Cake Decorating Ideas and Options

Cake decorating is a hobby and a delight for all seasons. What better way to keep the family happy than to bake them a sweet tasting cake for that special occasion, or maybe just to show you care. It is important before you even begin to bake your cake that you decide what you are going to actually decorate it with.

You have a variety of options. Most cakes are commonly topped with icing or frosting of which there are a multitude, including Buttercream Icings, Caramel Icings, Peanut Butter Icings and many, many others. There is also fondant, marzipan and butter cream which are also types of icing.

Other icings to consider which aren't so common are those made with a mixture of sugar and cream cheeses. The simplest icing you can make is called Glace and is basically made with water and icing sugar. The ingredients of your icing consist of sugar, water, butter, egg whites and milk. I would imagine most homes would have a plentiful supply of these ingredients but it's always a good idea to check before you get started. The finished cake can also be garnered with sprinkles which are little piece of candy and add a nice texture and decoration to your cake. If you are going to turn your cake decorating into a business or even a common feature of your home life then there are tools you can use to enhance your cake decorating abilities.

Two of the most used are piping bags and syringes. These are basic tools that shape the icing as it come from the bag onto the cake. Examples of tips for your piping bag or syringe are drop flower, leaf, basketweave and round. You should also decide how many layers your cake is going to have.

A wedding cake for example usually consists of multiple layers, each getting smaller as the cake reaches the top. We've all seen them! If you are baking a simple cake at home then you are going to keep it to one layer. Birthday cakes are usually a single layer also. Layered cakes usually have some sort of filling in between each layer like cream, or custard. Thinking of baking a cake for your kids next birthday party? These cakes should be made considering the points above but the occasion itself obviously has to be taken into consideration when choosing your toppings, covering and layering.

Birthday cakes are usually made with colored frosting with some novelty toys used to put atop the cake. Valentine cakes which wouldn't have been considered a few years ago are now becoming popular. In this case one would choose the appropriate color and topping for the occasion with those little added extras that are going to make the cake special.

Whatever the occasion, like any hobby, the more care you put into your cake decorating, the more you will ultimately get back.

For More Info On Cake Decorating Check out Cake Decoration Ideas and our Sister Site Hobby Ideas Website.