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OLIVER THE MINI SCHNAUZER
"LIFESIZE 3D SCULPTED CAKE"

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TEACHER: BENNY RIVERA
BENNY RIVERA - CITY CAKES (NEW YORK)

Book Here
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Location:         
Private Workshop Area

International Cake Show Australia
Exhibition Hall 2, 
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC)

Merivale Street
South Brisbane (Southbank) Qld 4101

Workshop Duration: 2 DAYS 
Approximately 8 hours per day
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Note: Class finish times are approximate.

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Class Date:       

Thursday 10th April, 2025 &
Sunday 13th April, 2025


Time:                 
8.00am - 4.00pm  both days


Experience Level:               
Although you will be taught step by step, some prior experience covering a cake with fondant is needed for this calss. No previous sculpting experience is needed. 

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Cost:                 
ACADA Members - $820
General Public    -  $850
*Includes a complimentary 3 day ticket to International Cake Show Australia valued at $75​​
Workshop Description:
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This is a rare opportunity to train with one of the world's most talented cake artists.

Benny will teach you the essential skills necessary to sculpt / carve realistic animal cakes. In this class you'll create a replica of his pet "Oliver the Mini Schnauzer". The skills Benny will teach you are transferable and will enable you to create any realistic dog or animal. If you've always wanted to learn how to create sculpted 3D animals, this is the class for you. At the end of this masterclass you will have leaned the skills necessary to elevate your cakes to that next level so they stand out from the crowd. 


In this workshop you'll be taught by Benny Rivera, the founder of New York's City Cakes. Benny's an internationally reknown pastry chef who is also a highly aclaimed, multi award winning cake artist.

Learn how to properly set up a safe structure support systems for a 3D dog. Also how to carve a cake and sculpt this beautiful piece using modeling chocolate and fondant. Many other techniques will be included as part of this Masterclass.

Over two funfilled days Benny will teach you how to make a lifesized realistic 3D dog. You will work with real cake and learn valuable carving, sculpting and modelling skills using a combination of cake, fondant and modeling chocolate. 


Day one is learning all about the foundations. This class doesn't take short cuts, you'll be learning how to create and build a 3D sculpted cake the correct way and will go home with valuable skills that will serve you a life time. Benny willshow you each step of the way, however you'll also work from detailed drawings which you'll take home.  

Day 2 is about bringing Oliver to life. You'll be creating his bushy beard, eyebrows, eyes and facial features. You'll be creating your Schnauzer's personality.   and how to create and colour fur using Benny's unique techniques  

Techniques and Skills You Will Learn: 
  • How to a build stable internal support system
  • How to stack, fill, carve, ganache and cover sculpted cakes
  • How to use ganache and modeling chocolate like professionals do
  • Use modelling chocolate and fondant to create detailed features
  • You'll be learning about a dog's anatomy
  • How to use a variety of modelling tools to create realisic fur and facial effects
  • How to work with and create a variety of textures
  • How to use colour to create a realistic effect. 

​Prerequisite:  This is a detailed class covering a wide variety of techniques. You will be taught step by step, however it's important you have some basic fondant skills such as experience covering a single tier cake.   
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Book Here
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About Your Teacher:

Internationally renowned pastry chef Benny Rivera of New York’s iconic "City Cakes" is joining International Cake Show Australia's talent team in April for the 2nd time. He joined us for our very first show in 2017 and needless to say was a huge hit! 

Benny’s is a TV judge and celebrity cake artist. His work has featured on Food Network, in various publications around the world, he's had a multitude of TV appearances and won many highly coveted awards.

Originally from Puerto Rico he's lived in New York City for the last 26 years. Just a few of the many highlights of his career include creating and growing city cakes to a level it was a must visit destination for international sweet tooths visiting New York, winning Cake Artist of the Year by the New York Cake Show and American Decorator Magazine. Also, being selected as one of the top 10 cake designers from USA by Cake Masters Magazine. Andcreating amazing cakes for celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, James Franco, Mike Myers and many others.

Friday & Saturday you'll be able to watch Benny in action. He'll be competing live on the Super Star Stage at the show. He's competing against Team Australia in the 2 day international extreme cake off. Each team is competing for the title of "World's Best Extreme Caker"


WORKSHOP FAQ

Limited Student Numbers & Class Timing:

Every workshop has a maximum of 14 students to ensure the very best tuition possible. The times given are guidelines. We understand all students work at different speeds, however in a workshop situation it's important you try to keep up. If you do, you'll go home with a finished project. If not, you will have learned the required skills and have some homework to complete. We cannot guarantee all classes will finish on time.

What You'll Take Home:

At the end of your workshop we'll provide you with a box to safely transport your project home. Be super proud, we'd love to be there to see the expression on your friends' and family's faces. What you'll be making in this workshop is guaranteed to "WOW"!  

​Workshop Ticket Inclusions: 

Your workshop ticket includes a 3 day International Cake Show Australia pass valued at $75.
You DO NOT need to buy a separate show entry ticket.  Your workshop ticket gives you access to all areas of the show other than the paid areas such as workshops, mini classes, paid demonstration area and VIP lounge. These are separate ticketed items.

Your workshop ticket includes express show entry, access to all stages, more than 100 free demonstrations, all the huge sugar features including the new walk through House of Horror,  competition display, cookie zone, bridal zone, sweet street, to all the shops and lots more. It gives you show access for all three days (Friday, Saturday & Sunday). 

Everything you need to complete your class is provided. All tools and equipment provided are for use during your workshop only. These can't be taken home. They need to be left at the end of your workshop, as they are needed for the following classes. If you wish to purchase any of the tools or equipment used, they will be available at various vendor stands at the show. Many of the vendors will be selling at highly discounted prices, so you'll be able to pick up lots of bargains. Your teacher will explain what you need and how you can improvise where possible, however they'll also tell you the best places to source any items you may need to purchase, if you want to recreate your project again at home.

Tea, coffee and cake (of course) is provided. 

What You Need to Bring: 

You need to bring an apron, a bottle of water if needed, a light lunch and a smile. Every workshop is packed full of invaluable skills, techniques and tips you'll use for many years to come, they're also lots of fun. Why not consider inviting your bestie to come share in your funfilled learning experience. 

What if I book a class then see something else I prefer, can I transfer? 

Yes of course you can, providing there are places available and your new class is of a similar value. If not you'll need to pay the difference. You are able to swap classes up until 14 days prior to the show. 

What if I can't make it, or the class is cancelled, will I get a refund?

In the event there aren't sufficient student numbers to make the class economically viable, or the teacher is unable to make it due to being unwell we will provide you with as much notice as possible and provide you with the choice of an immediate 100% refund or option to transfer into another workshop, the choice is yours! In the event you aren't able to make it you are welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else. We begin preparations for the workshops months before the show, therefore refunds unfortuantely aren't available. If you need to transfer your ticket to someone else, please ensure you contact us to let us know, so we can welcome them. ​                           

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  • Home
  • ACADA Membership
    • Join ACADA
    • ACADA Insurance
    • Membership Benefits
    • Retail Partner Discounts
    • Why is ACADA different to other Cake Networks or Associations
    • ACADA Code of Conduct & Accreditation
    • Members Only - Business Resource Lounge
    • Meet the ACADA & ICSA Team
    • ACADA Hall of Fame
  • Cake Show
    • Accommodation, Transport & Info
    • Volunteer
    • Competition - Enter
    • Workshops
    • Make and Take 1 Hour Mini Classes
    • Celebrity Chefs, Bakers & Sugar Heroes
    • Events & Activities
  • 2025 Cake Oscar Awards
    • See Award Categories