subject: Useful Tips For Cake Decorating [print this page] Cake decorating isn't as simple or easy as some people might think. For instance, there are many different pre-conditions that must be met in order for any type of cake to frost nicely and to hold up to the decoration process. The most valuable tips for cake decorating include training the cake decorator how to select the right cake body for the frosting or icing used, to prepare that cake accordingly (which might mean freezing it, trimming and leveling it, or "torting" it into many layers), and to develop a plan.
Although many people will view an undecorated cake as a "blank canvas", it is best to approach any cake decorating project with a theme already in place, and this requires thought and planning. This will prevent any serious mistakes and allow the cake decorator to do a lot of advanced preparation.
What sort of preparation is necessary? Well, just consider the decorations that will be used. Will they be piped on to the cake with a special tip? Maybe they will include handmade frosting flowers and leaves? Perhaps the decoration includes some complex details like basket work or string designs? This indicates that the cake decorator may want to take the time to sketch out their design for the cake and then to make a batch of icing or frosting in order to practice any of the techniques that they intend to use when it comes time to do the actual decoration.
Why waste the materials and the time in practicing? Why not just do the work on the cake and then make corrections while completing the decorating? The reason that a cake decorator must perfect their techniques "off the cake" is quite simple - all cakes must be properly prepared with a "base" layer of frosting, and when you repeatedly scrape away errors or unattractive designs, you must also repair or replace that base layer. It is best to just get the backdrop for the decorations in place (the base frosting or fondant), and let that remain flawless and intact as you perfect the designs and techniques necessary to implement the design. You can use a sheet of wax paper to practice the different patterns, and when done you can just scrape the icing back into a fresh piping bag!
So, we know that some of the more valuable tips include making a plan, preparing the cake properly, getting a good base layer of frosting or icing in place, and practicing piping or decorating techniques before applying them to the cake itself. Anything else? Most professional cake decorators would also recommend that you acquire your most basic tool kit, and always have any necessary pieces at hand.
For instance, let's say that you will be doing a lot of string work, but you also intend to use many different colors. This means that you should make a point of preparing your icing, filling the bags, and ensuring that you have the right number of tips to save you from having to stop and wash some of your supplies during the decorating process. This can easily allow the icing to dry out and become less pliable. Having a plan lets you make adequate preparations and complete the process easily.
