There is just something about a cake that says “celebrate!” Whether for a birthday, a wedding or a promotion, cakes of all shapes and sizes bring an extra something to a party. If you’re like me, though, you may be intimidated by the grandeur of some cakes. Whether you’re a beginner trying to get a presentable dessert on the table or a seasoned decorator looking to improve your skills, here are some tips you can use to develop your cake decorating.
The first step in making a delicious cake is creating a good foundation: the cake itself. Oh, those sad cakes that looked so beautiful in the oven and then came out of the pan lopsided or with chunks ripped out of the top of them by the pan. I have found that this is always less likely to happen when I grease the pan, leave the oven door closed the entire time it’s baking and let it rest before I take it out of the pan. Don’t take my word for it though, you can read about these tips and more cake-baking solutions. Once your cake is beautifully baked, it’s always a good idea to chill it before you try to frost it. This makes it less likely to crumble into your frosting.
Having the right tools will make any job easier and more successful. Depending on your level of cake-decorating prowess, you may need to start with this list of basic cake decorating equipment or add some items from this more in-depth list of tools. If simplicity is the name of your game and you just want an easy way to make your cake look more appealing, I love a good Bundt pan to add some beauty to the cake itself. Or, if you want to pipe some designs or a message but don’t want to invest in frosting tips, you can just cut a tiny hole in the corner of a plastic bag filled with icing and pipe away. Just remember to always cut it smaller than you think it should be!
The possibilities are endless when you’re decorating a cake. From fondant to frosting to sprinkles and candy, cake decorations can come in nearly any form. My go-to is a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle of chocolate ganache with a fresh fruit garnish. Don’t be afraid to stretch your creative side and turn ice cream cones into frosted castle turrets, make a beach scene out of candy and small plastic toys or find some unique sprinkles like edible pearls and glitter. Discover more creative ideas for cake decorating, from a lollipop hack to crafting a beautiful lace pattern at Food Network online. If you want something a little more advanced with frosting and fondant, read these tips and techniques.
If you really want to improve as a cake decorator, no matter how much you research, nothing beats a teacher helping you practice. To take your skills to a new level, join us for our Cake Decorating 1 class, the first in a series of three cake decorating classes we offer. In this course you’ll learn basic frosting techniques, as well as various decorative icing borders and flowers. Call 405.377.3333 with questions or register here. To find out about more courses like this sign up for our monthly e-newsletter. View all of our upcoming courses in our digital catalog.
Abby McCain is the Communications and Marketing Secretary at Meridian Technology Center.
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