Decorating an already made cake can seem daunting, especially if you’re not a seasoned baker. But with the right tools, techniques, and a little creativity, you can transform a plain cake into a show-stopping centerpiece. This guide will walk you through the process, from gathering your supplies to mastering basic decorating skills, ensuring your next cake is a sweet success.
Understanding Your Canvas: Preparing the Cake for Decoration
Before you even think about frosting or sprinkles, it’s crucial to properly prepare your cake. A smooth, stable surface is essential for creating a beautiful final product.
Leveling and Shaping the Cake
Uneven cakes can lead to lopsided decorations. If your cake has a dome, use a serrated knife to carefully level the top. Gently saw back and forth, using a rotating cake stand if you have one, to ensure an even cut. You can also use a cake leveler, a handy tool that creates a perfectly flat surface.
Sometimes, you might want to reshape your cake. Round cakes can be transformed into squares, hearts, or even more intricate shapes. Use a sharp knife and a template, if needed, to carefully carve the desired shape. Remember to work slowly and deliberately to avoid mistakes.
Applying a Crumb Coat
The crumb coat is your secret weapon against unsightly crumbs in your final frosting layer. It’s a thin layer of frosting that seals in all the loose crumbs and provides a smooth base for further decoration.
Use an offset spatula to apply a thin layer of frosting all over the cake. Don’t worry about perfection at this stage. The goal is simply to trap the crumbs. Once the cake is covered, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour. This will allow the crumb coat to firm up, making the final frosting layer much easier to apply.
Frosting Fundamentals: Choosing and Applying the Perfect Frosting
The frosting is the foundation of your cake’s decoration. Choosing the right type of frosting and applying it smoothly are key to achieving a professional-looking finish.
Selecting the Right Frosting
There are numerous types of frostings, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some popular options include:
- Buttercream: Classic, versatile, and easy to work with. Buttercream can be flavored and colored in countless ways.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Tangy and delicious, perfect for red velvet, carrot, and spice cakes.
- Ganache: Rich and decadent chocolate frosting, ideal for elegant desserts.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, best suited for cakes that will be served immediately.
Consider the flavor profile of your cake and the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for when choosing a frosting. For beginners, buttercream is often the easiest and most forgiving option.
Achieving a Smooth Finish
Applying frosting smoothly takes practice, but with the right technique, you can achieve a professional-looking finish. Start by placing a generous dollop of frosting on top of the cake. Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly across the surface.
Next, apply frosting to the sides of the cake. Use a rotating cake stand to make the process easier. Hold the spatula at a 45-degree angle and gently smooth the frosting as you rotate the cake. Don’t worry about perfection on the first pass.
Once the cake is covered, use a bench scraper or a long offset spatula to smooth the sides. Hold the scraper against the side of the cake and rotate the cake stand. Remove any excess frosting and repeat the process until you achieve a smooth, even surface.
To smooth the top of the cake, use an offset spatula. Hold the spatula flat against the surface and gently pull it towards you. Repeat the process, overlapping each pass slightly, until the top is smooth.
Decoration Techniques: Bringing Your Cake to Life
Now for the fun part: decorating! There are endless possibilities when it comes to cake decoration. Here are a few basic techniques to get you started.
Simple Piping Techniques
Piping adds elegance and detail to your cake. You’ll need piping bags, couplers, and piping tips.
- Stars: Use a star tip to create stars, rosettes, and borders. Apply even pressure to the piping bag and gently release as you complete each shape.
- Rosettes: Pipe a swirl, starting in the center and moving outwards in a circular motion.
- Lines and Borders: Use a round tip to pipe straight lines, curved lines, or decorative borders.
Practice piping on a piece of parchment paper before decorating your cake. This will help you get a feel for the pressure and technique required.
Working with Sprinkles
Sprinkles are an easy and effective way to add color and texture to your cake. There are countless types of sprinkles available, from classic jimmies to edible glitter.
To apply sprinkles to the sides of the cake, hold the cake over a large bowl or tray. Use your hand or a spoon to gently press the sprinkles onto the frosting. For the top of the cake, simply sprinkle them evenly over the surface.
Adding Fruit and Other Toppings
Fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, candies, and other toppings can add both visual appeal and flavor to your cake.
Arrange fruit attractively on top of the cake. Consider using a variety of colors and textures to create a visually appealing display. Chocolate shavings can be scattered over the surface or arranged in a decorative pattern. Candies can be used to create borders, accents, or even entire scenes.
Coloring Techniques: Adding Vibrancy to Your Cake
Adding color to your frosting and cake can take your creations to the next level. Using gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant and consistent results.
Choosing the Right Food Coloring
Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid food coloring, so it won’t thin out your frosting. It also produces more vibrant colors.
Start with a small amount of gel food coloring and gradually add more until you achieve the desired shade. Remember that the color will deepen over time, so it’s always better to start with less and add more as needed.
Creating Ombre Effects
Ombre effects, where colors gradually blend from light to dark, are a popular trend in cake decorating.
To create an ombre effect, divide your frosting into several bowls. Add a different amount of food coloring to each bowl, creating a range of shades from light to dark. Apply the lightest shade to the top of the cake and gradually transition to the darkest shade at the bottom. Use an offset spatula to blend the colors together seamlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Having the right tools and equipment can make cake decorating much easier and more enjoyable.
- Rotating Cake Stand: Essential for smoothing frosting and applying decorations evenly.
- Offset Spatulas: For applying and smoothing frosting. Different sizes are useful for different tasks.
- Bench Scraper: For creating smooth sides on your cake.
- Piping Bags and Tips: For adding decorative details.
- Gel Food Coloring: For vibrant and consistent colors.
- Cake Leveler: For creating a perfectly flat cake top.
Advanced Techniques: Taking Your Skills to the Next Level
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced cake decorating techniques.
Creating Fondant Decorations
Fondant is a sugar paste that can be rolled out and used to cover cakes or create decorative elements.
To work with fondant, you’ll need to knead it until it’s smooth and pliable. Roll it out on a lightly dusted surface and use cookie cutters or molds to create shapes. Attach the fondant decorations to your cake with a dab of buttercream or edible glue.
Airbrushing Techniques
Airbrushing can be used to create stunning effects on cakes, such as gradients, shadows, and intricate designs.
You’ll need an airbrush machine and edible airbrush colors. Practice on a piece of parchment paper before airbrushing your cake. Hold the airbrush about 6-8 inches away from the cake and move it in smooth, even strokes.
Creating Drip Cakes
Drip cakes are a popular trend that involves pouring a ganache or other liquid over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
To create a drip cake, make sure your cake is chilled. Heat your ganache until it’s smooth and pourable. Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the ganache around the edge of the cake. Allow the ganache to set before adding any additional decorations.
Troubleshooting Common Issues: Solving Cake Decorating Problems
Even the most experienced cake decorators encounter problems from time to time. Here are a few common issues and how to solve them.
- Frosting is too soft: Chill the frosting in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before using.
- Frosting is too stiff: Add a small amount of milk or cream to soften it.
- Crumbs are getting into the frosting: Apply a thicker crumb coat and chill the cake thoroughly before frosting.
- Fondant is cracking: Knead the fondant well and roll it out on a lightly dusted surface.
- Ganache is too thick: Add a small amount of warm cream to thin it.
- Ganache is too thin: Add a small amount of melted chocolate to thicken it.
Cake Decorating Ideas for Every Occasion: Inspiration for Your Next Creation
Need some inspiration? Here are a few cake decorating ideas for different occasions:
- Birthdays: Bright colors, sprinkles, balloons, and candles.
- Weddings: Elegant white frosting, delicate flowers, and edible pearls.
- Holidays: Festive colors, themed decorations, and seasonal flavors.
- Baby Showers: Pastel colors, cute animals, and baby-themed decorations.
- Anniversaries: Heart-shaped decorations, romantic colors, and personalized messages.
The possibilities are endless! Let your creativity guide you and have fun with the process.
Decorating an already made cake is a fantastic way to express your creativity and impress your friends and family. With practice and the right techniques, you can create stunning cakes that are both beautiful and delicious. Remember to start with the basics, gradually learn more advanced techniques, and most importantly, have fun with it! Cake decorating is a journey, so enjoy every step of the way.
FAQ 1: What are the essential tools a beginner needs for decorating an already made cake?
To start decorating an already made cake, you’ll need a few fundamental tools. A good offset spatula is essential for smoothing frosting and creating even surfaces. Piping bags and tips are crucial for adding decorative elements like borders, flowers, and writing. A turntable makes rotating the cake while decorating significantly easier, leading to a more consistent and professional finish. Finally, don’t forget basic tools like measuring spoons, a paring knife for trimming, and food coloring to add vibrancy to your frosting.
Beyond these core tools, consider investing in a few extras as your skills develop. Sprinkles, edible glitter, and luster dust can add visual interest and texture. Small paintbrushes are useful for applying edible paints or creating intricate details. Templates and stencils can help you create precise designs, even if you’re not confident with freehand decorating. Remember to choose high-quality tools that will last, and clean them thoroughly after each use.
FAQ 2: What types of frosting are best for decorating an already made cake, and why?
Buttercream frosting is generally considered the best option for beginners. It’s relatively easy to work with, holds its shape well for piping, and can be easily colored and flavored. American buttercream is the simplest type to make, requiring only butter, powdered sugar, and flavoring. Swiss meringue buttercream is smoother and less sweet, but requires more precision in its preparation.
Cream cheese frosting is another popular choice, offering a tangy flavor that complements many cake flavors. However, it’s softer than buttercream, so it may not be ideal for intricate piping designs or cakes that need to stand at room temperature for extended periods. Ganache, a mixture of chocolate and cream, is excellent for creating smooth, glossy finishes or for drizzling. Ultimately, the best frosting depends on your personal preferences and the desired look and feel of your cake.
FAQ 3: How do I ensure my frosting adheres well to the cake’s surface?
The key to ensuring good frosting adhesion is to start with a clean and slightly damp cake surface. This will help the frosting grip and prevent it from sliding off. If the cake is dry, lightly brush it with simple syrup before frosting. Simple syrup can be made by boiling equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves.
Another crucial step is to apply a thin “crumb coat” of frosting first. This seals in any loose crumbs and creates a smooth base for the final layer of frosting. Chill the crumb-coated cake for at least 30 minutes before applying the final layer. This allows the crumb coat to firm up, preventing crumbs from mixing into the final frosting layer and ensuring a cleaner, more professional finish.
FAQ 4: What are some simple piping techniques a beginner can master quickly?
One of the easiest piping techniques to learn is creating a simple border. Use a round tip and pipe small dots or beads around the top and bottom edges of the cake. Overlapping the dots slightly creates a more polished look. Another beginner-friendly technique is piping swirls or rosettes. Start in the center and pipe a spiral outward, creating a simple and elegant design.
Stars are another relatively simple piping design. Use a star tip and apply even pressure to create small, symmetrical stars. Practice on a piece of parchment paper before piping directly onto the cake. A simple zigzag pattern can also add visual interest. Use a round or star tip and move the piping bag back and forth in a continuous motion along the cake’s edge.
FAQ 5: How can I effectively use sprinkles and other edible decorations on a cake?
Sprinkles are a fantastic way to add color and texture to a cake. The easiest way to apply them is to hold the cake over a large bowl or baking sheet to catch any excess sprinkles. Gently pour or sprinkle them onto the frosting, using your fingers or a spoon to distribute them evenly. For a more controlled application, try using a small spoon or a dedicated sprinkle dispenser.
Larger edible decorations, such as fondant shapes or chocolate shavings, can be strategically placed to create focal points. Use a small amount of frosting to adhere them to the cake. For a more modern look, consider creating a “drip cake” by pouring melted chocolate or ganache down the sides of the cake. Allow the drip to set slightly before adding other decorations, such as macarons or fresh fruit.
FAQ 6: How do I fix common cake decorating mistakes, like uneven frosting or air bubbles?
Uneven frosting can be easily corrected with an offset spatula. Use the spatula to gently smooth out any bumps or dips in the frosting. If the frosting is too thick, add a small amount of liquid (milk or water) to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. The key is to work in thin layers and avoid applying too much pressure.
Air bubbles in frosting can be removed by gently tapping the cake on a flat surface or using a pin to pop the bubbles. If you’re piping frosting and encounter an air bubble, simply stop piping, remove the tip, and squeeze the air out of the bag before continuing. Practice will help you minimize air bubbles and create a smoother finish.
FAQ 7: How long can a decorated cake last, and how should I store it properly?
The shelf life of a decorated cake depends on the ingredients used and the storage conditions. Cakes frosted with buttercream or cream cheese frosting can typically be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, provided the room is not too warm. However, it’s best to refrigerate them, especially in warmer climates, to prevent the frosting from melting or spoiling.
To store a decorated cake properly, place it in an airtight container or cover it loosely with plastic wrap. This will prevent the cake from drying out and absorbing odors from the refrigerator. Cakes with fresh fruit should always be refrigerated. If you need to store the cake for longer than a few days, consider freezing it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.