Cake Decorating: A Few Suggestions For Getting Started

By Andrew Tucker

Many people want to make gorgeous cakes, but they fear that they have to be a professional to do so. You don't. All you need to know is a few techniques and some practice.

Many people want to make gorgeous cakes, but they fear that they have to be a professional to do so. You don't. All you need to know is a few techniques and some practice. Having the proper tools and implements are important to making a beautiful cake. As you learn how to decorate cakes, keep these hints in mind.

1. You want a smooth layer of icing with no cake crumbs. The key to accomplishing this is a thin first layer of frosting. Experts call this a bottom coat. Once you have this on the cake, refrigerate for 20 minutes. This sets the icing and keeps any cake crumbs from getting trapped in the next layer.

2. Take an icing spatula and begin applying the next later. When you are ready to do the top later, dip your spatula in cold water. Also, hold your spatula horizontally over the cake's top.

3. You could alternatively use powdered sugar to dust a cake top, using stencils to make shapes or just keeping it clean.

4. Edible decorations are a tasty way to decorate your cake. Coconut, candy, nuts, and sprinkles can all be applied and pressed into the icing prior to it setting.

5. A textured finish can really make your cake stand out. A small cardboard comb can be purchased in a baking supply store and they are easy to use.

6. If you want to add piping to your cake, you have to get the piping bags and metal tips for it, which you can use to push frosting through and make it form unique shapes that you can decorate the cake with. All manner of objects and designs can be used with the right piping bag and techniques.

7. Fondant is used when you need to create a very flat, lacquered look. Fondant is simply a white paste that can be rolled out and placed over the cake. Though not as yummy as a butter cream icing, it is an easy way to create a gleaming bit of art with your cake.

In order to make cakes the right way, it might be necessary to take classes on the subject. With the help f our cake making techniques, provided through our videos and manuals, you can be well on your way to baking that exquisite cake that will bring life to your next gathering.

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