Learn To Decorate The Best Cakes Ever

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Would you like to learn how to decorate your own cakes?

I did, so I'm putting together a resource to help others on their journey to learn how to decorate cakes for themselves, or others.  

A Great Basic Icing Recipe 

Image and video hosting by TinyPicI got this recipe from my sister, and I've had great luck with it.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter (softened but not melted)
1/2 cup shortening
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt
5-6 tablespoons of warm water

Cream the butter and shortening together until smooth, add the vanilla. Dissolve the salt into the warm water completely. Mix the water/salt mixture into the creamed butter and shortening. Put the mixer on low, and add powdered sugar slowly, mixing constantly.

The amount of water can be increased or decreased to achieve the desired consistency, I usually have the best luck with 6 tablespoons.

Add food coloring to make the color you need, and ice away.

Featured Wedding Cake Book: Martha Stewart's Wedding Cakes 

Martha Stewart's Wedding Cakes

Book Description from Amazon:
Of all the decisions that go into planning a wedding, choosing the cake may be the sweetest. Much more than dessert, this beloved wedding symbol should be as special as the bride and groom themselves. Whether you imagine a majestic cake blooming with fresh flowers, a pristine fondant-covered masterpiece, or a homespun take on strawberry shortcake- or even if you don't know where to begin- Martha Stewart's Wedding Cakes will provide you with more than 100 delicious and inspiring ideas for timeless and beautiful confections that are perfect for every style of wedding.

Not just visually inspiring, these pages are filled with information you won't find anywhere else. Martha Stewart and Wendy Kromer, the master baker and decorator who has been creating cakes for Martha Stewart Weddings for more than a decade, guide you through everything you need to consider when selecting a cake- and even how to bake and decorate one yourself. Novice and experienced bakers alike will find recipes and insiders' techniques to create truly memorable wedding cakes.

You will learn:
Where to begin- how to decide what style and flavors are right for you, taking into account the season, location, and theme of the event

Buttercream or fondant? Ganache or meringue? Useful charts explain the delicious materials bakers use, so you can choose the ones that suit your taste and style

Creative ways to display your cake so it takes center stage at the reception

How to find and hire a baker, including questions to ask and contract considerations

Ideas for cutting costs without sacrificing quality or beauty

How to incorporate traditions from around the world

Everything you need to know about baking a cake yourself, with complete recipes as well as how-to decorating techniques with color photographs and reference charts

A treasury of inspiration, Martha Stewart's Wedding Cakes will ensure that your cake, whether homemade or professionally baked, triple-tiered or a tower of cupcakes, embellished with fresh fruit or elaborate sugar roses, is every bit as magical as your big day.

Amazon Price: $37.80 (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

Wilton Cake Decorating Guide 

Wilton Cake Decorating for Beginners Guide

Amazon Price: $3.99 (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

Wilton Cake Decorating Course II Flowers and Borders

Amazon Price: $8.92 (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

Wilton Uses of Decoration Tips Book

Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

WILTON 2008 CAKE DECORATING Yearbook catalog

Amazon Price: (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

Why Should You Learn To Decorate Your Own Cakes? 

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  • Every party needs cake!
  • You can decorate it exactly how you want it.
  • It feels good to say you decorated it yourself.

 

Wilton Cake Decorating Sets 

Wilton 53 Piece Supreme Cake Decorating Set

Choose a set of decorating tools for the beginner or the experienced baker. Complete with all you'll need to transform your simple layer cake or cookies into a work of art.

Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

Wilton 50-Piece Tool and Caddy Decorating Set

In one handy caddy you'll find a generous selection of tips and colors as well as all the other tools specified as needed in the Wilton Cake Decorating Course I. For anyone about to explore the world of royal icing scrolls, flowers, stars, ruffles and bows this would be a hugely successful send-off.

Amazon Price: $43.96 (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

Wilton Master Tip Set

Decorate sheet cakes, petit fours, muffins, cookies and more using this master tip set. The decorating tips you'll need are housed in this plastic storage case. The master tip set includes these tips: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 22, 24, 27, 30, 31, 32, 42, 45, 46, 47, 48, 54, 59, 61, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 73, 74, 78, 96, 97, 98, 101, 102, 103, 104, 106, 108, 109, 123, 124, 129, 134, 136, 195, 199 and 2C. It also includes two standard tip couplers and two 1.25-in. flower nails (#9).

Amazon Price: $23.99 (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

Wilton Dessert Decorator Pro

Add decorations to any dessert or appetizer in minutes using the Dessert Decorator Pro by Wilton. Thisdessert tool is ergonomically designed for both right- and left-handed use; it's easy to hold so you onlyneed one hand while operating. It's made of stainless steel, the material preferred by pastry chefs becausestainless won't transfer flavors; it also maintains the temperature of the fillings. The Dessert Decorator Pro includes Decorator Tool, Tips (#366 Leaf, #125 Petal, #230 Bismarck, #4B, Star, #21 Star and #1M Star), Two Tip Couplers, Dishwasher and Storage Bag for Tips and Couplers and a Recipe Book with Instructions.

Amazon Price: $31.99 (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now

Basic Supplies 

How to Decorate a Cake : Tools For Decorating Cakes

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Links To Find The Cake Decorating Supplies You Need 

Wilton Cake Decorating Examples 

Wilton cake decorating 1,2,3

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How To Make Icing Roses 

How to Decorate a Cake : Making Rose Designs With Icing For Decorating Cakes

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How To Make Butter Cream Icing 

How to Decorate a Cake : Making Butter Cream Icing For Decorating Cakes

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Cake Decorating Guides 

Vote for your favorite. Or, add what's missing!

These are all cake decorating books I love, add your own if you have a favorite.

Debbie Brown's Magical Cakes by Debbie Brown

Debbie Brown's Magical Cakes by Debbie Brown

Welcome to the fabulous, mysterious world of & more...0 points

Cake Decorating with Fondant 

Cake Decorating: Fun With Fondant

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The Kid's Birthday Fun Review Blog 

I have a blog where I share birthday party planning ideas, cake decorating, activities, and anything else I find fun for children.

Here are some of the latest posts.

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Your turn: Am I right? 

Tiddledeewinks wrote...

What a BEAUTIFUL cake with the roses! I've made a bunny cake for Easter, a snowman for winter and a diasour for sons birthday.

ReplyPosted April 02, 2008

MommyBloggerist wrote...

Love your lens! Insightful and interesting. You put thought and obvious time into this. Thank you! bookmarked 4 sure.

ReplyPosted March 22, 2008

chefkeem wrote...

Everything you need to learn how to make pretty cakes - it's right here in your lens. Great job, 5*s. I used to work in this field and I have a few pics of my cakes on www.squidoo.com/smallbizadventures. In 2002, I won 2 ribbons at the National Sugar Art Show in Tulsa, OK. There I had the great fortune to participate in a workshop with Margaret Braun. Her fantastic book is above in your poll.

Nice to meet you,
-Chef Keem

ReplyPosted March 10, 2008

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