Getting Started Part 1: Basic Supplies

This is the first in a series of posts aimed at cake “newbies.”  So I’m sorry, if you are a seasoned cake decorator this may be a bit "old news" for your taste.  But for those of you who are interested in getting started with cake decorating or maybe you just have one special cake to make (trust me, when you’re done you’ll want to do it again!), I hope you find this series helpful.

Supplies

To get started you will need a few basic supplies:

• Cake Pans (*click here for more information!)
• Offset Spatula
• Cooling Rack
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Utensils (dry measure, liquid measure, and measuring spoons)
• Sifter
• Sharp Serrated Knife (at least 10” or 12”)
• Stand Mixer (Or Hand Beaters)
• Rubber Spatula
• Whisk
• Pan Grease (*find out what I'm talking about here)
• Cake Boards
• Dowels (or other supports for a tiered cake)
• Piping Bags or Ziplock Bags (I recommend freezer bags, they’re thicker)
• Decorating Tips (optional)
• Turntable
• Viva Papertowels
• Fondant (pre-made or Marshmallow Fondant)
• Fondant Smoother
• A Great Recipe!!

These are some of the basic supplies.  With these you can make a beautiful cake!  You’ll find, if you really get into cake decorating, that you’ll become addicted to collecting cake supplies!  You can find decorating tools in just about any store, including the hardware store or dollar store.  And there are so many more “specialized” items like silicon molds and cutters to suit just about any purpose or design you can think up!

Where to buy

Most of these supplies you probably already have on hand.  If not most of them can be located at your kitchen supply store or “big discount retailer.”  Some of the more specialized tools (cake pans, cake boards, fondant smoother, decorator tips) can be found in your local craft store.  “Caking” tools can get expensive quickly!  So take advantage of any coupons you can get your hands on.  Stores like Michaels, A.C. Moore & Hobby Lobby are very generous with their 40% OFF coupons, so if you have the time, just pick things up slowly.

Another route, to get better quality and more professional supplies, is to check out a specialty cake supply store in your area, or try an online retailer.  Some of my favorite online shops are Global Sugar Art, Cake Supplies 4 U, Jesters Discount Cake Supply and Sweetwise.  There are countless others, but these, I think, are the most popular.  You’ll just have to search for the best deal on what you are looking for, but generally the prices are on the same price point.

Happy Caking :)