How to Make Cake Candle?

Learn how to make a cake candle with this step-by-step guide! A cake candle is a unique DIY craft that looks like a real cake but functions as a decorative and scented candle. Perfect for gifts, home decor, or special occasions, these candles add charm and warmth to any space.

You can whip a quick cake candle by using a store-brought 4-5″ tall wide pillar candle and coat it with whipped wax for “frosting” effect. This will be a cost-effective craft to make cake candle handmade gift.

Want a quick tutorial to get started this handcrafted cake candle using store bought pillar candle is perfect for you.

However, in this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of melting wax, molding layers, creating realistic frosting drips, and adding beautiful decorative elements. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, this guide will help you make a stunning cake candle that’s both visually appealing and functional.

How to Make Cake Candle?

Related: 30 DIY Cake-Looking Candle Ideas

How to DIY a candle that looks like a cake?

Follow these steps to create a realistic cake-shaped candle with layers, frosting-like textures, and decorative toppings.

Materials Needed:

• Wax (beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax)
• Wax dye (liquid or flakes), mica powder, or crayon shavings (for color)
• Cylinder candle mold or Birthday cake silicone candle molds
• Candle wicks (pre-tabbed for stability)
• Heat-resistant mold (like a cake pan or silicone mold)
• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl (to melt wax)
• Spatula and spoon
• Thermometer
• Fragrance oils (optional)
• Decorations (dried flowers, glitter, beads, wax embellishments)
• Piping bag and star tip (for frosting effect)
• Silicone cupcake mold (if making mini cake candles)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Mold:

• Secure the wick in the center of your mold using a wick holder or chopstick.
• You can add wick in the end as well (optionally).

2. Melt the Wax:

• Heat wax flakes to 170°F (77°C) using a double boiler or microwave till it liquefies.
• Add color (pink, chocolate, or white for classic cake colors).
• Stir in fragrance oil for a scented candle.

3. Pour and Layer:

• If using a non-silicone mold, coat the inside with a light layer of cooking spray, vegetable oil or candle mold release spray before pouring wax. This helps the candle slide out easily.
• Pour melted wax into the mold and let it solidify.
• Repeat for layered effects.

4. Unmold the Candle:

• Let the candle fully hardened (usually 4-6 hours, or overnight for larger candles) before you remove from the mold to avoid deformed soft candle.
• For flexible silicone molds simply push from the bottom while peeling the mold away.
• If using non-silicone molds and your candle gets stuck, place the mold in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to contract the wax or warm the mold under water to expand the mold. You can also use hair dryer to soften the walls of the mold.
• Then turn the mold upside down and gently tap the bottom or press lightly to pop the candle out.

5. Make the Frosting Texture

• Whip cooled wax until it becomes thick and fluffy.
• Use a piping bag to apply wax around the edges.

6. Add Decorative Toppings

• Drizzle colored wax for a drip effect.
• Use wax shavings or embed wax fruits, sprinkles, floral decorations or pressed dried flowers.
• Brush mica powder on the candle for ombre effect.

7. Set and Finish:

• Allow the candle to harden at room temperature.
• Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch for safe burning.

Light your candle and enjoy the realistic, decorative effect! These make great gifts, home decor, or party centerpieces.

For a complete and basic guide to cake candle ideas, see this tutorial:

Keynotes:

• To achieve the perfect-mold look use silicone icing molds and topping molds such as decorative roses, balls, and frosting molds for setting your wax. You can add color into the wax or use mica powder for ombre effect.
• Once they harden, remove from molds and assemble the candle together.
• To connect various parts together to form the candle simply melt the base and glue the pieces together with a torch.

Candle Cake Kits for Beginners

If you’re new to candle-making, consider these beginner-friendly kits:

• Cupcake Candle Kit by Pop Shop America.
• DIY Pink Cake Candle Kit by Meli and Melo.
• Customizable Cake Candle Kit with choice of size, scent, and toppings by Kiki Candles.

Please note:

The image at the top is an imagination and not a DIY project to guide you to a unique style which is possible with a variety of silicone molds to make base, frosting, and toppings; which can be put together once they solidify.

For step-by-step instructions for a basic version refer to the video.

You can also find more realistic cake candles below:

30 DIY Cake-Looking Candle Ideas for Unique Gifts and Decor