Cake Decorating

When first getting into baking, everyone envisions the perfect cake with all the details one could ask for and the richest flabour there is. All round, a rather perfect cake. Of course, it takes a lot of work to achieve such a pastry, however some ways are easier than others. To start small, for example, you can use cupcakes or mini cakes and try out your ideas. This is also helpful to develop your skill and style. How your cake looks is extremely important. The decorations give the eater an idea of what to expect. A cake fully covered in buttercream is usually heavier and sweater while, on the other hand, a cake decorated mainly with fruit is, most likely, fluffier and mre sour. Using different types of fruit also impacts this first impression. Berries are usually associated with summer and fresh taste while apples remind of harvest and more often than not, go hand in hand with cinnamon. In this picture, the raspberries indicate a fresh summerly taste (which is exactly what you would want for an icecream cake). In this post, I will be mainly focusing on decorating with creams.

Decorating

Usually, if you want to use cream, you have to choose between the commonly used buttercream or other alternatives such as ganache or, my personal favorite, cream cheese frosting. I prefer to use cream cheese frosting because it is less sweet and lighter than buttercream. Cream cheese frosting is made with cream cheese, icing sugar, a bit of lemon juice (to enhance the cream cheese’s acidity) and lastly, any flavouring or food colouring one desires. I like to add a few drops of vanilla extract if I am going to be using a plain frosting. If you are planning to use different coloured icing, a fun idea is to give each colour a different flavour. Now, onto the process.

Crumb coating

Let us assume you chose to use cream cheese. For the following ideas you need several spatulas with different shaped ends, a glass, plate or turntable, a cake or cupcake base and the cream.

First, situate your cake on the turntable (if you are decorating a cupcake, place it on an upside-down plate or glass).

Use the back of your spatula to scoop a generous amount of cream onto the top.

For crumb-coating the pastry, use your spatula to spread out the cream on the top and add cream onto the sides.

Use your spatula to spread the cream. It is not important that you cover everything but try to get as much coverage as possible.

When your cake is mostly covered, place it, together with the cream, in the fridge for an hour or more.

Take the cake out and apply a second layer of cream smoothing it out well and covering every spot. Put the cake back in the fridge for several hours or over night.

Flowers and Decorations

Separate a bit of the cream and mix in food colouring and/or aromas and extracts.

Put your cake on a turntable. Use the back of your spatula to scoop up a bit of cream and make sure the front and sides are clean.

Press the spatula with the cream down and pull it a bit to form the petals. Make sure to press down firmly to get the right shape.

If you wish to create a flower like the one in the picture, form two petals with green first and then layer yellow petals on top.

Use a darker or stronger hue of the colour you chose to use (or a different colour alltogether) to create the center.

For the centers it is best to use a spatula with a pointed end.

In the middle you can place sprinkles or you can pipe a bit of colourful cream with a piping bag.

Variations and Tips

Now it is time to experiment and try things out. Don’t be afraid to try something. You can always use the side of the spatula to scrape it off. If the cream doesn’t stick enough, place it in the fridge until it is harder. Press down firmly or otherwise, the petal won’t stay put. Try out any shapes, colours and tastes that you wish to include! This is art and you can be as creative as you want. You can also combine your spatula leaves with piped buttercream flowers. If you wish to create small flowers like in this picture:

Use the very tip of your smallest spatula and press down to create the deeper part in the middle of your petal.

I hope this helps you get started with your own awesome decorations!