No matter how hard we try, cake decorating eventually seems to have some sort of flaw. Beginners are just starting, and even some chefs with medium skill levels do not know how to decorate a cake properly.
This article is designed for chefs, from beginners to professionals; I will easily explain difficult decorations and share some tips. After reading this, I hope many of your doubts regarding cake decoration will be resolved.
Contents
Simple Swirl Technique
You must have watched videos and read articles where chefs mostly tell you what tools you need for decoration and which swirling tools are required.
However, when I started baking, my budget was limited, so I used the back side of a spoon. Now, I am a professional baker, and I still use this for decoration in my baking; it’s a secret weapon for homemade decoration.
Move the spoon in a consistent circular motion around the entire cake. It looks professional; no one would guess it was decorated using a spoon.
Piping Techniques
I think piping is today’s goldmine for every cake decorator. Using several different piping tips, you will learn that creating a showpiece out of a simple cake is possible. Buy the right piping bag and have a set of tips—each tip makes different patterns.
I recommend making tiny flowers with thin petals, leaves, stars, or basket patterns. I recommend trying this on parchment paper to understand the method better.
Sprinkles and Decorative Toppings
Sometimes, simple decorations have the biggest effect. Sprinkles can give any cake a fun look. But don’t just stick to sprinkles. Think about using:
- Toasted nuts
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped chocolate
- Cookie crumbles
- Fresh fruits
Naked Cake Style
Get the naked cake style for a present-day Western look. This style displays the layers with the frosting that covers the cake. Frost your cake as you usually do, but apply the frosting gently.
Wipe the surface of the cake clean with the scraper, picking just enough frosting so the layers of the cake barely stick out.
The outcome is understated, more like a home cooking style that is quite classy yet informal. The last touches should be done with fruits, flowers, or even a dusting of icing sugar.
Decorative Piping & Writing
Adding text or designs to your cake might seem complicated, but it’s easier than you think. Learn piping on parchment paper first to get familiar with the method.
Create a template on paper, place it on the cake, and use a toothpick to create a dot-to-dot outline for clear designs. Remove the paper and carefully apply the layout by connecting the dots. For optimal results, take your time and proceed slowly.
Pro Tips for Homemade Cake Decoration
- Cool the cake completely
If you have read my baking blog, you will have an idea that I always recommend cooling the cake to room temperature after baking. If the cake is warm and you try to frost it, everything becomes messy.
Frosting on a warm cake will melt, so always cool the cake before the decorating step.
- Use a Turntable
Investing in a turntable is not a bad idea if you are interested in baking. This tool is worth the investment; everyone who bakes frequently should have one. It offers two benefits: perfect decoration and even sides.
You can find cheap options for home bakers that make a big change in your cake decorating skills.
- Practice Makes Perfect
The ability to decorate cakes gets better with practice and time. It is quite normal for your initial attempts to not resemble the gorgeous cakes you see online.
Professional bakers still need to start out creating masterpieces. They practiced, made mistakes, and learned from each cake.
Airbrushing: The Modern Art of Cake Decoration
This is the modern technique to decorate a cake. With this method, you can make clear designs on the cake. Traditional methods make these designs impossible, so if you want to pursue your baking skills, you should try this method once.
Airbrush process
It is always important to prepare right before airbrushing. It is helpful to start with chilled cake; a crust of frosting or fondant is also essential. It forms a good background on which the shade will be applied.
The item to be painted should have a smooth surface because this will determine whether or not the painted colour will show flaws.
Color preparation is also of equal importance. A solution is combined with food coloring to produce a colored liquid that is ideal for use with an airbrush.
Consistent thickness is essential; too high or too low will prevent the paint from spraying and reduce its durability, respectively.
Practical Advantages
The key ofthe airbrushing technique is the ability to use it for any creative task. Unlike traditional decorating methods, you can:
- Switch colours quickly.
- Prepare detailed designs without the help of several instruments.
- For professional style, less splashing
- Try to incorporate extra detail into your cake design
Presentation
Decoration is the last step that you should consider; it can literally transform your ordinary delicious cake into a simply stunning one. Here’s how to ensure your cake looks as good as it tastes:
Clean Up
Remove Excess Frosting: After frosting your cake, it is typical for the frosting to go over the edge of the cake to the serving plate. For the professional finish, you has to wipe frosted surface in circles with the help of a clean spatula or a piece of paper towel. This little change goes a long way in changing the overall outlook of the house.
Maintain Clean Edges: You should spend time or a few minutes inspecting all the edges of the cake as well as the serving plate. Finally, with the help of a bench scraper or a straight edge, remove any high bumps on the side of the cake.
A smooth line of cutting your cake not only makes it look appealing but also leaves it in the right proportion, consistency and size.
Chill Before Serving: Before serving, the decorated cake can optionally be placed in the refrigerator for approximately half an hour. It makes it easier to slice and helps to settle the frosting, resulting in clean slices.
FAQs
How can I add color to my frosting?
For additional color to your frosting, you may add food coloring. If you wish for a nice-looking marbled effect, do not hesitate to add different colors into the piping bag and mix them around before you start decorating.
What to do in case of thick frosting?
Adding milk or cream will loosen the spreadable or pipable frosting if it gets too stiff. This adjustment is done by slowly incorporating the milk or cream into the mixing bowl until the dough has the texture you desire.
How should I store my decorated cake?
To make your cake look as nice as it was done from the very beginning to the end, put it in a cool place. Lower the chance of moisture loss by placing it in a container with a tight lid until it is covered by plastic wrap. In addition, you can still put the cake in the refrigerator if any of your frosting ingredients go bad.
Is fondant a good option for beginners?
Creamy fondant can make cakes look a lot better than other substances, but it can be a problem if you are a beginner. Fondant should not be tried first, instead buttercream and simple piping methods should be practiced first.
Which tools are essential when decorating a cake?
- A rotating cake turntable.
- A serrated knife for leveling.
- An offset spatula for applying frosting.
- Piping bags with different tips.
- A cake smoother or scraper for finalizing touches.
Conclusion
The article should make you feel confident about your abilities in cake decoration technique. You can accomplish numerous different designs with cake decoration abilities. There exists a wide array of different methods appropriate for cake decoration. You can always ask me any questions about cake decoration whenever you need help.