How to Decorate a Cake Like a Professional Baker (2023)

For special occasions, there is no better dessert than a rich and perfectly decorated cake. Although many of us like to visit ourfavorite bakeryFor a stylish indulgence, it's entirely possible to get amazing results at home. Everything you need to learnhow to decorate a cakeit's a few basic tools (we bet you already have most of them in your kitchen) and a little patience.

Now bake your favorite dishlayer cake, and we're going to get frosting.

cake decorating ideas

swirls of light

i like home

Do you think you need to use your piping bag to make an impressive cake? Think again! With just the back of a spoon, you can add a beautiful swirl texture to your cake.

for so easycape on top of your deckon the outside and top of your cake. Then, use the back of a spoon to make little swirls until the entire cake is covered in a fun texture.

pipeline

i like home

Do you really want to be creative? Get a piping bag and some piping tips. Each edging tip gives a different effect, allowing you to create all kinds of decorating techniques.

Use different tips to create flowers, leaves, stars, braids, and other designs. You can use it to decorate an entire cake or use piping motifs as an accent.

drip cake

Courtesy of Trina Harris

There's something about perfectly imperfect surfaces that we just crave. Maybe that's why we love drip cakes so much! This decorating technique is surprisingly simple.

First, frost the cake and give it a smooth finish with a bench scraper (it's a cake decorator's secret weapon). Somake ganachewith chocolate or baking chips. EITHERconfetti cakeabove use baking chips, whipped cream, and a touch of food coloring.

When the ganache has cooled down a bit, pour it over the cake. Use the back of the spoon to push the ganache to the edges of the cake and watch it slowly drip down the sides to form attractive chocolate chips.

naked cakes

i like home

If you want to go the trendy route when decorating a cake, try a cakeit was ok. still wearing nude pastelsEnamel, but roll out very thin to allow the layers of the cake to show through. These cakes give you an idea of ​​what's inside.

To make a naked cake, layer the cake as usual, with layers of frosting in between. When it comes to the outer layer of frosting, apply a thin layer and use a bench scraper to remove any excess frosting. Essentially, you're just dusting the sides of the cake with crumbs. It's that easy!

While this type of cake decorating is minimal, don't forget to give your cake that extra finishing touch to make it look complete. Fruit, crushed or sprinkled candies can add the finishing touches. Use this recipe forMaltese Chocolate Eraas a suggestion

Writing and channeling projects

i like home

Part of the appeal of bakery-bought cakes is the perfect handwriting these cake decorators have. But it's really not too hard to replicate at home. You just need a pastry bag, a fine tip, a toothpick and a little patience.

First, write or print the message or motif that you want to appear on your cake. If you're new to piping, try a piece of parchment or wax paper to get used to the frosting coming out of the piping bag.

After a bit of practice, transfer the design to parchment or parchment paper and place on top of the cake. Pierce the design with a sharp toothpick or skewer until you get your message point by point. Carefully remove the paper and connect the dots with the icing. That's all it takeswrite on a cake! And once you have a few cakes under your belt, you can go hands-free.

sparks and more

i like home

You can never go wrong with Christmas cakes.asperaand other colored toppings. You can top your favorite cake with just a sprinkle of edible sprinkles and decorations, or mix and match with other decorating techniques. In addition to sparks, do not forget the tempting properties ofroasted nuts, coconut flakes, chopped caramels and granulated biscuit. Use any or all of these to add a little extra sparkle to your cakes.

cake decorating tools

i like home

To create beautiful cakes, there are some decorating tools that you must have in your kitchen. Don't be intimidated by this list – most items cost you $15 or less to create.beautiful cakeseven on a budget. According to our test kitchen, these tools are essential:

• offset spatula:These spatulas are the MVPs of the kitchen, especially when it comes to decorating cakes. Large Offset Spatulas are perfect for placing even amounts of frosting between each layer of cake. The smaller offset spatulas can help you achieve smooth surfaces and elegant swirls on the outside of your cake.
• bench scraper:To give the outside of your cake a smooth finish, you'll need a bench scraper. This gadget will help to get rid of blemishes. If you prefer a bit of texture, trycake combs.
• Ice pack and tips:For fancy finishes, invest in pastry bags and a few different piping tips. Use them to label cakes, make flowers, and other decorative items.
• turntable for cakes: While you can decorate your cake directly on a serving plate, the job is a bit faster with a turntable. This turntable allows you to rotate the cake as it freezes, so your frosting turns evenly and perfectly.

Check out more cake decorating tools

Tips for decorating a cake.

Choose the right glaze

i like home

Not all toppings are suitable for filling and coating cakes, but the good news is that there are still plenty of delicious options. Butter creams of all kinds (italian buttercream,french buttercream,german buttercream,american buttercreammiflavored butter creams) are good for decorating. you can also usecream cheese frostingmistoat covered. Essentially, you want a thicker frosting that will support the weight of the cake layers and also adhere to the sides.

In general, you should avoid using whipped cream frosting and very thin frosting when decorating.

How to fill a piping bag

i like home

Yes, onezip pocketwill do in a pinch, but if you're serious about cake decorating, you'll want real piping bags, the disposable kind orreusable piping bags.

Foruse a piping bag, begin to cut the tip. Then insert the spike of your choice, making sure it is firmly pressed into the ground. Place the bag in a tall glass and fold the tip over the rim of the glass. Take your homemade icing with a spatula and press it into the bottom of the piping bag.

Once filled, squeeze the frosting into the bag and twist the top (you only want the frosting to come out of the top,Nothe back part). Once your bag is prepared, feel free to experiment with printing and edging techniques on a piece of waxed paper or on a plate before moving on to the cake.

How to level cakes

i like home

When making layered cakes, it's important that each layer is even and flat so they stack easily. To create even cake layers, you can try two different techniques (or a combination of both):

• cake strips:You can take measurements before your cake goes into the oven to ensure even layers. all you need arecake strips. Soak these strips in water and roll them into the cake pans before baking. The moist streaks will help the cake bake more evenly, resulting in even cakes.
• serrated knife:Once the cake is baked and cooled, use a serrated knife to cut through the domed top of the cake. Work slowly and evenly with the cake. This will help you make an even cut.

Cool the cake layers

i like home

Cold cakes are easier to glaze. If you have time, place the cake layers in the freezer to firm up; 30 minutes should be enough. Once cold, stack and freeze as usual. The cake will harden and the cold will help contain part of the crumb.

And whatever you do, never cover a hot cake - the frosting will melt instantly.

How to crumble a cake

i like home

Oddly enough, crumb coating is meant to prevent a mess, not create one. A crumb coat is a thin layer of frosting that is applied to the outside of a cake to help catch any crumbs that might fall on it. This base layer means that any decorations you place on top of it will look neater and cleaner.

ForCrumb topping for a cake, using an offset spatula, apply the glaze and spread it as thin as possible. Make sure you get the sides and the top. Then place the covered cake in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes to firm up before adding more decorations.

how to cut a cake

i like home

After all the hard work baking and frosting, you want every slice of your cake to look just right.

Forcut a cakeClean, take a sharp knife and dip it in hot water. Then dry the knife and cut the cake in one smooth motion. The heat from the knife will smooth out the frosting and the sharp edge of the knife (no, no serrated knife or cake cutter needed!) will give you the most enjoyable slice. Clean the knife and repeat for each slice.

use these skills