If you’re looking to create a unique and eye-catching cake for a soccer fan, a 3D soccer ball cake is a fantastic choice!
I made this for one of my former neighbor’s son, and it was such a hit that I wanted to share the steps with you.
You don’t have to be a pro to pull this off – just follow these step-by-step instructions to create a cake that looks like it’s straight off the soccer field!
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Ingredients and Supplies
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Wilton 3D Sports Ball Pan (for the spherical cake)
- Vanilla or chocolate cake batter (your choice!)
- American buttercream (for filling and crumb coating)
- Black and white fondant (for the soccer ball pattern)
- Green fondant (for the “grass” base)
- Green buttercream: Grass piping tip (for piping grass details)
- Fondant smoothing tools
- Hexagon and pentagon templates (you can find these online)
- Toothpick (for stitching details)
- Powdered sugar or cornstarch (to prevent sticking)
- Cake board (to decorate and place your finished creation on)
Step 1: Bake the Cake
First, bake your cake in a Wilton 3D Sports Ball Pan. This pan creates a half-sphere shape, which is perfect for the look of a soccer ball.
If you want a full sphere, you can bake two half-spheres and combine them with buttercream.
I chose to keep it as a half-sphere for simplicity.
Once the cake is done baking, allow it to cool completely.
Then, level the top of the cake so that it sits flat on your board.
This also helps the cake layers come together evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Buttercream and Crumb Coat
Using your favorite American buttercream recipe (I have a go-to recipe that’s easy to make and smooths perfectly), fill and crumb coat the cake.
Crumb coating essentially locks in any crumbs and gives you a smooth base to work with.
After applying a thin layer, chill the cake in the fridge for about 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.
Once the crumb coat is set, apply a final, smooth layer of buttercream.
This step is crucial because a smooth buttercream layer will help your fondant go on more evenly.
If you’d like to try my buttercream recipe and get a step-by-step tutorial, you can find it linked here!
Step 3: Chill the Cake
After applying the final coat of buttercream, place the cake in the fridge again to chill.
Fondant is easier to work with when applied to a cold cake, as it sticks better and helps maintain the shape.
Step 4: Roll Out the Fondant and Cover the Cake
Now that the cake is chilling, you can start working with your fondant. Knead the fondant until it’s soft and pliable, which makes it easier to roll out.
I recommend measuring your cake before rolling out the fondant so you know you’re rolling out enough to cover the cake.
Place some powdered sugar or cornstarch on your surface to prevent sticking, and roll out your fondant until it’s large enough to cover the cake.
Gently lift the fondant and drape it over the cake, using your hands and a fondant smoother to gently shape it around the cake and smooth out any air bubbles or creases.
Trim away any excess fondant with a sharp knife or fondant cutter.
Step 5: Create the Soccer Ball Pattern with Fondant
To make the iconic soccer ball pattern, you’ll need black and white fondant.
Using a template (many can be found online) for hexagon and pentagon shapes, cut out an assortment of shapes from each color of fondant.
I used a hexagon for the black pieces and pentagon shapes for the white.
Once you have your shapes, apply them to the fondant-covered cake.
Working carefully, start placing the black and white pieces on the cake, using a picture of a soccer ball as a guide for placement.
Gently press each shape so it adheres well and takes the contour of the cake.
Since fondant dries quickly, you’ll want to work relatively fast so your pieces stay soft and mold to the cake’s shape.
Step 6: Add Realistic Stitching Details
To make the cake look even more realistic, use a toothpick to create stitching details between the hexagon and pentagon pieces.
This small touch adds a lot to the final look of the cake, making it appear like an actual soccer ball.
Step 7: Decorate the Base with Grass
For the final touch, let’s give the cake a “field” to rest on! Roll out some green fondant and place it over your cake board. This will act as the “grass” base.
Then, using a piping bag with a grass tip, pipe green buttercream around the base of the cake to give it that grassy look.
Step 8: Add Personal Touches
To personalize the cake, I added a number “6” for the birthday boy’s age. You could also add a name or any other detail to make it extra special.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
And there you have it – a realistic soccer ball cake that’s sure to impress! Serve it up at the party and watch the excitement on everyone’s faces.
Tips for Success
- Plan Ahead: Working with fondant can be time-consuming, so it’s helpful to have all your materials ready before you start.
- Smooth Buttercream: The smoother your buttercream, the better your fondant will look. Take your time smoothing it out!
- Keep Fondant Pliable: Don’t let the fondant dry out while working. Cover it with plastic wrap if you’re not immediately using it.
I hope this guide helps you create an amazing soccer ball cake for the soccer fan in your life!
Let me know in the comments how your cake turns out, and feel free to tag me if you share it on social media. Happy baking!