Cake Decorating 101

Making a professional looking cake can be a daunting task. I've recently learned the world's easiest way to make an amazing looking cake with absolutely no fancy pastry skills required!
Not only is this a super simple task, you can personalize your creation however you choose. Now you can add your favorite graphic or customized lettering to any cake. Ever since learning this amazing technique, every cake I've made has had a unique decoration suited perfectly to the birthday person.



If you want to learn how to do this yourself, this video tutorial shows you step be step. Below are simple tips and instructions to help you along the way.



What you'll need:

• frosting
• template, reversed
• wax paper
• flat glass (I use a piece from a picture frame)
• food coloring
• tape
• mixing bowls & spoons or toothpicks
• glove (optional, but food coloring can stain skin)
• scissors

Make sure all font is reversed.

Begin by printing out, or tracing, the graphic you want to use. Make sure to invert the image if there is text or if it is a recognizable logo that must face a specific direction.
Once printed, ensure it is the exact size that you want on your cake. To do this, i often trace the bottom of my cake pan around the image, double checking that it fits comfortably. now that you're happy with your design, tape it to the back side of a piece of glass. I borrow one from a photo frame. Next, tape a piece of wax paper on the front of the glass so you have a page/glass/wax sandwich.

It is extremely important to use wax paper. I once absentmindedly grabbed parchment paper... Lets just say I had to scrap my project and start over. The wax allows the frosting to easily be released, whereas parchment, well, not so much.

Mix up your frosting colors and start tracing the design with a dark outline color of frosting. It is important to visualize the layers of colors in your image. The bottom layer you put on the wax paper will end up being the top layer on the cake. After the details are done go back and fill I the background colors.

Happy Birthday Snoopy Decal, reversed

Once you have completed your image, place it (glass included) into the freezer. I like to leave mine overnight to ensure that it is entirely solid all the way through. Either way, make sure you leave enough time for the frosting to solidify to the touch.

While your frosting decal is in the freezer, feel free to make our cake of choice and let it cool completely.
Once your decal is solid, frost your cake and make a smooth surface for your decoration. Remove your decal from the freezer and glass. Flip it onto the center of your cake. Press lightly to ensure that it is level, and peel back the wax paper.
If you would like, add some decorative piping along the edges, et viola. You have a seriously awesome customized cake.

Counter- Clockwise from top left: 1) wax paper with outline
2) Finished frosting decal, ready for freezer
3) Decal placed on cake
4) Completed cake with candles

Definitely give this a shot for your next cake adventures, ad let me know how it goes!

Love always,