Happy Birthday, Joanna! Celebrate With a Fixer Upper-Inspired Cake
The queen of shiplap inspired this couldn't-be-simpler grocery store cake hack. HBD, Jo!


Today, Joanna Gaines celebrates another trip around the sun. Since we couldn't host a party for the Fixer Upper star, we've got the next best thing: birthday cake! We all know Joanna has a huge sweet tooth (Have you seen the Fixer Upper bakery special?!.), so a rustic-chic cake seems like the perfect tribute.

Rachel Whyte
Even better: This grocery-store cake hack is easy enough for even those without the baking prowess of Joanna Gaines to master. Here's how to do it.
We started with a plain-Jane grocery store layer cake. An unadorned cake is typically more affordable than a customized one. Using an offset spatula, gradually scrape the frosting from the sides of the cake, stopping before you start to create crumbs. Reserve the frosting for later use. This will give the cake a trendy, high-end "naked cake" look.

Now, for the top! Begin with a border of rosemary and thyme for a rustic look. Next, add a little of the reserved frosting in the center of the cake to use as "glue" for the remaining toppings.
Joanna Gaines is a huge strawberry fan, (it's her favorite flavor at Magnolia Market's bakery!) so we added this spring-perfect fruit in her honor, plus lemon slices and vanilla macarons.

The finishing touch? A shiplap-inspired banner made with white-washed craft sticks and cream-colored paper. Set it atop a rustic base, if desired, then serve and enjoy.
Happy Birthday, Joanna!