Calling all Swifties! It’s been a little while since I’ve posted in my Swiftie Sweet Series. August was a jam-packed month for my bakery, so my online posting fell a bit behind. But I’m back today with a new entry; you might even say I’m back to Begin Again…
I’m up to a fifth treat in this series. I’m not going in order, just jumping around as I get inspired! So far I’ve covered TTPD, 1989, evermore, and Speak Now. Next up is one of my favorite albums – Red!
For me, Red was when I started paying more attention to her music. I knew the big hits before Red, and perked up during Speak Now, but Red hit hard. Even before all the hype, All Too Well was a clear early favorite. I love the aesthetic and sound of this album; it definitely had a more mature vibe and a departure from country. While there were still bubbly bops, so many of my favorites dug deep emotionally in a poetic way. I gravitate toward her songs with emotional depth and melancholy. It’s a perfect album to drive around and sing out your feelings!
While I loved the original album, this was another TV release that elevated the era in such a substantial way. I love All Too Well (10-minute version)! It’s a musical representation of someone who keeps coming back with “And another thing…”. To know most of it was written in an impromptu emotional release is amazing to me; it’s some of her absolute best work. I only wish I could have been at the Eras Tour to hear an arena full of people come together to sing a certain lyric.
As soon as I started the series, I knew I wanted to incorporate red velvet cake. Not only is it a nod to the album, but Red (Taylor’s Version) included a music video for I Bet You Think About Me that featured a red velvet wedding cake! It was the perfect homage to this era.
I decided I wanted to do cake pops because I really haven’t had much luck with them in the past. I’ve only tried a couple of times but wasn’t happy with either result. This series is all about pushing me to try new things and practice techniques that could help me expand my offerings.
I started with red velvet cake. After baking a 9×13 cake and letting it cool, I broke the cake into large chunks and placed in my mixer bowl. I normally use buttercream icing, but thought cream cheese would be best with the red velvet. I added cream cheese icing, starting with a large spoonful, and began mixing on medium with a paddle attachment. I kept adding cream cheese icing until I reached a playdoh-like consistency that wasn’t sticky to the touch.
After chilling for 30 minutes, I used the tips and tricks from my TTPD sweets to dip them in white chocolate. Once they hardened, I added the Red-inspired images with a metallic red edible marker. I love how these turned out, both in taste and look! The cream cheese cut some of the sweetness of the cake and white chocolate; it was a good balance. I’ll definitely make them again!
Next up are macarons – what era do you think those are for?
Buttercream Dreams Bakery 