In our current society, cakes are a favorite means to observe just about any occasion. Cake decorating ideas can be seen just about anyplace, if you know where to look Still, not everyone knows how to decorate a cake. Fortunately, there is a vast assortment of cake pans and items that will help make decorating cakes easy.
To begin, you will need to know what social function to make your cake for. As an example, it would not look right to bake an Elmo birthday cake for a Saint Patrick's Day party. The good news is, after you know the occasion, the rest is simple.
ANIMALS
You can use an animal pan. Many occasions can be represented with an animal. For example, a bunny often symbolizes Easter, a deer can be used for Christmas, and a cat cake can be used at Halloween.
You can also select from numerous popular animal characters for birthday cakes. Presently popular animal characters include Blue the dog from Blue's Clues, Elmo and many of his friends from Sesame Street, and Boots the monkey and Swiper the fox from Dora the Explorer.
You also have the option of placing animals on top of the cake for decorations instead of using an animal cake pan. There are oodles of small, plastic animals available at stores that you can purchase to adorn your cakes. This would be an excellent way to create a zoo setting for animal lovers.
HOLIDAYS
Holidays are forever fun to make cakes for, and you can let your imagination go crazy. If nothing else, you can use sprinkles in various colors. You can add edible heart decoration sprinkles on cakes meant for Valentine's Day. Black and orange sprinkles are perfect for Halloween cakes, as are green and red sprinkles for Christmas cakes.
Ornamental cake pans come in patterns particular to holidays that make them perfect for holiday cakes. Frankenstein, ghosts,, and other monsters can be used for Halloween. Pumpkin cake pans are good for both Halloween and Thanksgiving cakes. Cornucopias and turkeys may also be used for Thanksgiving. Hearts and cherub pans are great for Valentine's Day. Bunnies and eggs are just right for Easter. Pots of gold, leprechauns, and rainbows pans are great for Saint Patrick's Day. All you need to do is find a cake pan or decorative item particular to a holiday and start decorating a holiday cake.
VEHICLES
Vehicle cakes are always popular with boys. There is just something about a moving vehicle that enchants young boys. You can create cakes that showcase airplanes, boats, cars, dump trucks, fire engines, helicopters, and tractors. You can place vehicles into the frosting to make scenes with them. You can even add small building built from Lego's and Lego's people. Just make sure whatever you place on the cake will not be hurt by either the icing or water from washing off the frosting from the vehicle or item.
YOUR OWN IMAGINATION
Do not forget that your own imagination can be just as good, if not better than, ready-made pans and ideas. You are likely to come up with ideas that no one else has come op with before. Your local arts and crafts store can be a wonderful place to get ideas and items that you can use for your own ideas.
Are you worried that you are not good enough to decorate a cake well? Do not worry about this. Do not make the perfect cakes seen at bakeries your goal when decorating cakes. Your cakes are sure to be wonderful regardless of how they look. Know that your efforts will certainly be appreciated, no matter how your cakes turn out. So, bake and decorate your cake, then take it easy and bask in the praise you get from the people who enjoy the fruits (or, in this case, cakes) of your labor.
Trends in Cake Decorating
Baking a cake is one of the best ways to make any occasion extra special. Here you will find some of the most popular trends in use now for both cakes and cupcakes.
Today, it is possible to creatively customize a cake to look almost like anything. The most popular methods in decorating trends includes the use of fondant because of its smooth surface, vivid colors, uniquely crafted shapes and chic finish. The next two favorite icings include butter cream and cream cheese. Cake and cupcake flavors in the top spot are carrot, chocolate, white, lemon, almond, red velvet, tuxedo, strawberry, orange and pistachio. Do you want a delectable filling for even more taste? Try one of these top picks of raspberry, bavarian cream, white chocolate mousse, chocolate mousse, strawberry, mint, lemon, fudge and cream cheese.
Bright, vivid colors are also a growing trend in the world of cakes and cupcakes. These colors add flair and fun to any occasion, whether it is for a wedding or a birthday party. Summer colors range from brilliant oranges, lemony yellows, sky blues, petal pinks, shamrock greens and other bold summer mixtures. Guests will love these delightful cakes and cupcakes when you serve them at outdoor events during the summer months.
The rising popularity of having cupcakes instead of cakes at large and small festivities is another trend that is sweeping the cake decorating world. Cupcakes are becoming the new fad for the main dessert at parties and many brides are using cupcakes instead of the more traditional wedding cake at their receptions. Cupcakes come in an assortment of tasty flavors and can be iced and decorated many ways. A cupcake wedding cake is made by using dozens of individual cupcakes. These can be all one flavor or you can have a variety of flavors to appeal to different guests. They are usually set on a cupcake tower or elaborate pedestal for a stunning presentation. When all of the cupcakes are placed on the pedestal, it resembles a traditional layer cake, but instead of layers you have delectable cupcakes. This is a grand way to present cupcakes, but setting them at individual place settings has also become popular at weddings.
The popular trend for brides is moving toward a simple, yet elegant cake, using smooth fondant finishes covered with royal icing dots or simulated pearls to create the look of porcelain. These cakes will have a somewhat higher price tag of up to $12 per slice. Butter cream icings decorated with fresh flowers or gum paste flowers are still very popular for weddings. Cake decorating is sometimes more artful with creations made to look like famous people such as Elvis, Princess Diana, or Mickey Mouse.
The fall season is right around the corner and top decorating trends this year are already becoming obvious. Cupcakes are a favorite with adults and children, so Monster cupcakes are a sure hit for your Halloween party. Decorate them using icing to make vampires, witches, ghosts and monster faces on the tops. For monster fangs, use candy corns and gummy worms for an even more added frightening presentation. If you are wanting to bake and decorate a fabulous cake or make cupcakes for a Thanksgiving event, start a new tradition and use a butter cream icing decorated with leaves in assorted fall colors on the tops and sides of the cake and tops of the cupcakes. The brighter the colors, the better, for an autumn celebration.
Tea parties are also at the top of the list for party planning, so add lovely, delicately decorated cupcakes to these events in beautiful pastel colors for the topping on the so called cake for your party.
The use of sugar-styled art or gum paste art on cakes and cupcakes for use in the decorating process is a major trend being used this year. These can be molded and crafted to look like gum paste animals, flowers, and sculptures as well as detailed and endearing sugared flowers, ribbons and leaves. Add more elegance by using luster dust, customized molds and forms which can be found at craft stores. Fondant plays an important part here as well, as it can be used in molding and forming any of the specialty shapes and creations of the decorator.
Many cupcake specialty stores are opening nationwide serving cakes and cupcakes with creative designs and flavors. These trendy gourmet cake shops are in demand due to their nostalgic presentation of a favorite dessert that everyone loves to eat.
So, get creative and start decorating using your favorite themes. Get your inspiration from movies or favorite TV shows. Use cookie cutters to help decorate your cake, as they come in many different shapes and designs. Or, use fresh fruit sprinkled with sparkle dust for a stunning presentation.
Today, it is possible to creatively customize a cake to look almost like anything. The most popular methods in decorating trends includes the use of fondant because of its smooth surface, vivid colors, uniquely crafted shapes and chic finish. The next two favorite icings include butter cream and cream cheese. Cake and cupcake flavors in the top spot are carrot, chocolate, white, lemon, almond, red velvet, tuxedo, strawberry, orange and pistachio. Do you want a delectable filling for even more taste? Try one of these top picks of raspberry, bavarian cream, white chocolate mousse, chocolate mousse, strawberry, mint, lemon, fudge and cream cheese.
Bright, vivid colors are also a growing trend in the world of cakes and cupcakes. These colors add flair and fun to any occasion, whether it is for a wedding or a birthday party. Summer colors range from brilliant oranges, lemony yellows, sky blues, petal pinks, shamrock greens and other bold summer mixtures. Guests will love these delightful cakes and cupcakes when you serve them at outdoor events during the summer months.
The rising popularity of having cupcakes instead of cakes at large and small festivities is another trend that is sweeping the cake decorating world. Cupcakes are becoming the new fad for the main dessert at parties and many brides are using cupcakes instead of the more traditional wedding cake at their receptions. Cupcakes come in an assortment of tasty flavors and can be iced and decorated many ways. A cupcake wedding cake is made by using dozens of individual cupcakes. These can be all one flavor or you can have a variety of flavors to appeal to different guests. They are usually set on a cupcake tower or elaborate pedestal for a stunning presentation. When all of the cupcakes are placed on the pedestal, it resembles a traditional layer cake, but instead of layers you have delectable cupcakes. This is a grand way to present cupcakes, but setting them at individual place settings has also become popular at weddings.
The popular trend for brides is moving toward a simple, yet elegant cake, using smooth fondant finishes covered with royal icing dots or simulated pearls to create the look of porcelain. These cakes will have a somewhat higher price tag of up to $12 per slice. Butter cream icings decorated with fresh flowers or gum paste flowers are still very popular for weddings. Cake decorating is sometimes more artful with creations made to look like famous people such as Elvis, Princess Diana, or Mickey Mouse.
The fall season is right around the corner and top decorating trends this year are already becoming obvious. Cupcakes are a favorite with adults and children, so Monster cupcakes are a sure hit for your Halloween party. Decorate them using icing to make vampires, witches, ghosts and monster faces on the tops. For monster fangs, use candy corns and gummy worms for an even more added frightening presentation. If you are wanting to bake and decorate a fabulous cake or make cupcakes for a Thanksgiving event, start a new tradition and use a butter cream icing decorated with leaves in assorted fall colors on the tops and sides of the cake and tops of the cupcakes. The brighter the colors, the better, for an autumn celebration.
Tea parties are also at the top of the list for party planning, so add lovely, delicately decorated cupcakes to these events in beautiful pastel colors for the topping on the so called cake for your party.
The use of sugar-styled art or gum paste art on cakes and cupcakes for use in the decorating process is a major trend being used this year. These can be molded and crafted to look like gum paste animals, flowers, and sculptures as well as detailed and endearing sugared flowers, ribbons and leaves. Add more elegance by using luster dust, customized molds and forms which can be found at craft stores. Fondant plays an important part here as well, as it can be used in molding and forming any of the specialty shapes and creations of the decorator.
Many cupcake specialty stores are opening nationwide serving cakes and cupcakes with creative designs and flavors. These trendy gourmet cake shops are in demand due to their nostalgic presentation of a favorite dessert that everyone loves to eat.
So, get creative and start decorating using your favorite themes. Get your inspiration from movies or favorite TV shows. Use cookie cutters to help decorate your cake, as they come in many different shapes and designs. Or, use fresh fruit sprinkled with sparkle dust for a stunning presentation.
Cake Decorating Ideas
A delightful cake is all that we require celebrating an occasion. It not only adds color to our joy but also transcends us into a glorious world of fashionable food.
No cake is complete without its decoration. In fact decoration makes the cake fancier and makes us more eager to have it. For decorating a cake all that is required is sugar for icing and plentiful creative ideas to enhance the look and feel of the cakes. Moulds are available in the market in various shapes and sizes such as flower moulds or moulds in the shape of some cartoon characters. Thick cream can be filled in these moulds to get different kinds of items for beautification. Apart from cream other edible articles such as chocolates(grated, solidified into figures or in the liquid form), candies, butter cream, fruit pieces like cherries, strawberries and pineapples can be used according to imagination and occasion.
Thematic decoration of the cakes not only adds flavor to the occasion but also proves the importance of the occasion. Such as a cake meant for a wedding or an anniversary can be given a glossy or a snowy look by sprinkling fine sugar loosely over the top layer and its sides can be decked out with floral designs made of soft cream. Likewise a kid's party or a birthday can be made more colorful by positioning Disney characters using moulds on the top layer.
Cake decorations can also be designed with similar colors or symbols to remind important days like a cake with the color of national flag or symbol add stars to the celebration of the Independence Day. Similar arrangements can be done matching to the taste of the season.
There are a number of frostings or icings used for cake decorations. Victorian style, Royal icing, Fondant, Ganache, Marzipan are a few of them.
While cake decoration is a form of fine art, there are a number a number of culinary schools that teach this wonderful art. This art form can be learned from home too with the help of various books and CDs that provide step by step, simple procedures to master this skill. Cake decorating can become a good source of income once you become proficient in this art. Greater numbers of companies are looking for new and creative ideas for the decoration and ornamentation of the sugary coated sweet desserts. It can also be developed as a hobby that provides immense satisfaction and applauds once you are through with it. Hence cake decoration is a magnificent art.
No cake is complete without its decoration. In fact decoration makes the cake fancier and makes us more eager to have it. For decorating a cake all that is required is sugar for icing and plentiful creative ideas to enhance the look and feel of the cakes. Moulds are available in the market in various shapes and sizes such as flower moulds or moulds in the shape of some cartoon characters. Thick cream can be filled in these moulds to get different kinds of items for beautification. Apart from cream other edible articles such as chocolates(grated, solidified into figures or in the liquid form), candies, butter cream, fruit pieces like cherries, strawberries and pineapples can be used according to imagination and occasion.
Thematic decoration of the cakes not only adds flavor to the occasion but also proves the importance of the occasion. Such as a cake meant for a wedding or an anniversary can be given a glossy or a snowy look by sprinkling fine sugar loosely over the top layer and its sides can be decked out with floral designs made of soft cream. Likewise a kid's party or a birthday can be made more colorful by positioning Disney characters using moulds on the top layer.
Cake decorations can also be designed with similar colors or symbols to remind important days like a cake with the color of national flag or symbol add stars to the celebration of the Independence Day. Similar arrangements can be done matching to the taste of the season.
There are a number of frostings or icings used for cake decorations. Victorian style, Royal icing, Fondant, Ganache, Marzipan are a few of them.
While cake decoration is a form of fine art, there are a number a number of culinary schools that teach this wonderful art. This art form can be learned from home too with the help of various books and CDs that provide step by step, simple procedures to master this skill. Cake decorating can become a good source of income once you become proficient in this art. Greater numbers of companies are looking for new and creative ideas for the decoration and ornamentation of the sugary coated sweet desserts. It can also be developed as a hobby that provides immense satisfaction and applauds once you are through with it. Hence cake decoration is a magnificent art.
Cake Decorating Made Easy
You too can make beautiful cakes with simple cake decorating ideas. Apart from the celebrant, the cake is the main star in every celebration or occasion. It is not enough that you learn how to bake. You must also know how to make your cakes a stand out, and look great.
In cake decorating, you will need special tools that you can use as well as certain techniques such as learning how to make fondants, icings, and even using stencil cutouts for themed cakes.
Cake icing
One of the most important elements in cake designing is the icing. Icing the cake is an art in itself. You must focus intently so that the end result will be smooth and not lumpy. The secret to smooth cake icing is to ensure that the cake has completely cooled down. If you put the icing on when the cake is still warm, it will result to tiny bubbles, the color may change and it will run everywhere. For example, if you are icing a wedding cake it will absorb the cake color and turn a pale brown.
To ensure smooth cake icing, you can use a spatula or wide blade to spread the icing all over the cake.
A tip to remember: spread the icing in one direction only, if you have started to spread it horizontally, continue doing so in the same direction while rotating the cake. A deep bowl or mug of hot water is good to keep close. You can dip your spreading implement in the water to stop it sticking.
Make fondants
Another cake decorating idea is to use fondant icing. What is fondant? This is solid icing that you can roll into sheets and lay over the cake. Many bakers in fact create figurines out of fondant such as butterflies, flowers, even people.
Fondants are usually created out of sugar, chocolate and milk. You can even create fondants that are entirely made of chocolate, from bittersweet to dark chocolate.
Cake tiers
Another way to design your cake is to have it tiered. Layered cakes look fantastic and elegant. To create tiers you will need cake boards in several sizes so that you can stack them with the largest at the bottom. You can stack them directly on top of each other or use special columns to give the cake even more height.
Edible accessories
Try visiting the local baking shop near you and head to their display cabinets where you will see edible accessories such as candies that look like pearls, stringed candies, sprinkles, chocolate chips, chocolate bits, and even colored candies. You can use these items to decorate your cakes and even cupcakes.
The secret in cake decorating is using your natural eye for beauty. If you feel that the cake lacks in color, use sprinkles or additional iced decoration to liven the cake up. On the other hand, if you feel that the cake has too much color, use edible white pearl candies or some other subtle decoration. Learn how to balance the elements of your cake.
In cake decorating, you will need special tools that you can use as well as certain techniques such as learning how to make fondants, icings, and even using stencil cutouts for themed cakes.
Cake icing
One of the most important elements in cake designing is the icing. Icing the cake is an art in itself. You must focus intently so that the end result will be smooth and not lumpy. The secret to smooth cake icing is to ensure that the cake has completely cooled down. If you put the icing on when the cake is still warm, it will result to tiny bubbles, the color may change and it will run everywhere. For example, if you are icing a wedding cake it will absorb the cake color and turn a pale brown.
To ensure smooth cake icing, you can use a spatula or wide blade to spread the icing all over the cake.
A tip to remember: spread the icing in one direction only, if you have started to spread it horizontally, continue doing so in the same direction while rotating the cake. A deep bowl or mug of hot water is good to keep close. You can dip your spreading implement in the water to stop it sticking.
Make fondants
Another cake decorating idea is to use fondant icing. What is fondant? This is solid icing that you can roll into sheets and lay over the cake. Many bakers in fact create figurines out of fondant such as butterflies, flowers, even people.
Fondants are usually created out of sugar, chocolate and milk. You can even create fondants that are entirely made of chocolate, from bittersweet to dark chocolate.
Cake tiers
Another way to design your cake is to have it tiered. Layered cakes look fantastic and elegant. To create tiers you will need cake boards in several sizes so that you can stack them with the largest at the bottom. You can stack them directly on top of each other or use special columns to give the cake even more height.
Edible accessories
Try visiting the local baking shop near you and head to their display cabinets where you will see edible accessories such as candies that look like pearls, stringed candies, sprinkles, chocolate chips, chocolate bits, and even colored candies. You can use these items to decorate your cakes and even cupcakes.
The secret in cake decorating is using your natural eye for beauty. If you feel that the cake lacks in color, use sprinkles or additional iced decoration to liven the cake up. On the other hand, if you feel that the cake has too much color, use edible white pearl candies or some other subtle decoration. Learn how to balance the elements of your cake.
Cake Decorating Classes: Learning to Decorate a Cake
Cake decorating has become a very popular activity over the last few years. There are now a lot of television programs that show people creating very elaborate designs. A lot of people would love to learn how to do the same thing. Fortunately there are a lot of cake decorating classes that you can take that will teach you just that.
The most important thing if you are considering taking a cake decorating class is to make sure that you choose one that is at the right level for you. After all somebody who has never baked a cake before is probably not going to want to be in an expert class. If you are just starting out with cake decorating you are going to want to stick to a beginner class. Here you will learn all of the basic skills that are needed to decorate a cake.
As you gain more experience you can move onto classes that are more specialized. For example you can take a class that teaches you how to use edible ink so that you can create all kinds of designs that would not otherwise be possible. You can also take a course that will teach you how to create cakes in different shapes so that you are not simply putting your own design on the top of a standard cake but you are actually creating a custom cake. There are actually a lot of different cake decorating classes you can take so you should definitely look into what is available.
If you are already an expert cake decorator you may want to look into the classes that will teach you how to turn it into a business. There is a huge demand for professionally decorated cakes so if you have the skills there is definitely an opportunity there. At this level the courses will focus mainly on the business side of things but there will also be courses that help to improve your decorating skills.
Finding a place to take a cake decorating course should not be hard. There has been a huge increase in interest in the subject in recent years and as a result a lot more courses are now available. The best place to look as at your local cooking schools. A lot of bakeries have started to offer courses as well. If none of those are appealing options it is even possible to take a course online these days. This can be a good way to learn since you should have everything you need in your kitchen anyway. Taking an online course also means that you can take it whenever it fits your schedule.
The most important thing if you are considering taking a cake decorating class is to make sure that you choose one that is at the right level for you. After all somebody who has never baked a cake before is probably not going to want to be in an expert class. If you are just starting out with cake decorating you are going to want to stick to a beginner class. Here you will learn all of the basic skills that are needed to decorate a cake.
As you gain more experience you can move onto classes that are more specialized. For example you can take a class that teaches you how to use edible ink so that you can create all kinds of designs that would not otherwise be possible. You can also take a course that will teach you how to create cakes in different shapes so that you are not simply putting your own design on the top of a standard cake but you are actually creating a custom cake. There are actually a lot of different cake decorating classes you can take so you should definitely look into what is available.
If you are already an expert cake decorator you may want to look into the classes that will teach you how to turn it into a business. There is a huge demand for professionally decorated cakes so if you have the skills there is definitely an opportunity there. At this level the courses will focus mainly on the business side of things but there will also be courses that help to improve your decorating skills.
Finding a place to take a cake decorating course should not be hard. There has been a huge increase in interest in the subject in recent years and as a result a lot more courses are now available. The best place to look as at your local cooking schools. A lot of bakeries have started to offer courses as well. If none of those are appealing options it is even possible to take a course online these days. This can be a good way to learn since you should have everything you need in your kitchen anyway. Taking an online course also means that you can take it whenever it fits your schedule.
7 Fabulous Cake Decorating Books
Have you had time lately to browse the latest cake decorating books in your local bookstore? There is nothing like an illustrated cake decorating book to generate ideas for a special celebration. Whether you are a hobbyist or an aspiring professional, one or more of these seven books are sure to inform and inspire you.
Wilton Cake Decorating for Beginners Guide by Wilton - For beginners, a Wilton cake decorating book is a solid place to start. The Wilton Method, around for 80 years, is a well-known approach. This book will take you from buying the correct tools, to creating the finishing touches with flowers and borders. There are many recipes and designs to choose from.
Hello, Cupcake! Irresistibly Playful Creations Anyone Can Make, by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson - Using simple techniques that beginners and even children can use, the authors of Hello,Cupcake! present many playful designs and recipes. Imagine these cupcakes: box of chocolates, sunflower, giraffe, clown face, and alligator. These and many other designs are described in this book.
The Whimsical Bakehouse: Fun-to-Make Cakes That Taste as Good as They Look! by Kaye Hansen and Liv Hansen - The book title says it all. The authors are professional bakers who offer simple and elaborate designs with how-to instructions and beautiful photographs. As a special feature they share their expertise with chocolate decorating methods.
Cakes to Inspire and Desire by Lindy Smith - Looking for an idea for a celebration cake? This book provides 15 delicious and colorful ideas using both traditional and modern designs. Whether you want to find out how to create sculptures and wonky shapes, or you are interested in making embroidery accents, this is a book to consult.
Wedding Cakes You Can Make: Designing, Baking, and Decorating the Perfect Wedding Cake, by Dede Wilson - Have you ever dreamed of making a wedding cake for yourself or someone else? This book is designed for the everyday baker, taking the reader by the hand through planning and production of a wedding cake. Dede Wilson provides 16 different unique wedding cake ideas.
Start a Cake Business Today by Paula Spencer - Many talented home bakers dream of starting a sideline cake business. This book will take you by the hand through all of the details you need to consider when starting up your own business. It includes references for useful websites as well.
Cakes to Dream on: a Master Class in Decorating, by Colette Peters - This book is an excellent guide for advanced cake designers. The well-known author, Colette Peters, presents some of her recent designs using fondant, gum paste, and royal icing. Ever wondered how to create a lopsided multi-tier cake? Colette Peters tells you how in this Master class book.
Wilton Cake Decorating for Beginners Guide by Wilton - For beginners, a Wilton cake decorating book is a solid place to start. The Wilton Method, around for 80 years, is a well-known approach. This book will take you from buying the correct tools, to creating the finishing touches with flowers and borders. There are many recipes and designs to choose from.
Hello, Cupcake! Irresistibly Playful Creations Anyone Can Make, by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson - Using simple techniques that beginners and even children can use, the authors of Hello,Cupcake! present many playful designs and recipes. Imagine these cupcakes: box of chocolates, sunflower, giraffe, clown face, and alligator. These and many other designs are described in this book.
The Whimsical Bakehouse: Fun-to-Make Cakes That Taste as Good as They Look! by Kaye Hansen and Liv Hansen - The book title says it all. The authors are professional bakers who offer simple and elaborate designs with how-to instructions and beautiful photographs. As a special feature they share their expertise with chocolate decorating methods.
Cakes to Inspire and Desire by Lindy Smith - Looking for an idea for a celebration cake? This book provides 15 delicious and colorful ideas using both traditional and modern designs. Whether you want to find out how to create sculptures and wonky shapes, or you are interested in making embroidery accents, this is a book to consult.
Wedding Cakes You Can Make: Designing, Baking, and Decorating the Perfect Wedding Cake, by Dede Wilson - Have you ever dreamed of making a wedding cake for yourself or someone else? This book is designed for the everyday baker, taking the reader by the hand through planning and production of a wedding cake. Dede Wilson provides 16 different unique wedding cake ideas.
Start a Cake Business Today by Paula Spencer - Many talented home bakers dream of starting a sideline cake business. This book will take you by the hand through all of the details you need to consider when starting up your own business. It includes references for useful websites as well.
Cakes to Dream on: a Master Class in Decorating, by Colette Peters - This book is an excellent guide for advanced cake designers. The well-known author, Colette Peters, presents some of her recent designs using fondant, gum paste, and royal icing. Ever wondered how to create a lopsided multi-tier cake? Colette Peters tells you how in this Master class book.
Cake Decorating Books
Whether it's a birthday party, wedding, anniversary, graduation party or any other celebration, cakes are always part of the menu. With so many cakes and desserts stores in the country, it's so easy to choose and just order for that special day. Still, nothing can compare to adding that personal touch to the cake. Personally decorating your cake can add a special touch to your cake, and make that special day even more special. Cake decorating books can help you make this happen.
These are readily available in bookstores, bakeshops, and stores that specialize in selling ingredients, equipment and other baking needs. Different icings would require different ingredients and would have unique processes that determine the taste and texture of your icing. Different varieties of tools and equipments for cake decorating are needed depending on the design you'd like to create. Cake decorating books guide you along with the ingredients, processes and equipments to use. Along with icing making, they also teach you how to make sugar flowers, mold chocolates and other cake decors. Pictures of each step and the finished product make it easier for you to follow the procedures.
Each book has its own set of cake designs you might want to try, depending on the event or cake flavor. So browse through and pick the designs that you'd really like to try. Some books also include a list of stores from which you can purchase your baking needs. A lot of these baking supply stores will be wholesale, because they supply to restaurants only. Sadly, the places which sell the highest quality items at the lowest prices will almost always be restaurant supply stores. However, many times you can overcome this hurdle by hunting for a supplier online or by simply calling the supply house and finding out what you need to do in order to become a business to business customer. Many times it's something as simple as filing for a fictitious business name and a tax ID for free! Every situation is different.
Maybe you haven't baked a cake and decorated one your entire life but you'd like to try making one? Maybe you've tried it once or twice or maybe baking is just your hobby? Whatever experiences you have in cake baking, don't hesitate to make that day extra special by making personalized cakes. By using cake decorating books, you're sure to make that day much more memorable.
These are readily available in bookstores, bakeshops, and stores that specialize in selling ingredients, equipment and other baking needs. Different icings would require different ingredients and would have unique processes that determine the taste and texture of your icing. Different varieties of tools and equipments for cake decorating are needed depending on the design you'd like to create. Cake decorating books guide you along with the ingredients, processes and equipments to use. Along with icing making, they also teach you how to make sugar flowers, mold chocolates and other cake decors. Pictures of each step and the finished product make it easier for you to follow the procedures.
Each book has its own set of cake designs you might want to try, depending on the event or cake flavor. So browse through and pick the designs that you'd really like to try. Some books also include a list of stores from which you can purchase your baking needs. A lot of these baking supply stores will be wholesale, because they supply to restaurants only. Sadly, the places which sell the highest quality items at the lowest prices will almost always be restaurant supply stores. However, many times you can overcome this hurdle by hunting for a supplier online or by simply calling the supply house and finding out what you need to do in order to become a business to business customer. Many times it's something as simple as filing for a fictitious business name and a tax ID for free! Every situation is different.
Maybe you haven't baked a cake and decorated one your entire life but you'd like to try making one? Maybe you've tried it once or twice or maybe baking is just your hobby? Whatever experiences you have in cake baking, don't hesitate to make that day extra special by making personalized cakes. By using cake decorating books, you're sure to make that day much more memorable.
Cake Decorating Mistakes You Shouldn't Make
One of the main mistakes that many people make when it comes to cake decoration is to not prepare the cake itself sufficiently so that it will take to decoration very well. It's important that when it's finished baking, it's strong and firm enough to be able to take being weighed down with icing. After all, a semi collapsed cake isn't a good idea unless you're trying to mimic a valley as part of a design! If the cake isn't cooked well enough, you might find any decoration sinking into it, which might be tasty, but you can be pretty sure that it won't win any awards for aesthetics!
Another important point that people should consider when they get involved in cake decorating is to ensure that they spend adequate time practising the various aspects that are involved in this unique skill. It is exceptionally rare to find anyone who can pick up a hobby and immediately become good at something (Eddie Van Halen perhaps a notable exception), and that means that should you want to start in this area, you'll need a few weeks of getting used to writing icing, sculpting and the like before you actually make your first proper cake for someone. After all, you don't want to ruin someone's birthday just because you didn't spend enough time working out how to use an icing tube!
One of the most notorious potential mistakes that people encounter when they first start decorating cakes is the peril of the bulging fillings. Whilst this isn't really an issue when it comes to making a cake for yourself or your loved ones, it would certainly be a problem if you had been commissioned by someone! Bulging fillings are usually messy, decidedly unelegant, and should be avoided like the plague. For starters, try and bake the actual cake the day before if you can, as this will make it more stable and likely to accept the filling. Also, don't overfill - you'll be surprised as to how little filling you'll need in order to get the flavour benefits but without it going everywhere.
Freezing cakes has become a very common practise when it comes to modern cake decorating. Whilst it can indeed be a really good idea, that doesn't necessarily mean that you can just plough ahead without carrying out adequate planning. There are, after all, special techniques that are needed to ensure that your work doesn't end up drying out after a period of being frozen. Mostly it comes down to how the cake is wrapped. Firstly, wrap it securely in clingfilm (two or three layers is usually enough) to keep out the air and moisture (the two most common ruiners of cakes), and then add one more layer of standard kitchen foil just before it is frozen. Doing this will mean the cake stays in optimum conditioning whilst it's in the freezer, and that you won't have any problems with it once it's been defrosted. Having a large stash of cakes available is never a bad thing, either, especially if you end up having a rush job or two!
Another important point that people should consider when they get involved in cake decorating is to ensure that they spend adequate time practising the various aspects that are involved in this unique skill. It is exceptionally rare to find anyone who can pick up a hobby and immediately become good at something (Eddie Van Halen perhaps a notable exception), and that means that should you want to start in this area, you'll need a few weeks of getting used to writing icing, sculpting and the like before you actually make your first proper cake for someone. After all, you don't want to ruin someone's birthday just because you didn't spend enough time working out how to use an icing tube!
One of the most notorious potential mistakes that people encounter when they first start decorating cakes is the peril of the bulging fillings. Whilst this isn't really an issue when it comes to making a cake for yourself or your loved ones, it would certainly be a problem if you had been commissioned by someone! Bulging fillings are usually messy, decidedly unelegant, and should be avoided like the plague. For starters, try and bake the actual cake the day before if you can, as this will make it more stable and likely to accept the filling. Also, don't overfill - you'll be surprised as to how little filling you'll need in order to get the flavour benefits but without it going everywhere.
Freezing cakes has become a very common practise when it comes to modern cake decorating. Whilst it can indeed be a really good idea, that doesn't necessarily mean that you can just plough ahead without carrying out adequate planning. There are, after all, special techniques that are needed to ensure that your work doesn't end up drying out after a period of being frozen. Mostly it comes down to how the cake is wrapped. Firstly, wrap it securely in clingfilm (two or three layers is usually enough) to keep out the air and moisture (the two most common ruiners of cakes), and then add one more layer of standard kitchen foil just before it is frozen. Doing this will mean the cake stays in optimum conditioning whilst it's in the freezer, and that you won't have any problems with it once it's been defrosted. Having a large stash of cakes available is never a bad thing, either, especially if you end up having a rush job or two!
Wedding Cake Decorating Tips
Creating a wedding cake or anniversary cake for a large party requires careful planning due to the size of the task. The first step is to formulate an image of what the cake will look like. Before you launch into your own dreaming, consult with the wedding or anniversary couple, first to find out if they have any specific expectations or preferences. They may give you full discretion or may want to be closely involved in the designing. Once you have done this, you can create your design, perhaps referring to recent magazines and books for current cake decorating tips.
Once you have chosen recipes, flavors, colors and decorations, plan for the following steps. Usually each step can be carried out on one or more different days:
Prepare a trial cake to test your concept and practice techniques.
Plan how the cake will be displayed.
Do the big shopping trip for the project, purchasing ingredients, display accessories etc.
Bake and store the cakes.
Prepare and apply icing and decorations.
Drive the cake to the party location and prepare the display.
How Cakes are Tiered or Stacked
A tiered cake appears to be a single tower, but in fact consists of several cakes joined together. Cakes can be stacked directly on top of each other or separated by pillars or columns. When cakes are resting on top of each other, you need to insert dowels through the center of the cakes to provide structural support. Doweling can be purchased at your local hardware store or at a cake supply shop. You can learn how to work with doweling from cake decorating tips online or in books; but unless you are a very "handy" person, it would be wise to try it for the first time with an experienced baker or in a cake decorating class.
When you tier with columns or pillars, you can use a cake separator set. When you look around at your local cake decorating supply center, you will see there are many options and accessories for creating a tiered cake.
Ideas for Choosing Decorations
The most important cake decorating tip for weddings and anniversaries has already been mentioned: consult with the celebrated couple! Given that you know their likes and dislikes, here are some ideas for decorating a wedding cake:
Consider using fondant if there will be an outdoor wedding - fondant is more durable than buttercream and can withstand higher temperatures.
Use colors, flowers, embroidery, and ribbons etc. inspired by the bridal flowers and dresses.
Borrow themes from the couple's lives and families.
Flavors, colors, and symbols can originate from the place of marriage or honeymoon.
For an anniversary cake, consider some of the above ideas - and the ones below:
Writing is appropriate on anniversary cakes. You can record the year of the anniversary and/or write "Happy Anniversary!"
Find out and use the symbol connected to the anniversary, for example, silver for the 25th.
Once you have chosen recipes, flavors, colors and decorations, plan for the following steps. Usually each step can be carried out on one or more different days:
Prepare a trial cake to test your concept and practice techniques.
Plan how the cake will be displayed.
Do the big shopping trip for the project, purchasing ingredients, display accessories etc.
Bake and store the cakes.
Prepare and apply icing and decorations.
Drive the cake to the party location and prepare the display.
How Cakes are Tiered or Stacked
A tiered cake appears to be a single tower, but in fact consists of several cakes joined together. Cakes can be stacked directly on top of each other or separated by pillars or columns. When cakes are resting on top of each other, you need to insert dowels through the center of the cakes to provide structural support. Doweling can be purchased at your local hardware store or at a cake supply shop. You can learn how to work with doweling from cake decorating tips online or in books; but unless you are a very "handy" person, it would be wise to try it for the first time with an experienced baker or in a cake decorating class.
When you tier with columns or pillars, you can use a cake separator set. When you look around at your local cake decorating supply center, you will see there are many options and accessories for creating a tiered cake.
Ideas for Choosing Decorations
The most important cake decorating tip for weddings and anniversaries has already been mentioned: consult with the celebrated couple! Given that you know their likes and dislikes, here are some ideas for decorating a wedding cake:
Consider using fondant if there will be an outdoor wedding - fondant is more durable than buttercream and can withstand higher temperatures.
Use colors, flowers, embroidery, and ribbons etc. inspired by the bridal flowers and dresses.
Borrow themes from the couple's lives and families.
Flavors, colors, and symbols can originate from the place of marriage or honeymoon.
For an anniversary cake, consider some of the above ideas - and the ones below:
Writing is appropriate on anniversary cakes. You can record the year of the anniversary and/or write "Happy Anniversary!"
Find out and use the symbol connected to the anniversary, for example, silver for the 25th.
Cake Decorating Tips for the Beginner
It takes a lot of practice to become a skilled cake decorator. This does not however mean that beginners can't decorate a cake. As long as you choose a design that is not too complicated you should have no trouble with decorating it as long as you keep a few basic tips in mind.
Probably the most important cake decorating tip for beginners is to choose a design for your cake that is appropriate for your skill level. It takes years of practice to get to the level where you can create the elaborate cakes that you see being produced on television. There are lots of books and websites that contain cake decorating ideas for beginners, stick to these when you are starting out.
Another useful tip for the new cake decorator is to use multiple layers on your cake. This is not required of course and it may not be appropriate for the design that you have selected but in most cases you will find that it is easier to work with the cake if it is in multiple layers. Equally important a tiered cake just looks more elegant.
The most important thing to getting the cake to look the way that you want is to get icing as smooth as possible. The way to do this is to hold the spatula that you are using flat. This will help to spread the frosting out and keep it smooth. Another option is to use as ganache instead of icing. A ganache goes on really smooth so it takes almost no experience to apply it properly.
One useful tip that a lot of people find to be helpful when they are first learning to decorate a cake is to try a practice run first. You don't have to actually bake a cake to do this; you can put the icing on a plate so that you can get the design worked out before you start working on the cake. Even the professionals do this when they are working with a new design.
One other thing to keep in mind when you are decorating a cake is to have fun while you are doing it. When you first start out the cakes probably won't turn out exactly the way that you want them. It really doesn't matter as long as they taste good. With more practice you will get better at it.
Probably the most important cake decorating tip for beginners is to choose a design for your cake that is appropriate for your skill level. It takes years of practice to get to the level where you can create the elaborate cakes that you see being produced on television. There are lots of books and websites that contain cake decorating ideas for beginners, stick to these when you are starting out.
Another useful tip for the new cake decorator is to use multiple layers on your cake. This is not required of course and it may not be appropriate for the design that you have selected but in most cases you will find that it is easier to work with the cake if it is in multiple layers. Equally important a tiered cake just looks more elegant.
The most important thing to getting the cake to look the way that you want is to get icing as smooth as possible. The way to do this is to hold the spatula that you are using flat. This will help to spread the frosting out and keep it smooth. Another option is to use as ganache instead of icing. A ganache goes on really smooth so it takes almost no experience to apply it properly.
One useful tip that a lot of people find to be helpful when they are first learning to decorate a cake is to try a practice run first. You don't have to actually bake a cake to do this; you can put the icing on a plate so that you can get the design worked out before you start working on the cake. Even the professionals do this when they are working with a new design.
One other thing to keep in mind when you are decorating a cake is to have fun while you are doing it. When you first start out the cakes probably won't turn out exactly the way that you want them. It really doesn't matter as long as they taste good. With more practice you will get better at it.
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