Anyone Else Hate Their Cake Cricut?

Decorating By Juliequeen Updated 3 Sep 2014 , 8:11pm by tracie42

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Juliequeen Posted 4 May 2010 , 3:12am
post #1 of 138

So far all I have managed to get it to do is tear fondant and ruin one of those awful tasting icing sheets. Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated. TIA
LL

137 replies
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Ivy383 Posted 4 May 2010 , 3:33am
post #2 of 138

I find that my cricut cake works great with Wilton fondant. I roll it out very thin. (So thin that you can see the circles on the mat thru the fondant) Wait 15 to 20 minutes after you roll out before cutting. You might think that it's too thin, but it's not. Good luck icon_smile.gif

Also play with the speed and preasure.

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MissCathcart Posted 4 May 2010 , 3:40am
post #3 of 138

Cakes should look luscious, not plastic. Use your own talent. Not a machine. How great can the cricut be if you have to use Wilton fondant? Have we all lost track of taste? I mean that on so many levels.

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Lcubed82 Posted 4 May 2010 , 3:52am
post #4 of 138

I have been going back and forth. I have had the best luck with Wilton fondant and gumpaste, rolled thin (you can see the mat lines thru it). Many reports say Wilton now tastes pretty good, but I am working with some fondant I had on hand, not the newer stuff. I tried some MMF, with mixed results. I just read someone say Candy Clay worked well for them.

I will be trying to cut 60 cookie decorations tomorrow, so that will be a decent test. I have tried the Thank You from Cake Basics, but it is too thin/fragile at the size I want. I used SCAL today to convert a heavier font, and it did well on my trial.

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tavyheather Posted 4 May 2010 , 4:33am
post #5 of 138

someone mentioned popping the fondant in the freezer for like 5-15 minutes before using..

and PP, you're correct...we have commercialized art...with that said I have heard of some awesome ways to use it by still using your design, it just cuts down on time...still dont think it's worth the $

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Juliequeen Posted 4 May 2010 , 4:37am
post #6 of 138
Quote:
Originally Posted by MissCathcart

Cakes should look luscious, not plastic. Use your own talent. Not a machine. How great can the be if you have to use Wilton fondant? Have we all lost track of taste? I mean that on so many levels.



No matter how much talent I have (or dont have) I see nothing wrong with trying to make life a little easier. Work smarter not harder and all that jazz. ITA about Wilton fondant wont use it EVER! But sure did gain a group of great friends because of it. icon_biggrin.gif

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Juliequeen Posted 4 May 2010 , 4:39am
post #7 of 138
Quote:
Originally Posted by lcubed82

I have been going back and forth. I have had the best luck with Wilton fondant and gumpaste, rolled thin (you can see the mat lines thru it). Many reports say Wilton now tastes pretty good, but I am working with some fondant I had on hand, not the newer stuff. I tried some MMF, with mixed results. I just read someone say Candy Clay worked well for them.

I will be trying to cut 60 cookie decorations tomorrow, so that will be a decent test. I have tried the Thank You from Cake Basics, but it is too thin/fragile at the size I want. I used SCAL today to convert a heavier font, and it did well on my trial.





Thanks for sharing icon_smile.gif Guess I'll just play with it a bit more.

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Juliequeen Posted 4 May 2010 , 4:42am
post #8 of 138
Quote:
Originally Posted by tavyheather

someone mentioned popping the fondant in the freezer for like 5-15 minutes before using..

and PP, you're correct...we have commercialized art...with that said I have heard of some awesome ways to use it by still using your design, it just cuts down on time...still dont think it's worth the $



Ill certainly agree its not worth the dough if it wont cut. Lol I have also seen things that can be done with it utilizing my own designs, which is why Im bummed out about it. I guess my line of thinking is that I shouldn't have to "get use" to using it when it is so costly.

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JaimeAnn Posted 4 May 2010 , 9:49am
post #9 of 138

I haven't had much time to play with mine yet but did a few cuts on one of the frosting sheets. It cut perfect the first try.

I used Medium speed, high pressure. and found the main issue is to make sure whatever you are cutting is glued down to the mat frimly with shortening.

I do not think of this as any different than using traditional cutters . I will still do my own piping, gumpaste flowers and other elements by hand but this will be a great ADDITION (especialy for damask work) to my Cake tools.

I will also be converting my OWN drawings via SCAL for cutting, so there is plenty of creativity still...
LL

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JohnnyCakes1966 Posted 4 May 2010 , 10:39am
post #10 of 138

I agree about working smarter, not harder. I wonder if the people opposed to things like Cake Cricut ever use cookie cutters, stencils, etc? For me, when using tools to create shapes/patterns, the talent comes in knowing how to use them so that the cake doesn't look tacky or over-designed. It still takes a creative eye to know how to design a beautiful cake, whether you cut your patterns by hand, pipe them on, or use cutters/tools.

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crazyladybaker Posted 4 May 2010 , 11:00am
post #11 of 138

I hate my Cricut Expression...does that count? LOL I have the dvd's showing how to use it but I still have ragged edges. I really want to create a pretty scroll design for an upcoming wedding so I will continue to try....ugh

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KayMc Posted 4 May 2010 , 11:16am
post #12 of 138

I returned my cricut cake - never even unpacked it. I was hearing such awful reviews about it, and I realized I hated the appearance of the cakes that were decorated with them. I agree with the other post that said all cricut cakes look the same. However, I saw a Jessica Rabbit cake that was to DIE for, and that took me off in different ideas as to what you could do with it. However, I didn't want another full time job to try to fiugre out how to use the machine well, and it seems to have a steep learning curve.

I may reconsider and buy one in the future; I don't know. I just don't want the one-dimensional look that is what most people will do with it. I know that won't be true for the people on this message board, though. The pictures of your cakes are just amazing,and the cricut will just be another great tool that you use.

PS - I 've used a cricut expression (with paper) for 1.5 years, and these are great machines.

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leah_s Posted 4 May 2010 , 12:34pm
post #13 of 138

I consider my Expressions to be a big expensive paper weight.

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costumeczar Posted 4 May 2010 , 12:51pm
post #14 of 138
Quote:
Originally Posted by crazyladybaker

I hate my Expression...does that count? LOL I have the dvd's showing how to use it but I still have ragged edges. I really want to create a pretty scroll design for an upcoming wedding so I will continue to try....ugh




Invest in a high-tech device called an exacto knife. It might seem more time-consuming, but if you're having trouble with the cricut you're probably spending much more time and aggravation with it than you think, and the exacto could actually end up being faster for you.

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Rhonda19 Posted 4 May 2010 , 12:55pm
post #15 of 138

I wondered how the Cricut was going to work.. l`m glad I did not rush out to buy one.....Like I usually do! I have some expensive paper weights too!!!

I posted this... but after seeing some of the work some of you have done..
It might be worth it! ... Maybe it's one of those things that you have to get used to??

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cakesbymark Posted 4 May 2010 , 1:13pm
post #16 of 138

i played with mine last night for the first time and the results were very mixed, i tried with wilton fondant and it just tore it up, tried gumpaste and that tore as well, played around with the speed and pressures and the cuts started to get better, so i'll be back at it tonight to find the right combo's

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Ivy383 Posted 4 May 2010 , 1:36pm
post #17 of 138

I don't see my cricut cake as something that will make/design my cakes for me. I see it as what it is, a tool. It will not bake my cake for me or apply the pieces that I cut on the cake. I can print 50 designs, but if I don't know were to place them it won't work.

I understand that frustration can set in when you try it for the first time and you don't get the results you want. (It happened to me) After the second try and reading forum posts from other members it all worked for me. I also own the Cricut Expressions and I love it! I got it over a year ago and I have done so many things with it. I have used it for church, work and the kids school.

My point is that both machines work and will make you happy only if you have a need for them and know how to use them.
icon_smile.gif

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candicemorgannicholson Posted 4 May 2010 , 1:45pm
post #18 of 138

If you follow the cutting edge cake blog they show several test of the cricut cake. They use it on everything from gumpaste to fondarific to sugar cookies to cheese. They list all the reviews it is very helpful. Also they tried every brand of commercial fondant/gumpaste and came up with a recipe that you can make. They swear it works better than any fondant/gumpaste out there. I don't have the cake I have an expression and it works perfect in mine. Unfortunately I can't do super cool stuff like sugar cookies because of food safety. icon_cry.gif The recipe they use is below.

Gumpaste for CricutTM - Single Batch
1/2 Cup Water
2 Tbsp Gelatin
2 1/2 Tbsp Shortening
1/3 Cup Corn Syrup
2lbs Powdered Sugar
2 1/2 Tbsp CMC

Heat pot of water on stove.
Sprinkle gelatin in 1/2 cup of water and let stand for 5-10 mns.
Put bowl of gelatin in to pan of hot water and heat until translucent.
Add corn syrup, cook for about 1 minute.
Add heated shortening - cook until completely dissolved.
Pour mixture into a 5 qt mixing bowl, add sugar, mix with dough hook until completely mixed.
Add color if desired.
Add CMC and mix well.
Wrap airtight and let rest for 24 hours.

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cakesbycathy Posted 4 May 2010 , 1:54pm
post #19 of 138
Quote:
Originally Posted by paulalovescake

Quote:
Originally Posted by Juliequeen

So far all I have managed to get it to do is tear fondant and ruin one of those awful tasting icing sheets. Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated. TIA


I was at the Maryland cake show this weekend and saw the cake machine in action. Provo Craft was there showing the cake machine and I was not impressed with what they were doing. I went over to Linda McClure's booth and saw the cake machine and the expression machine side by side. I saw no difference except the color. I used both machines and they both cut the same. I almost bought the cake machine but she showed me the Gazelle that is also a cutting machine. I was amazed with the ability to print an image on gum paste and the machine would cut it out. The can't do that! I don't want to spend a whole lot of money and have a bad experience like so many are having. Also, the cartridges are very expensive so I think I will have to keep pouring money into the machine and I really can't afford to do that because I only bake cakes for fun.




On a side note...with all the controversy between PC and Linda, I wonder how it was with both of them there using the cricut machines?

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Paige_Pittman86 Posted 4 May 2010 , 1:58pm
post #20 of 138

Okay i am confused.. Can you use the regular cricut Expressions to make stuff for your cakes? if so why would anybody pay all that money for the Cricut cake?? forgive me i am all new to the cake making world..

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makeminepink Posted 4 May 2010 , 2:02pm
post #21 of 138
Quote:
Originally Posted by candicemorgannicholson

If you follow the cutting edge cake blog they show several test of the cake. They use it on everything from gumpaste to fondarific to sugar cookies to cheese. They list all the reviews it is very helpful. Also they tried every brand of commercial fondant/gumpaste and came up with a recipe that you can make. They swear it works better than any fondant/gumpaste out there. I don't have the cake I have an expression and it works perfect in mine. Unfortunately I can't do super cool stuff like sugar cookies because of food safety. icon_cry.gif The recipe they use is below.

Gumpaste for CricutTM - Single Batch
1/2 Cup Water
2 Tbsp Gelatin
2 1/2 Tbsp Shortening
1/3 Cup Corn Syrup
2lbs Powdered Sugar
2 1/2 Tbsp CMC

Heat pot of water on stove.
Sprinkle gelatin in 1/2 cup of water and let stand for 5-10 mns.
Put bowl of gelatin in to pan of hot water and heat until translucent.
Add corn syrup, cook for about 1 minute.
Add heated shortening - cook until completely dissolved.
Pour mixture into a 5 qt mixing bowl, add sugar, mix with dough hook until completely mixed.
Add color if desired.
Add CMC and mix well.
Wrap airtight and let rest for 24 hours.




Ok, what is CMC? And why can't you do cookies, but you can do decorations for cake? I have the Expression that I got before Christmas, but I still haven't tried it yet!

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PTBUGZY1 Posted 4 May 2010 , 2:07pm
post #22 of 138

I think it comes down to practice, practice and patience in finding out what works for you as an individual, when you see something advertised they always make it seem like it's so easy, then you get it home and hmmmm not so.Isn't that their job to 'sell you on the product'. Your either gunna love it or hate it for whatever reason, I bought mine from HSN, have played with it a couple of times, a few things have turned out but I still need to work on the smaller more detailed cuts, and that's ok. Everythign takes time and practice. This is just my opinion.

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raquel1 Posted 4 May 2010 , 2:09pm
post #23 of 138
Quote:
Originally Posted by MissCathcart

Cakes should look luscious, not plastic. Use your own talent. Not a machine. How great can the be if you have to use Wilton fondant? Have we all lost track of taste? I mean that on so many levels.




I've felt the same way about the machine cut "look". I understand the craze because cakes made by people that have mastered this method are very pretty, but it is still a look that while beautiful it doesn't appeal to someone that likes to make a cake "luscious looking". I use cutters, exacto knives and many other tools but my fingerprints are on the cake... I feel old fashioned, but it is almost like the cake decorating loses some of it's creativity, jmho

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Jenn2179 Posted 4 May 2010 , 2:18pm
post #24 of 138

These are some cakes made with the circut. Don't think they look like they came from a box or from a program. It was great to have the machine cut them and not by hand which would have taken forever. Yes there is a learning curve but once you learn it you know it. I haven't gotten faster using an exacto all this time. It is great I made a template for zebra stripes. I have used it MANY times and saved myself so much time. I plan on using it for flowers too. Gumpaste flower cutters are expensive but I can make my own svg file for free and then use the cricut to cut them out.

I used the cricut to cut custom stencils for these cakes.
http://cakecentral.com/modules.....id=1624367
http://cakecentral.com/modules.....id=1620898

I used the cricut and custom svg files for these cakes.
http://cakecentral.com/modules.....id=1419039
http://cakecentral.com/modules.....id=1418422
http://cakecentral.com/modules.....id=1427094

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Mug-a-Bug Posted 4 May 2010 , 2:22pm
post #25 of 138

I don't have a cricut, but it looks like in your photo that your fondant is rolled too thick. I would mix fondant and gumpaste 50/50 and roll it very very thin. Then let it sit for a few minutes before you try to cut it. I know I have to do this with my tappits and other things or fondant is too sticky and doesn't cooperate. HTH Good luck. thumbs_up.gif

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crazyladybaker Posted 4 May 2010 , 2:23pm
post #26 of 138
Quote:
Originally Posted by candicemorgannicholson

If you follow the cutting edge cake blog they show several test of the cake. They use it on everything from gumpaste to fondarific to sugar cookies to cheese. They list all the reviews it is very helpful. Also they tried every brand of commercial fondant/gumpaste and came up with a recipe that you can make. They swear it works better than any fondant/gumpaste out there. I don't have the cake I have an expression and it works perfect in mine. Unfortunately I can't do super cool stuff like sugar cookies because of food safety. icon_cry.gif The recipe they use is below.

Gumpaste for CricutTM - Single Batch
1/2 Cup Water
2 Tbsp Gelatin
2 1/2 Tbsp Shortening
1/3 Cup Corn Syrup
2lbs Powdered Sugar
2 1/2 Tbsp CMC

Heat pot of water on stove.
Sprinkle gelatin in 1/2 cup of water and let stand for 5-10 mns.
Put bowl of gelatin in to pan of hot water and heat until translucent.
Add corn syrup, cook for about 1 minute.
Add heated shortening - cook until completely dissolved.
Pour mixture into a 5 qt mixing bowl, add sugar, mix with dough hook until completely mixed.
Add color if desired.
Add CMC and mix well.
Wrap airtight and let rest for 24 hours.




Thanks for posting this. I will try it out. I am not ready to give up on my Cricut yet...lol

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dchockeyguy Posted 4 May 2010 , 3:52pm
post #27 of 138

I took a class on the Cricut Cake this weekend at the MD show. I was able to get all of the things I cut out to come out fine on the first try. We used gum paste and not fondant. We might have been using the Chocopan gumpaste, or maybe Satin Ice. I don't remember which. It seemed to me was rolling the gumpaste very thin. We used a pasta roller to get it nice, then and an even thickness.

I think the comment about "have we lost our taste" is quite out of line however. I guess that poster has never used a cutter to cut something for a cake. If that's teh case, then more power to you! But I personally like the idea that a) I can do some things faster now because I can have them all cut out for me and that I don't need as many cutters. For example, this could cut a bunch of circles for me without my having to go buy a round cutter the size I want. This machine certainly isn't the be all, end all. It's a tool, just like any other (albeit a bit more expensive one!)

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mommabuda Posted 4 May 2010 , 3:56pm
post #28 of 138

I have an expression and love it. No way would I waste the amount of money they're asking for the Cake... it's the SAME thing. I can't believe so many people are buying them.

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Juliequeen Posted 4 May 2010 , 5:45pm
post #29 of 138
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnnyCakes1966

I agree about working smarter, not harder. I wonder if the people opposed to things like Cake ever use cookie cutters, stencils, etc? For me, when using tools to create shapes/patterns, the talent comes in knowing how to use them so that the cake doesn't look tacky or over-designed. It still takes a creative eye to know how to design a beautiful cake, whether you cut your patterns by hand, pipe them on, or use cutters/tools.




I found myself wondering the same thing and don't see what the big deal is.

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Juliequeen Posted 4 May 2010 , 5:49pm
post #30 of 138
Quote:
Originally Posted by candicemorgannicholson

If you follow the cutting edge cake blog they show several test of the cake. They use it on everything from gumpaste to fondarific to sugar cookies to cheese. They list all the reviews it is very helpful. Also they tried every brand of commercial fondant/gumpaste and came up with a recipe that you can make. They swear it works better than any fondant/gumpaste out there. I don't have the cake I have an expression and it works perfect in mine. Unfortunately I can't do super cool stuff like sugar cookies because of food safety. icon_cry.gif The recipe they use is below.

Gumpaste for CricutTM - Single Batch
1/2 Cup Water
2 Tbsp Gelatin
2 1/2 Tbsp Shortening
1/3 Cup Corn Syrup
2lbs Powdered Sugar
2 1/2 Tbsp CMC

Heat pot of water on stove.
Sprinkle gelatin in 1/2 cup of water and let stand for 5-10 mns.
Put bowl of gelatin in to pan of hot water and heat until translucent.
Add corn syrup, cook for about 1 minute.
Add heated shortening - cook until completely dissolved.
Pour mixture into a 5 qt mixing bowl, add sugar, mix with dough hook until completely mixed.
Add color if desired.
Add CMC and mix well.
Wrap airtight and let rest for 24 hours.




Thank you so much for helping, I'll give this a try. icon_biggrin.gif

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