Ten Essential Cake Decorating Supplies for Beginners

Investing in professional grade cake pans is one of the best decisions a baker can make. Light-colored aluminum pans are ideal since they conduct heat evenly and prevent cakes from overbaking or forming dark crusts. Having a variety of sizes and shapes, like round cake pans and rectangular (sheet) pans, will cover all your baking needs. Would you like to learn more about baking pans? Head over to our blog, Cake Pans - The Ultimate Guide.

Nothing is worse than baking up a beautiful, delicious cake and having it stick to the pan. Properly preparing your cake pans is key to ensuring your cakes release easily and maintain their shape. Stock up on essentials like pan grease, nonstick baking spray, and precut parchment paper. We offer both precut round and sheet cake sized parchment paper to fit your needs, making prep quick and easy.

Cakes tend to bake up with a domed top. Leveling your cake layers flat ensures a stable and professional-looking final product. A simple cake leveler will do the trick. Cake levelers are also used to split cakes into two layers for adding fillings.

Cake boards not only provide support for your creations but also add a professional finish. Drums are ideal for larger cakes, providing the extra strength needed for tiered or elaborate designs. We carry cake boards and drums in a variety of sizes and colors.

A turntable is a game-changer when it comes to decorating cakes. It allows you to smoothly spin your cake for even frosting application and beautiful detailing. Choose a sturdy, non-slip option for the best control.

Skip the liquid food dye and opt for gel food colors instead. They provide vibrant, consistent colors without altering the texture of your frosting or fondant. We carry well loved brands like Americolor, Chefmaster, and Colour Mill.

Offset spatulas are a must-have for spreading buttercream with precision. A small offset spatula works wonders for smaller cakes and cupcakes, while a larger one covers tiered cakes with ease. Most decorators have a range of sizes in their tool box.

For clean, sharp edges on your cakes, icing scrapers are unbeatable. They're essential for smoothing frosting and achieving that picture-perfect finish.

Achieve a flawless buttercream finish with our Cake Cloths. These reusable cloths smooth out bumps and ridges, saving you time and frustration. Simply let your buttercream dry slightly, then press the Cake Cloth onto the cake and smooth using a fondant smoother. They’re also perfect for smaller tasks like smoothing buttercream on cookies!

From delicate rosettes to detailed writing, a collection of piping bags and piping tips will unlock countless design possibilities. You can start with a basic tip set, including round, star, and petal tips, to practice foundational designs. We carry both disposable and reusable piping bags to suit your needs. Disposable bags are perfect for easy cleanup, while reusable ones are an eco-friendly choice that holds up well for frequent bakers. Of course, you’ll need to add some icing couplers into the mix, which attach your tips to your bags securely.

Starting with the right tools will make your cake decorating experience smoother, more enjoyable, and much more rewarding. Don't be discouraged if your first few cakes aren't perfect — with practice, you'll see your skills grow and your confidence soar. And remember, we’re always here to help you find exactly what you need.