Not every event warrants a designer cake, and sometimes it’s fun just to make a cake for yourself or a few close friends. Today I’m going to share some simple techniques for decorating a cake (or even cupcakes), that will make you look like a pro!
First you have to have good icing. Most store bought frostings are too soft to hold up to more than a swirl on the top of a cupcake or creating a simple border. I recommend making your own, and even have a simple recipe in my blog that you can use.
After you’ve prepared your frosting, pour half of it in your pastry bag and refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to allow it to firm up. This will give the butter a chance to cool and bond with the sugar, and your shapes will hold better.
When your frosting is nice and cool, it’s time to start decorating. Cover the entire cake with frosting, smoothing it with a flat knife or an icing smoother. When you’re ready to add decoration, use your piping bag with the tip of your choice. Make sure you use both hands to hold the bag firmly. Try to keep an even pressure on the bag and a steady pace while creating your design. This will allow the frosting to flow evenly and prevent any heavy or thin lines in your design.
If you’re new to frosting cakes, and you want to perfect your technique, you can always practice on an empty box or foam balls. The more you practice, the better your designs will be!
