If you’re looking to get into the cake decorating business, or if you’re simply a cake enthusiast, you’ll need to know the names of the various tools and supplies used in the trade. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most common artistic cake decorating items names:
Cake boards: Also known as cake drums, these are sturdy, thick boards that serve as a base for your cake.
Cake boxes: Used for storing and transporting cakes, these come in a variety of sizes.
Cake decorating turntable: A must-have for anyone serious about cake decorating, a turntable allows you to easily spin the cake while you work, making it much easier to decorate evenly.
Cake leveler: Used to create level layers, this tool is essential for creating a professional-looking cake.
Cake pans: Available in a variety of sizes and shapes, cake pans are used to bake the cake itself.
Cake stand: A cake stand is used to display the cake, and can be either freestanding or tabletop.
Cake topper: A decorative element used to top the cake, cake toppers can be anything from flowers to figurines.
Fondant: A pliable sugar paste used to cover cakes, fondant can be colored and shaped to create a variety of effects.
Gum paste: Similar to fondant, gum paste is a sugar paste used to create decorations like flowers and figurines. It dries harder than fondant, however, so it’s not ideal for covering an entire cake.
Icing: Also known as frosting, icing is a sweet, creamy topping used to cover and decorate cakes. It can be made from scratch or purchased premade in a variety of flavors.
Marzipan: A sweet, almond-flavored paste used to cover and decorate cakes, marzipan can be dyed and shaped into a variety of decorations.
Piping bags: Used to pipe icing, frosting, and other decorations onto cakes, these bags come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Piping tips: Interchangeable with the nozzle on a piping bag, piping tips come in a variety of shapes and sizes to create different effects.
Rolling pin: Used to roll out fondant, gum paste, and marzipan, a rolling pin is a must-have tool for any cake decorator.
Sugar flowers: Delicate sugar flowers are a beautiful way to decorate a cake, and can be made from a variety of sugarpaste recipes.
This is just a small sampling of the many tools and supplies used in cake decorating. With so many options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry – with a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time!