Ways to Decorate Cakes and Cookies

Nothing at All

Danish Apple Cake: Undecorated

If you’re not concerned about presentation, and you think the cake’s flavor can stand on its own, this is a valid option. Undecorated cakes are harder to sell, but some people just aren’t fans of frosting. This is a real time saver. Also if you use a specific mold, or cut your cake, its shape can be its decoration.

Powdered Sugar

Almond tart with dusting of powdered sugar

Powdered sugar is a easy way to decorate the cake without compromising its flavor. You can even get creative with stencils to form a design on the cake. This is great for cakes that have a distinct flavor, or if you’re short on time.

Frosting

Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

Frosting

This a step above powdered sugar. A thin layer of frosting complements the cake without overpowering it. If you want to add a little more character, try throwing toasted nuts on top, or mixing them into the frosting. You can also mix and match frostings and cakes from different recipes.

Candy

Brownie Bits with emerging Gummi Worms

This is a slightly out-of-the-box idea. I had a flower mold that I used to bake small brownies and place gummi worm halves inside. I was going for a busy garden them, but there are so many ways to be creative with candy.

Sprinkles

Honey Lemon Cookies with Sprinkles and Icing Sunflowers

After you spread the icing, sprinkles are a great way to add a little more character to your cake or cookies. Here, I used some premade icing sunflowers. They made the cookies look better but compromised the flavor.

Mirror Glaze

Maple Pecan Cake with Mirror Glaze

A mirror glaze is a great way to make your cake look great, and it won’t change the flavor. If you want your cake to shine and look professional, a mirror glaze is the way to go. Check out more on how to make a mirror glaze here.

Fondant

Pineapple Macadamia Nut Cake with Blue Fondant and Candy Melts

Yesterday was my first time using fondant, and I learned a few valuable lessons. First, don’t put it on a one layer cake. Second, it needs to be very thin. Third, those YouTube videos make it seem deceptively simple. Here, I added a layer of fondant and attached candy melts and coconut with butter cream. Fondant is great if you want your cake to look smooth or want the surface to be a specific color.

Go Your Own Way

The most important thing about decorating a cake is making sure it works for you or the recipient of the cake. Baking is an art form, especially when it comes to decorating, so go your own way and see what you come up with.

Bonus Gallery

  • Nuts in Frosting
  • Decorate with Cinnamon
  • CandyMelt Icing
  • Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread
  • Piped Icing Decorations

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