'Tis the season when nightmare inducing solidified masses of raisins, currants and sultanas (otherwise known as Christmas cakes), start haunting pantries around New Zealand. Whilst Aunt Martha's recipe may be a tradition that's been passed down through the generations, this year we are encouraging you to try something that's bound to be more pleasing on the eye (and the belly). 

Grab a cake decorating course at Stiletto Studios from only $39 and $49 for the Santa Cake class, so you can wow friends and family this festive season with a visual feast. Pick from the following classes and times:

Christmas Pupcakes Class:

• 8 December, 9.00am - 11.00am 
• 8 December, 12.00pm - 2.00pm 

Mr & Mrs Cupcakes

• 15 December, 9.00am - 11.00am
• 15 December, 12.00pm - 2.00pm

Cake Pops Class:

• 8 December, 3.30pm - 5.30pm
• 15 December, 3.30pm - 5.30pm

Santa Cake Class

• 11 December, 5.30pm - 9.30pm
• 12 December, 5.30pm - 9.30pm

Pupcakes Class - Learn how to make these cute Christmas puppies using two cupcakes! Perfect as a gift, Secret Santa present, or something cute for the table! In this class you will do fondant and modelling work, learn how to cover your board, as well as using plunger cutters and tools to create a variety of Christmas patterns. You will need: an 8”/20cm cake board or card and box to take it home, all other cupcakes, fondant, tools & colours provided.

Mr & Mrs Cupcakes and Cupcakes Classes - Learn how to make two regular cupcakes into a very cute Mr & Mrs Claus! Perfect as a gift or for your Christmas table! Working with fondant, gum paste and a variety of tools, these are techniques you can apply to lots of designs for any season! You will need: a box to take this home in. Cupcakes, fondant, tools & colours provided.

Cake Pops Class - Always wondered how to make cakepops? Now’s your chance. These are fun, delicious – and perfect as gifts for Christmas. In this class you will learn how to make your own cakepops, dip them in chocolate, and decorate. Lots of foolproof tips & tricks to use at home, you will go home with 6 cakepops of your own! Make a Christmas tree, reindeer, Santa hat, and more! Everything is provided, just bring along a box/egg carton to take them home in.

Santa Cake Class - Suitable for decorators of all skill levels, this is the perfect cake for your Christmas table, or as a gift! You will learn how to create a wood grain effect, emboss, use patchwork cutters, and basic modelling, as well as cutting, icing and covering your cake! You will need: 8”/20cm square cake, 2 cups buttercream icing or ganache, (or fruit cake with jam glaze), two 750g packets of Bakels Pettinice (from the supermarket), and a 12” square board/box lid to fit all the details! All red and black fondant and gumpaste provided. All tools and colours provided.