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Basic Cake Decorating Equipment

Must-Have Items For Easier Cake Icing

May 14, 2008 Sarah Tennant

Specialist cakes require expensive equipment, but for the amateur cake decorator, these simple items will make a world of difference for stress-free decorating.

Icing Smoothers or Paddles

These inexpensive flat paddles are invaluable for pressing the air bubbles out of fondant and rubbing it to a smooth, shiny finish. Icing smoothers are readily available at cake decorating shops, but in a pinch, use a flat piece of shiny cardboard.

Turntable or Lazy Susan

It is worthwhile investing in a decent turntable. Cakes tend to be heavy, especially multi-tiered cakes like wedding cakes, so invest in a sturdy, non-plastic model. A marble turntable which runs smoothly on ball-bearings is ideal. Special cake decorating turntables may tilt, for convenience when decorating the sides of cakes; the regular, flat kind are available in hardware stores and kitchenware or gift shops.

Turntables are ideal when icing cakes with a soft frosting such as buttercream or whipped ganache. If the turntable is attractive, the cake can be iced and served directly on top.

Marble Rolling Pin

Plastic rolling pins may not be heavy enough to easily roll out fondant. Wooden pins should not be used for icing unless they are reserved specifically for that purpose, as wood tends to absorb grease. Both plastic and wooden pins are prone to scratches, cuts or imperfections. Marble is hard, heavy, and as an added benefit cold—a useful asset when dealing with fondant, which is sensitive to humidity.

Plastic Rolling Mat

Plain, flexible flat mats are very useful for rolling out icing, as they can be peeled away from the fondant. Rolling mats should ideally be stored flat, but can be rolled up for ease of storage. Some mats come with a grippy undermat to prevent slippage; otherwise, secure your mat by placing a slightly damp teatowel underneath it during use.

Palette Knife

A long metal palette knife helps to smooth soft icings, and can also be used to transfer delicate decorations to the cake.

Large Piping Bag with Basketweave Nozzle

A piping set, though useful, is only necessary for the cake decorator who wishes to pipe. A large bag with a giant-sized basketweave nozzle is not for piping, but for masking cakes with soft icing. It is much easier to apply buttercream to the sides of a cake with a piping bag than a knife, and the result tends to be neater. Novelty cake tins such as Winnie-the-Pooh-shaped tins tend to be flattish, with sides the exact height of the giant basketweave nozzle. A single lap around the sides with the piping bag, and fiddly work around corners with a knife is avoided.

Fine-Tipped and Broad Paintbrushes

Fine paintbrushes can be used for brushing crumbs or icing sugar out of tricky corners, as well as applying powdered or liquid colours. Broad brushes are useful for cleaning debris off the cake board, and brushing the cake or marzipan layer with vodka to help the icing stick.

The copyright of the article Basic Cake Decorating Equipment in Baking & Desserts is owned by Sarah Tennant. Permission to republish Basic Cake Decorating Equipment in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Icing smoothers and marble rolling pin in holder