While decorating a cake is definitely the most fun. However, having the proper tools ready is vital.
No matter if you are an absolute beginner or a seasoned baker, having the proper equipment is your secret to success.
This ultimate guide identifies your basic cake decoration tools for achieving a perfect finish on your cakes. You can also enjoy a number of excellent tutorials on CakeFlix to help get you started on your cake journey.
Foundation Tools Used in Cake Preparation
Before you get to the fun part of decorating, you have to ensure that your cake is prepared properly. Every baker requires equipment that helps to level and stabilize the cake.
Cake Leveller
Cake levellers ensure that your cake layers are level. A leveller is the perfect tool for stacking tiered cakes because it provides you with a level surface to build on. It is useful if you are looking to cut cakes to add some filling in them.
Cake Boards
Cake boards play a crucial role in providing stability and support, especially during the decoration or transportation of cakes. Available in a variety of sizes, they are ideal for tiered cakes.
To further enhance presentation and ensure safe handling, bakeries often rely on custom printed boxes. These boxes not only protect the cakes but also add a touch of elegance and professionalism to their packaging.
Turntable: Essential for Easy Frosting
Turntable is one of the most important things for any cake decorator. It allows you to rotate the cake as you are frosting it, this can help you make a more even layer.
Non-Slip Turntables
Non-Slip turntable is good for beginners. This will keep the cake steady and in place while you are filling it with different shapes.
Rotating Turntables
More advanced decorators use this turntable with a revolving axis for greater efficiency and precision. It enables you to frost quickly and in a thinner way for layered or tiered cakes too.
Icing and Frosting Tools
You could say every decorated cake is built around icing and frosting. However, you will require the suitable equipment for your desired professional appearance.
Offset Spatulas
An offset spatula helps to make it easier to frost evenly and smoothly. The angled handle means that your hands never touch the cake. It can be much more convenient when you have a layered design.
Offset spatulas are also offered in a variety of sizes, and it works well for diverse sizes of cakes.
Bench Scraper
To get that nice and even texture, you need a bench scraper. It helps you achieve neat edges on the sides of the cake.
Perfect for high buttercream finish, it is extremely helpful with taller cakes.
Piping Impacts to Design
Piping tools are used for piping decorative elements on cakes.
Customize with Piping Bags
After you bake your cakes, you may want to decorate it with flowers, borders and patterns.
There are disposable piping bags that can be simply used and disposed of when you are done.
Also, there are reusable piping bags that are ecological and sturdier. Pick a bag size suitable for the size of your project.
Variety of Nozzles
Nozzle tips are available in various designs and styles. Examples are star, round or petal shaped nozzles. Each nozzle can assist you in achieving a specific texture or shape.
Fondant and Shaping Tools
Decoration is usually done with fondant and gum paste. Bakers who want edible decorations will find rolling and shaping tools essential.
Rollback Moulds
Fondant rollers are necessary to roll the fondant in a uniform thickness that will help cover cakes easily.
They can also be used to roll back gum paste for smaller decorations. Non-stick rollers also ensure a non-sticking surface when actually using fondant.
Modelling Tools
Modelling tools are used to create particular shapes and textures with fondant or gum paste. These tools are especially useful for making flowers, figurines, and other edible decorations.
For example, with ball tools you can smooth the edges and veining tools provide petals and leaves with realistic textures.
Cutter and Templates Making Tools
Now, you need the tools that provide different shapes or designs while cutting out your cake.
Use cookie cutters
These are super useful for cutting clean shapes out of fondant or gum paste.
They are ideal for birthday or wedding themes because you can simply shape them into stars, hearts or even letters.
Using Stencils
For something advanced decoration, get some stencils and use edible sprays to bring a brighter note to the design.
Finishing Tools for a Classy Touch
Finishing tools are used to add those little finishing touches to make your cake attractive when your main decoration is complete.
Cake Smoothers
Cake smoothers can also help remove air bubbles and wrinkles in fondant.
They are the secret to achieving a smooth, commercial finish. They remove all the imperfections in the cake and create a lovely flat top on the cake.
Edible sprays
Edible sprays are tools that allow you to have shine or colour on your cake you made.
They are easy to use and will increase the cake presentation. It is often used in wedding or anniversary cakes in the form of edible gold or silver sprays, etc.
Storage and Packaging
Proper storage and packaging help you keep your cake fresh and attractive.
Cake Boxes
Cake boxes are an essential part of keeping your homemade cake fresh and intact. Premium packaging companies like Plus Printers UK offer specially designed custom cake boxes that ensure your cake stays clean, fresh, and full of flavor.
Unlike plastic packaging, which can cause a loss of taste, Plus Printers’ cake boxes are crafted to maintain the perfect condition of your cakes while providing an elegant presentation.
Impact of Right Tools
These are tools that will improve your skill to create a cake which tastes good and looks delicious.
If you own a bakery business and make cake all the time, invest in the right equipment.