Living in a digital world has created a massive library of photos and shared methods for cake decorating. There are so many tools, and it can become overwhelming to figure out where to start. If you’re anything like me, I’m always looking for the latest tools and techniques that inspire me to create amazing cakes.
Today, I’d like to help you wade through some of the tools that are essential to making your first cake. I will also mention a few of the widely popular tools that you may or may not need, as you build on your skills. Cake decorating is an art, and the more you practice, the better you will get. As the old saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, and you don’t have to master cake decorating in a day, either.
Piping Tips
Piping tips, or nozzles, as they are sometimes referred to, are a must for any cake decorator. They can be used to create a variety of flowers, ribbons, swirls, polka dots, stars, letters, and just about anything else you can imagine! This is one area that spending a little more money for stainless steel will serve you well. You want to get higher quality tips that are well made and won’t rust.
Spatulas and Serrated Knives
Offset spatulas are great for smoothing out icing or fondant. I recommend getting at least two sizes to begin with – one large and one small should suffice. It’s also important to have a large serrated knife that will cut your cake layers in half. If it’s too short or dull, then it will make the task more difficult and can cause issues when you’re icing your cake. You don’t have to break the bank on these tools. There are a lot of good ones available for under $10, and they will last you a long time.
Molds and Stencils
Molds allow you to easily create shapes that will bring your cake to life, while stencils help you to create uniformity. There are a lot of different types and available. I suggest focusing on ones you think you’ll use frequently, and buying others on an as needed basis. Both molds and stencils are quite inexpensive, typically ranging from $3-10, depending on the materials and size.
Cake Pans
One of the most important cake decorating tools is the cake pan. Think of it as the foundation for your design. There are so a many different sizes, shapes, and materials that the options are seemingly endless. I recommend starting with your basic shapes – round, square, and rectangle – in a variety of sizes. This will allow you to be able to stack them for multi-tiered cakes. With so many options, the brand and price aren’t as important. I do suggest that you look for non-stick pans that will make it easy for you to remove them from the pans.
All of these endless options are what makes it possible to create so many beautiful, unique, and creative cakes. I hope these tips will inspire you to get started, or expand your cake decorating toolbox and create something amazing!
