Buttercream or Vienna cream Cream cheese frosting Marshmallow frosting Royal icing Swiss or Italian meringue buttercream Ganache
It’s easier to use the icing smoother if the cake is on a turntable. Then you can slowly rotate the cake while holding the icing smoother against the side. If you choose to leave the sides of the cake “naked,” spread just a few thin patches of frosting along the sides so the layers of cake are still visible.
If you don’t have a piping bag, put the frosting into a food-safe plastic bag and cut off the bottom tip of the bag. You won’t be able to control the level of piping detail, but it will give you a simple piping bag.
For example, to make an elegant fleurs-de-lis, use a star tip to pipe 3 reverse shells. You can also use the star tip to pipe the frosting into a simple rosette.
To create an easy zigzag pattern, drag the tines of a fork through the frosting in a back and forth motion.
The crumb coat of frosting will help the fondant adhere to the cake. Trim away the excess fondant from the bottom edge of the cake. Save the scraps and use them for other decorations.
For a bold cake, make a single, large bow and place it on top of the cake. If you’d like a fun cake, make several rows of brightly colored fondant fringe. Wrap these around the sides of the cake.
To create an easy effect, try stippling. Dip a medium-sized brush with firm bristles into the paint. Then press it onto the fondant to create a dot. Keep making dots across the sides or top of the cake.
Chamomile Marigolds Carnations Cornflowers Daisies Fuchsia Hibiscus Pansies Roses Lavender
Toffee or spun sugar makes an impressive decoration that has a slight crunch.
Toy animals Action figures Small plastic dolls Toy cars
To make the fruit look sparkly, consider dipping it in a sugar glaze and letting it harden. Or use crystallized fruits or citrus peel for a little extra shine.
To create a lacy pattern, set a paper doily on the cake before you dust it. Then lift away the doily to reveal the decorative pattern.
You can also melt your favorite chocolate and drizzle or pipe it over the cake. Create abstract designs or use the chocolate to pipe a pattern.
To flavor the whipped cream, beat in a few drops of vanilla, almond, lemon, or coffee extract.
