If you’ve seen the amazing creations on the internet, you know that cake decorating is an art in itself. The skills involved look complicated, but it isn’t impossible to learn. Aside from all the technical aspects like how to make icing and using various decorating techniques, the key to mastering this craft is also about having the right attitude.
That’s why we’ve put together a few tidbits of advice to give you an idea of the essentials when it comes to becoming a successful cake decorator.
It’s important to start by being open. There is so much to learn when it comes to cake decorating, and just checking out the work of master decorators might seem intimidating. But despite this, you need to open yourself up to the possibilities and take that first step forward. You have to be willing to make some mistakes along the way to learn and improve your skills, because that is the only road to perfection.
Which brings us to practice makes perfect. There is no such thing as an overnight success in the world of cake decorating. You need to keep on trying no matter how many times you end up with a messy looking cake. It’s a learning process, and there is no other way to learn than through practice. In time, you’ll know what to avoid and what works best. Failure is best the teacher. Just dust yourself off, try again, and never give up.
And learning doesn’t have to be lonely. Get out there and take some classes with a group of like-minded people. You can take a comprehensive course or one that focuses on a particular skill. For starters, you can register for the Maya Kitchen’s Basic Icing and Cake Decorating workshop. Besides, what could be more fun than getting together with other teens to learn, eat, and laugh?
It’s always a better idea to start small. We know you’re excited to go all out with decorating, but keep in mind that things can get pretty complicated. Small, sure steps will get you to your goal faster. Learn the basics of baking first and master them before attempting to decorate a cake. Familiarize yourself with your subject and your tools before trying new techniques or complicated designs.
There’s a lot to learn, so take your time. First, get to know how to use the tools of the trade such as the turntable, cutters, molds, piping equipment, etc. Then, you’ll need to learn how to make the different types of icing and how to apply the crumb coating, then the top layer of the frosting. After that, you can tackle all the different piping techniques.
Take it from the professionals: there is absolutely nothing to fear! Just imagine the satisfaction of creating edible works of art that add the “wow” factor to any meal? Rest assured we’re behind you 100%, so stay tuned for more articles that focus on the many different aspects of cake decorating to help you out. Good luck!
