The author of this basic cake decorating book, Really Simple Party Cakes, says, “Even if you’ve never decorated a cake before, you can create a work of art that will liven up every party spread. Why spend a fortune on a professionally decorated cake when you can achieve the same results with these simple techniques?”

Title: Really Simple Party Cakes
Author: Evelyn Howe Fryatt
Copyright: 1993
Pages: 96
Color Photographs: Yes

Evelyn Howe Fryatt studied cake decorating in Minneapolis, MN and in California with well known cake decorators such as Betty Newman and Ronald Winbeckler. Originally she decorated cakes for friends and family and now teaches classes to both beginners and expert cake decorators.

Unlike other books I’ve read, this cake decorating book contains detailed illustrations and basic cake decorating tips that go along with every step as well as a close up photograph of each cake project. Ingredients are measured by weight as well as volume. You don’t need any fancy tools to decorate the cakes in this book. The author describes how to make use of standard supplies and cake pans.

Cake Recipes: Butter Cake, Mother Howe’s Angel Food Cake, Applesauce Cake, Marge’s Never-Fail Chocolate Cake

Frosting Recipes: Basic Buttercream Icing, Cooked Whipped Icing, Poured Fondant Icing, Royal Icing, Decorator Icing, No-Cook Marshmallow Frosting

Cake Projects: Picnic Bear, Easter Bunny, Holiday Wreath, Valentine Heart, Baby Shower, Easter Egg Cookies, Clown, Father’s Day Vest, Christmas Tree, Butterfly, Baby Bib, Shamrock, Bride and Bridesmaids, School Bus, Hockey Sweater, Tabby Cat, Easter Basket, Halloween Novelties, Autumn Harvest, Fire Truck, Circus Train, Airplane, Dog, Cross, Christmas Place Names, Chocolate Ganache, Confirmation, Victorian Lady, Wedding or Anniversary.

Pros: The instructions are very detailed and step-by-step. You can tell the author has experience teaching students. Nothing is left to the imagination as there are plenty of diagrams and illustrations to guide you along.

Cons: This cake decorating book contains a lot of standard cake ideas and nothing really too creative. Although if you’re just getting started, keeping things simple might be the best the way to go. Some of the designs seem a little old-fashioned (do kids still like clowns?) but you’re sure to find something fun to try.

Recommended: Yes, if you’re fairly new to the craft. Otherwise you might find this book too boring.

Tags: cake decorating books