How to Decorate a Cake

When it comes to food, it should look so good that people want to taste it. 

Most people judge the food by its looks before tasting. So, to attract the audience, you must garnish your cake perfectly. 

To decorate a cake, you need to learn some basic techniques that are used by professional bakers. Once you learn these skills, you can try advanced decorating methods. 

Frosting and Decorating

Nothing looks better than a layer cake for any occasion. You can create layers easily by cutting the cake in slices. Add some frosting in between the layers for a delicious look. 

To prepare the cake for frosting and decorating, you require, 

• A plastic wrap
• A knife
• Parchment paper

Trimming the Cake

When you trim a cake from the top and bottom, you can moisten it with plain sugar syrup. It doesn’t only add a flavor but ensures the cake doesn’t dry out. If you are making a sponge cake, this step is mandatory. 

Before you start trimming, you must allow the cake to cool down. Once cooled, place it on a cake turntable to cut it. If you don’t have a turntable, you can use a cutting board. Place a parchment paper on the cutting board. 

Put your resting hand at the top of the cake and trim the cake using a knife. It is recommended to keep your knife at the same level and use the back-and-forth method. Once you finish trimming the top, repeat the process on the bottom. 

During the trimming, you need to ensure that you don’t need a deep cut. All you need to need to do is to slice off the outer layer. 

How to Create Layers

When it comes to creating layers, you have to decide the number of layers before starting it. It depends on the size of the cake. It is always better to have fewer layers than having many broken ones. 

Set the cake on a turntable or a cutting board. Put your resting hand at the top of the cake and start making layers by using back and forth motion. 

As soon as you have created the layers, you need to cover them with a plastic wrap to preserve the moisture. Keep them covered until you want to frost them. 

Frosting

Crumb coat is the easiest way to get a smooth and professional-looking cake. It is a slim layer of frosting that prevents the crumbs from clogging your final frosting layer. 

1. Place the most imperfect layer on a parchment paper and coat with simple syrup using a pastry brush.
2. Pour some frosting on the layer and spread it using a knife just before the corners. When you add further layers, their weight will spread it.
3. Add another layer of cake over it. At this point, you can add a broken layer (if you have one) and sandwich it. While adding layers, you need to bend down and see it at your eye level.
4. On the final layer, you need to apply syrup and frosting to the edge. Furthermore, add a dollop on the sides and cover as much area as possible.
5. Once you have covered the entire cake with frosting, you need to use a knife and smooth the surfaces. Rotate the cake carefully and try to smooth the surface as much as possible.
6. Put the cake in the refrigerator and let it chill down for a few hours.

The Concluding Layer

In the concluding layer, you need to use the same method as used above. However, you need to be a little generous. You can keep it a smooth surface like a traditional cake or make some modern designs using a fork or other kitchen tools. 

You can use a spoon or spatula to make peaks or swirls. Finish the decorating but adding some sprinkles, flowers, chocolates, candles, and other decorations. 

Summary

Decorating a cake is relatively easy if you get used to it. At the start, you will find it hard to get a smooth surface and make perfect swirls or peaks. However, you will become a professional as you keep practicing. 

Once you become good enough to decorate with the basics, you can try advanced level decorations and do some experiments to surprise your friends and family.