspired cake garners third-place honors.

A variety of painstaking decorating techniques

Debra J. Campbell’s cake features quilting, beading and a variety of other techniques.

Intricate details

Ching Chan’s 20 hours of piping work earns first place.

Gum-paste roses offset piping design.

Katelyn A. Dellinger’s cherry blossom-inspired cake.

Graceful branches

Lilies dress a neutral cake.

Jessica M. Keyser’s lilies and lace cake

Danica C. Mazzotta’s bright, rose-covered cake

Bright and delicate hand-crafted roses

Love birds top Adam J. Snyder’s “upside-down” cake.

Carrie A. Williams blossom-filled cake receives second place.

Dainty spring blossoms burst on a cake-topper

A bread sculpture – using natural food coloring from beets and turmeric – is part of a display provided by students in the Advanced Patisserie course.

Lauren K. Yerk’s intricately piped lace-inspired cake

Detailed piping work.

A chocolate box, complete with chocolate flower.

Boxes by Principles of Chocolate Works students add to the display.

Students make a bread display in the tradition of the World Baking Cup.

A variety of breads adorn a display.

Hillary L. Dyson’s shimmering lily cake.