About the course

Step into the world of magical cake sculpting with Dawn Butler as she guides you through the creation of a showstopping Buckbeak the Hippogriff cake. This immersive course covers every stage of the process—from planning and stacking to carving, ganaching, and smoothing your creature’s form to perfection. You’ll learn how to use cake pop mix to enhance sculptural details, master airbrushing techniques for realistic shading and colour, and add final flourishes that bring Buckbeak to life. Whether you're a seasoned cake artist or an adventurous beginner, this course blends fantasy and technique to help you create a cake that’s not just edible—but unforgettable. With Dawn’s expert guidance and a touch of whimsy, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to sculpt your own mythical masterpiece.

Meet your Mentor

Hello, I’m Dawn Butler, the name behind Dinkydoodle. As a world-renowned cake artist and teacher, I’ve dedicated my career to inspiring and supporting cake makers of all levels.   Over the years, I’ve earned multiple gold medals in cake competitions, and in 2016, I proudly took home the highly coveted “Best in Show” prize at Cake International. I was also honoured as International “Cake Artist of the Year,” named one of the UK’s “Top Ten Cake Artists.”   More recently in 2024, I was inducted into the DMA’s Hall of Fame for my contributions to the sugar industry. But what I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built inside the Dinkydoodle Cake Academy.   Here’s something you might not know about me: I have dyslexia and ADHD. While some might see these as obstacles, I use them as superpowers. They help me break down complex techniques into their simplest forms, making it easier for anyone to follow along and achieve amazing results. You may spot the occasional spelling mistake, but I believe in being upfront and honest, and my students are always wonderfully supportive. If you’ve ever doubted your own abilities, or worried that learning something new might be out of reach, you’re in the right place. The Academy is a safe, encouraging space for everyone, myself included! I share my skills, expertise, and a good dose of fun, helping you build your confidence and creativity, one cake at a time. I can’t wait to see what you create!

Curriculum

1 Chapter · 21 Lessons

  1. 1

    Buckbeak

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Planning

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Carving

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Carving Part 2

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Filling

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Ganache

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Smoothing

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Adding Cake Pop Mix

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Cake Pop Mix Part 2

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Front Legs

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      The Horse Part 1

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      The Horse Part 2

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Head

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Head Part 2

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Head Part 3

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Returning to the Front Legs

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Wings Plan A

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Wings Plan B

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Wings Plan B part 2

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      Airbrushing

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      Head Final Details

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      Finishing Touches

Ready to sculpt your own magical masterpiece?

Enroll now and bring Buckbeak to life—one delicious detail at a time. With Dawn’s expert guidance and creature-crafting secrets, you’ll gain the skills to wow your guests and elevate your cake artistry to legendary status.

Please contact us for access. (opens email in new window)