Thanks to the internet, it’s now easier than ever for home bakers to learn professionals’ cake decorating secrets and tricks. By following these eight simple tips, you can impress family and friends with beautiful, delicious homemade creations.
8 Tips to Decorate Like a Professional
Take your decorating skills to the next level with eight essential tips on how to decorate your cakes like a professional.
1. Use Cold, Level Layers
The key to professional cake decorating success is starting with a good foundation. After your layers have been baked, cool them completely. Next, lay them out on wax or parchment paper. Crouch down until you are at eye-level with your layers and check for evenness. If there is any excess cake, use a bread knife to gently cut it off.
While you don’t need any fancy cake decorating tools, you can also invest in a cake leveler if needed. Once you have finished leveling, place your layers in the freezer for 20-30. Freezing your layers gives them more stability and will make them easier to work with once you begin decorating.
2. Use a Turntable
Purchasing a turntable will make a night and day difference when it comes to decorating your cakes. A turntable allows you to spin your cake while decorating, helping you create a smoother, silkier finish. It is also helpful when piping or decorating, so you can quickly turn the cake as needed instead of readjusting your arm. This Fat Daddio Turntable is affordable and easy to use.
3. Frost In Two Separate Layers
Now that your cake is chilled, you’re ready to assemble it. Stack your cakes on a cake board with frosting or the designated filling in between. Use an angled icing spatula to spread a thin, smooth layer of frosting on both the sides and top of your cake. Don’t worry about crumbs or covering every inch of the cake. This layer is called the crumb coat for a reason. Use a cake smoother to make each area as smooth as possible, then put your cake in the freezer for another 15 minutes. Now that the crumbs are locked into place, you have a flawless foundation for your final layer of frosting! Pop your cake into the freezer for another 15-20 minutes to set everything into place before adding other details.
4. Add Design To Your Frosting
If you’re not totally confident in your cake decorating ability to create smooth edges, try something new to add an element of surprise to your design while taking off the pressure of creating those smooth sides!
Naked Cake
You can opt for a “naked” cake, which is a fancy way of telling you to skip the second layer of frosting. This trend is very popular for weddings and looks beautiful with added flowers, sprinkles, or piping. Naked cakes are very modern and elegant.
Stripes
Once you’ve achieved a relatively smooth surface with your second buttercream layer, take your icing spatula and gently rest it against the bottom of your cake. Use your other hand to slowly move your turntable. As your cake turns, slowly move your arm up until you reach the top of the cake. Voila! Now you have adorable stripes all along the side of your cake. Use the same technique for the top, but start in the center this time.
Scallops
If you have your basic cake decorating supplies, this method requires a piping bag. However, a zip lock bag will also work in a pinch. Fill your bag with buttercream and attach a big, circular attachment, or snip the end of the bag. Pipe a line of large dots down the side of your cake. Next, use a spoon or spatula to carefully swipe each dot horizontally. Repeat these steps until the entire cake is covered. Although this method takes a little bit more time and preparation, it is effortless and will leave you with a gorgeous, whimsical texture worthy of any event.
5. Practice Your Piping
Piping adds a sense of elegance and sophistication to any dessert. It’s easy to learn and requires minimal cake decorating supplies. Online, you can find plenty of tutorials on different piping techniques, such as swirls, rosettes, stars, dots, and leaves. Practice on parchment paper before piping on your cake to finalize a design. Try putting multiple buttercream colors into your piping bag for a fun, swirled effect that looks more complicated than it is.
6. Use Edible Decorations
No need to spend time tempering your own chocolate or making your own fondant; plenty of edible cake decorations are available to purchase from Papagino Foods or your local craft store. Try cake drips, crispearls, chocolate shavings, glitter, sprinkles, fruit, or candy to add personality and beauty to your cake without too much effort.Â
7. Keep It Simple
While there are a lot of decorations to choose from, cake decorating professionals know the importance of keeping it simple. Don’t throw everything you have onto one cake–be thoughtful and methodical when planning the design of your cake. Consider the purpose of your cake. Is it for a wedding? A kid’s birthday party? High school graduation? Pick a few cake decorations that complement the flavor and purpose of your creation. Overdecorating looks unprofessional and messy.
8. Get Inspiration From Other Bakers
The Internet is filled with stunning decorating ideas. Browse social media for inspiration from other bakers. Use their tips and tricks to customize each technique in a way that works for you and your style. Professionals aren’t afraid to take risks and try new things–after all, you’ll never know unless you try!
Learn to Decorate Like a Professional
You don’t have to attend pastry school to decorate like a professional. With the right cake decorating tools and a little practice, your decorating skills will be Pinterest-worthy in no time. Papagino Foods is a proud resource for cake decorating, we offer the supplies from professional, trusted brands. Put on your apron and get ready to make something delicious and beautiful.