How to Decorate Cakes Like a Professional

Cake decoration is an art. A beautifully decorated cake can make any occasion special. With the right techniques and tools, you can decorate cakes like a professional baker at home.
Start with a smooth base. Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream all over the cake and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This seals the crumbs and gives you a clean surface to work on. Then apply your final layer of buttercream and smooth it out with a scraper.
For piping decorations, invest in a few basic piping tips. A star tip and a round tip can create many beautiful designs. Practice on parchment paper before decorating the actual cake.
Fresh flowers, fruit slices and edible gold dust are easy ways to make a cake look stunning. Remember that less is more when it comes to decoration. A simple elegant design always looks more professional than an overcrowded cake.