The Best Cake Decorating Supplies for Your Next Cake
Decorating a cake can feel super intimidating, especially if you’re DIYing your own cake at home. But a cake just isn’t finished without cake decorations. Understanding the various ways you can decorate your next cake can really level up your baking game. Here, we’re breaking down some of our favorite cake decorations so that you can give your cake the polish, style, and finish it deserves.
Our Favorite Cake Decorations
Using the right cake decorations can take your cake from dessert to show-stopping centerpiece. Whether you’re looking for frosting-based decorations or something a bit more creative, we’ve got tons of ideas that’ll completely transform your cakes and other baked goods.
1. Buttercream and Other Frostings
Buttercream is a classic for a reason. It’s rich and creamy, but also so, so versatile. You can use it to create a smooth, clean finish, pipe it into swoops and swirls, create gorgeous roses and other elegant flowers, and more. It’s strong and will hold up well (just don’t let it sit out in the heat for too long or you’ll melt the butter in the frosting!).
2. Fondant and Fondant Decorations
Cover your entire cake with fondant for a smooth, polished, professional-looking finish. You can also use it to sculpt with, cut decorations out, and more.
3. Texture and Layers
Layer on edible gold leaf, apply edible glitter, use buttercream to stencil patterns, paint with edible paints on your cake, and more. Adding textural elements to your cake will really make things pop.
4. Wedding Cake Toppers
Whether you’re making a wedding cake or not, you can take inspo from all kinds of different wedding cake toppers to decorate your own cake. Think: acrylics, gold nameplates or phrases, flowers, sparkles, and more. You could even go for a full figurine.
5. Classic Cherries
ECBG loves using classic, bright-red maraschino cherries. This retro cake decoration makes the top of your cake look like a glamorous, old-school sundae.
6. Miniature Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a total classic. On their own, they might not be that exciting, but when you use them to decorate a cake, they make your cake that much more special.
7. Golden Candles
There’s no chic-er candle than a long, slim, golden birthday candle. No childish birthday candles here. Make your next cake birthday-ready with 6 of these glam candles for an extra touch of elegance.
8. Mini Disco Balls
These cake decorations might not be edible, but they are a whole lot of fun. Top your cake with six to eight of them for a finished look that’ll catch everyone’s attention.
9. French Macarons
Macarons might not be quite having the moment they used to be having, but they’re still delicate, lovely, and tasty as all get out. Use them to decorate your cake and serve any additional macarons (if you don’t add them to your ECBG cake, of course) on the side for anyone who doesn’t want a piece of cake (or anyone who wants a little something extra sweet).
10. Metallic Script
There’s nothing that gold or silver writing won’t elevate, we’re convinced of it. Go for statement sparkly script for an elegant and somewhat understated decoration that’s fun, but still refined. Go for a simple "Happy Birthday" or pick something a little cheekier.
11. Edible Flowers
We absolutely love edible pressed flowers at ECBG. They’re gorgeous and so chic, while still giving your cake a bit of a more rustic, romantic garden feel. They’re a little bit magic and the perfect way to give your cake a personal touch.
12. Ribbons and Bows
What’s not to love about ribbons and bows that make your cake look fun and festive without too much extra effort. If you’re an “edible decoration only” kind of person, then these sweet additions aren’t for you, but they will undoubtedly make your cake a little more fabulous.
13. Fresh Flowers
If you prefer fresh flowers to pressed flowers, this is the way to go. Just make sure you remove any of them before slicing and serving your cake as most of these chic blooms aren’t edible. You can either work with your cake decorator to select the right florals or leave it up to them to pick the perfect flower for your show-stopper.
14. Edible Butterflies
We love these whimsical, care-free, and a little bit over-the-top butterflies. They’re a memorable decoration for birthday cakes, baby shower cakes, and more.
15. Edible Glitter and Metallic Leaf
What’s chic-er than a dusting of edible sparkle or tastefully-placed gold or silver leaf? These sparkly accents make your cake even more attention-grabbing.
FAQs
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While many of the decorative add-ons and upgrades that we offer as part of our ordering process are edible (like cherries, cookies, macarons, edible gold leaf, and more), there are also plenty of inedible options like the disco balls, bows, and candles. Make sure you know if your add-ons are safe to eat or not and then proceed accordingly.
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Ultimately, the best way to store a cake with lots of decorations is the same as one without tons of decorations. Make sure you store your decorated cake in a cool and dry place. If you’re working with a dairy-based frosting (like buttercream, whipped cream, whipped ganache, or cream cheese frosting) or you’ve topped your cake with fresh florals, you’re going to want to keep it in the fridge. Just make sure to pull the cake out of the fridge and let it come to room temp before serving for the best flavor and texture.
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ECBG isn’t a retail bakery—we make everything to order, so you’ll need to give us a little notice. If you’re ordering a semi-custom cake from the Cake Shop, we’ll need at least 5 days’ notice. You’ll fill out the order form right on the ECBG website, including selecting any add-ons and extras. If you’re looking for something custom, we’ll need about 2 weeks’ notice. Reach out to inquire about the custom cake process (or the wedding cake process, if you’re planning a wedding). After you fill out the inquiry form, we’ll reach out to you to confirm details and move forward with the process.
Cake decorations shouldn’t just be an afterthought—they give your cake tons of personality! Whether you’re looking for decorations that are solely for the aesthetic or you want something that’ll make your cake even more delicious, there’s a cake decoration out there that’ll be perfect for your masterpiece.
Ready to get baking? Brush up on your skills with our online and in-person cake decorating classes and shop Erin’s favorite baking tools to make sure you’re set up for success.
