Important Update: Certain brands will have surcharges due to new tariffs.

The Art of Decorating: Must-Have Cake Decorating Supplies

Loading... 99 view(s)
A cake beside text that reads the art of decorating: must-have cake decorating supplies

It takes time, precision, and the right tools to make cakes look just as good as they taste. Whether you own a bakery or a restaurant that serves up these delicious desserts, stocking your kitchen with cake decorating essentials sets the sky as the limit for your creative food artistry. In this post, we’ll explore the supplies that can take your cake decorations from basic to awe-inspired, sure to delight new and returning customers alike.

Cake Decorating Essentials

While some items are just “nice to have” in when it comes to your bakery supplies, these essential cake decoration tools are an absolute must for any baker:

  • Rotating cake stand or turntable to spin the cake as you frost it.
  • Offset spatulas are used to create clean lines or dramatic whirls of frosting.
  • A metal bench scraper is used to smooth the sides of the cake.
  • Serrated knife for cutting even cake layers.

While these items lay the groundwork for decorations, you’ll need to invest in a few other cake decorating tools to achieve the designs you desire. These include piping bags and tips, fondant tools, cake decorating brushes, and palette knives.

Cake decorating with piping bag and piping tip

Piping Perfection: Decorating Bags and Tips

Having the right piping bags and tips for creating different frosting patterns is a must for any cake decorator. While there are disposable piping bags available on the market, reusable cotton bags are better suited for commercial settings like restaurants or bakeries.

Piping tips attach to the end of the piping bag and can be used to create decorative borders and designs. Just a few basic tips and a steady hand can truly expand decorating possibilities and options for frosting designs.

Fondant Fun: Working with Fondant

Fondant is a type of edible icing with a pliable texture that can be shaped, rolled, and sculpted in various ways. Commonly used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, fondant is fairly easy to work with, given that you have the right tools. A fondant cutter, rolling pin, imprint mat, decorator brush, and special carving tools are some of the key elements necessary to apply common fondant techniques.

Creating Texture: Cake Decorating Brushes and Tools

When it comes to creating texture, having a range of cake decorating brushes can come in handy. Here is what a few brushes in your baking arsenal can do for you:

  • Large soft brushes can be used to remove excess crumbs from cakes before covering.
  • Soft brushes are suitable for getting rid of excess cornflour or icing sugar from your decorations.
  • Flat square brushes can be used for brush embroidery when piping.
  • Slim, thin-tipped brushes can be used to paint the cake decor with small strokes.

Cake decorating with a palette knife

Precision Cutting: Cake Decorating Knives and Tools

The cake palette knife set is a key tool in cake decoration and baking.  Palette knives can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

  1. Smoothing and evening-out frosting on cakes to create a polished appearance.
  2. Lifting and transferring delicate cake layers, ensuring precision during assembly.
  3. Decorating the cake, enabling intricate patterns and designs.
  4. Spreading out the icing, which allows for even distribution.
  5. Cutting cakes, creating textured finishes, and spreading fillings.

Storage and Presentation: Cake Stands and Display

Having a cake stand is a must when it comes to storing and displaying your cake. If you wish to take cake pictures for marketing purposes, it is worth investing in a beautiful cake stand along with a clean-looking backdrop.

Maintaining Your Tools: Cleaning and Storage Tips

To keep your tools in tip-top shape, it is important to clean, dry, and store them away immediately after use. Ensure that you follow the relevant cleaning instructions noted by the manufacturer to maintain the integrity of your cake decorating essentials.

If you wish to keep your tools organized, focus on storing items that serve similar purposes together. For instance, keep all the piping tips in the same bin, together with the piping bags. In addition, storing your baking supplies in labeled clear bins can make it easier to find and identify the necessary tools the next time you bake up a new creation. 

Shop Cake Decorating Supplies at Zanduco

Having the right tools on hand can make cake decorating a breeze for any baker. What you choose to create is in your hands; you know your customers best!

At Zanduco, we carry a wide range of cake decorating supplies and can accommodate bulk orders for restaurant, bakery, and cafe owners. Contact us today to learn more about our selection.

Copyright © 2021 Zanduco Restaurant Equipment & Supplies