CHECKMATE Inspired by a couple with a passion for chess as well as each other, Jay Muse of Pâtisserie Lulu created this fanciful homage to their favorite game. The tiered “boxes” and cupcakes are made of Southern red velvet cake filled with cream cheese frosting. The surfaces are covered with vanilla marzipan for a porcelain-like finish. From the Jordan al- monds covered in pearl luster, to the hand-painted, silver accents and “seed pearls,” to the silver fondant ribbon on the very top, every last bit of the cake is made of edible materials. Pâtisserie Lulu, 40 Garth Rd., Scarsdale, (914) 722-8300
EXOTIC AUTUMN This cake was inspired by the intricate “mendhi” henna designs that adorn traditional Indian brides. The “henna” is made of dark chocolate and displayed against a burnt orange fondant ground shimmering with a coating of real gold dust (it’s edible). Inside, there’s rich chocolate cake filled with dark chocolate and praline crunch mousse. Susan Gambelli Custom Cakes, (914) 831-2001, www.susangambellicakes.com
WINTER SUNSHINE Simple vanilla cake gets a tropical burst of flavor from Key lime-flavored buttercream (on cupcakes) and fondant (on cake). The snowflakes are made of white chocolate and the “pearl” trim of pearlized sugar. Pâtisserie Lulu, 40 Garth Rd., Scarsdale, (914) 722-8300
HAT TRICK Like a stylish spring bonnet, this cake‘s yellow fondant surface is embellished with satin bows, faux pearls, and flowers molded from edible gum paste. The interior is chocolate cake with alternating bands of white and dark chocolate mousse. Magnificent Edibles, 208 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, (914) 948-7673, www.magnificentedibles.com
PEARLS ON FRESHLY FALLEN SNOW Hexagonal tiers of cake are coated in vanilla fondant and accented with white and silver luster fondant “pearls.” Inside, there is rich yellow butter cake filled with vanilla bean Bavarian cream and fresh sliced strawberries. Susan Gambelli Custom Cakes, (914) 831-2001, www.susangambellicakes.com
RARE ORCHIDS The unusual specimens adorning this cake are molded of edible gum paste. Various textures of fondant icing, ropey “vines,” and pastel colors complete the look of a hothouse garden. The interior of the cake is chocolate with chocolate ganache and fresh raspberries. Beascakes Bakery, 29 Maple Ave., Armonk, (914) 273-3612
