I am relatively new to the art of cake decorating. However, it is something that has interested me since I was a little girl and baked my first cupcake.
Ever since I picked up my icing and fondant palette, I’ve discovered that sugar art is a creative outlet that has the ability to delight, not only me when decorating cakes, but the recipients as well. It’s a fun, exciting and challenging hobby that I find continually stimulating and my head is full of cake ideas to come!
Like I said, I’m a newcomer to the world of cake decorating, so I’ve taken a few beginner courses. These have been very helpful, but I’ve found that trial and error has served me best. Nothing is more rewarding than sitting down and trying to recreate some cake details you’ve seen online or in a magazine. After I had completed some basic sugar making courses, I went and bought myself some cake decorating books who have proven to be a great inspiration to me. Not only in terms of exciting and visually stunning cake decorating, but also in techniques and tips that professionals use to create their stunning masterpieces.
If you are thinking of dedicating yourself to this wonderful and rewarding hobby, here are four cake decorating books I’ve found useful so far:
1. “Cake to Dream” by Colette Peters
This book is at the top of the list, simply because of its ‘wow’ factor. This is a fantastic collection of original, whimsical and artistically detailed cakes. While the book is geared more towards the expert baker, it serves as a great source of inspiration with its unusual color combinations and techniques. It is truly a feast for the eyes and something to look forward to.
2. “Fancy Cake” by Peggy Porschen
Peggy’s pastel work is contemporary, yet classic. With stunning details and sophisticated lines, this book shows off her natural flair as she creates cakes as fashion outfits. A wide range of ideas and recipes ensures that there is something for everyone in this cake decorating book.
3. “The Complete Book of Fondant Cake Decorating” by Sylvia Coward
A good, simple book on cake decorating techniques is worth its weight in gold. This practical and uncomplicated book is ideal for beginners. Covering a wide range of techniques presented in project form, it is easy to follow and starts with a series of basics that will be ideal for the beginner.
4. “The Well Decorated Cake” by Toba Garrett
This book is well worth a mention here. Mrs. Garrett presents easy-to-follow chapters with wonderful direction that help build her confidence. I have been able to expand my skill base at a realistic rate with this book and the results have certainly been worth it!
Well, there you have it, four cake decorating books that have come in very handy as I began my journey into this fascinating hobby.
I hope you find them as useful and enjoyable as I do.
Since I started my sugarcraft course, I have found that nothing has been more useful to me than these books. I would recommend that if you are able, you take some basic beginning technique classes which will allow you to implement some of the more advanced mild techniques described in these earlier books.
There’s no substitute for practice, so even if you’re just starting out, get yourself a cake, some fondant, and fire up your imagination!
