If you’re new to baking it can be overwhelming trying to decide which basic cake decorating tools to purchase. Just like any other craft, it certainly isn’t necessarily to buy every tool under the sun when you’re just starting out. It’s usually best to start with the basics. Once your skills improve you can slowly add to your arsenal of cake decorating tools.

The following list contains the bare essentials you’ll need as you begin to learn the craft of cake decorating:

1. Carving Knife

You’ll definitely need a long, sharp serrated knife to slice your cakes into different shapes and sizes. You’d be amazed at the number of simple shapes that can be created from simple round or square cake pans. And because you don’t have to buy a different shaped pan for every cake you bake, you’ll also save a bundle of money and cupboard space.

Important tip: Cutting and shaping cakes is much easier when the cake has been baked, cooled and properly stored in the refrigerator two or three days prior. This gives the cake enough time to firm and settle.

2. Ruler

You might not think a ruler would be an essential cake decorating tool, but accurate measurements are a must—especially when cutting your cake to form a required shape. In addition to measuring, a ruler can also be used for pressing lines and patterns into fondant or sugarpaste.

3. Small Sharp Knife

A small kitchen knife with a sharp, straight blade is extremely versatile and will quickly become one of your most important cake decorating tools.

4. Spatula

In addition to spreading jam and icing cakes, a spatula can be used for filling piping bags and color blending. Spatulas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A basic spatula with an offset handle is a great one to start with.

5. Piping Bags

I prefer disposable piping bags because you don’t have to clean them! They are strong, easy to handle, and can be used with or without a coupler. A coupler lets you change decorating tips without changing the bag. Parchment paper triangles can be also be used in place of piping bags.

6. Piping Tips

Piping tips come in a variety of shapes and sizes and will determine the shape of your decoration. Wilton cake decorating tips are assigned a number depending on the type of decoration they create. These are the recommended tips for those just getting started: 3,12,16,21,104,67,2D.

To achieve professional-looking results, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on basic cake decorating tools. As your knowledge of cake decorating grows, so will your arsenal of tools. This list of essential items is a great way to get started.

Tags: Basic Cake Decorating, cake decorating tools