Cake Decorating with Anna Olson

Springtime is a time to celebrate! Whether it's a birthday, shower, graduation or Mother's or Father's Day, there's a great reason to get family and friends together, hopefully dining outside. A cake to mark that special occasion adds that feel so festive, and also shows that you took the time to make that someone special feel important.

Decorating a cake, like everything, takes practice, but there are great tools and resources available at Bulk Barn to make the adventure fun. Here are some basic tools and tips to make the project a successful one:

  1. Cake Boards - buy a cake board that is 2 inches in diameter larger than your cake. This gives you a sturdy base, and allows you to ice the sides smoothly, leaving room for details along the edges
  2. Offset Spatula - this tool becomes an extension of your hand as you spread and smooth the icing. It's easiest to put on a lot, and then take it away, as opposed to adding more a little at a time (it can tear the cake)
  3. Food Paste Colours - Customize your icing colours to suit the occasion. Use a toothpick to add just a little colour at a time, stirring until the right hue is reached.
  4. Sugars, Sprinkles, Quins & Dragees - sprinkle just a little of these on top of cupcakes, or even better, put out little dishes & spoons of these sweet garnishes and let everyone decorate their own cupcakes.
  5. Piping Tips - This is where you get to play with your food. I like to practice piping on a plate before I move to piping on a cake.
  6. Disposable Piping Bags - These are fantastic when working with various colours or many people are helping. When piping, remember to squeeze from the top and guide from the bottom, so you have little contact with the bag, keeping the icing from melting.
  7. Cake Boxes - Purchase a cake box that is the same size as the cake board, so that it fits snugly and won't slide, and has at least an inch gap at the top.

Kids love decorating, so let them get in there and help, or have them decorate their own little cakes.

And remember…you are making your cake for friends or family - if mistakes happen, they'll forgive you, so have fun!





At Bulk Barn, we have a huge range of cake making and cake decorating products.



Visit a Bulk Barn near you to find what you need... Happy Baking!