The Complete Photo Guide to Cake Decorating is a hefty and comprehensive how-to book about all of the most popular cake decorating techniques, including piped frosting, fondant, and hand modeled figures. For each technique, there is an overview of the tools and materials used and complete instructions with photos.
The organization provides easy access to information with step-by-step directions and 600 full-color photos for clear understanding. Easy projects allow the reader to try the techniques in each section. Galleries of decorated cakes by various artists offer the reader examples and inspiration to pursue the hobby for themselves.
Reviews
“An almost catalogue sized book that does what it says on the cover; I was not familiar with US writer Autumn Carpenter before but she appears to be the US answer to UK sugarcraft author and business woman Lindy Smith. I am now a firm fan of Autumn’s cake decorating and cookie websites . Previously I would have recommended any new sugarcrafter to invest in a copy of The Home Guide to Cake Decorating by Jane Price however Autumn’s modern looking, colourfully photographed guide has now usurped this as my go-to guide for sugarcraft techniques reference. From flower making, to novelty shapes, embossing and airbrushing to more specialist airbrushing and chocolate wrapping, you’ll find virtually every cake decorating technique imaginable demonstrated in step by step pictures. If you make decorated cakes, chuck something else off your shelf to make room for this book. (This book is getting a rare 5 Star rating from me!)” maisoncupcake.com
“Sugar artist Carpenter (All About Candy Making) perfectly explains her book: ‘If you are a beginning decorator, this book will serve as a step-by-step course in cake decorating. If you are an experienced or professional decorator, this book will quickly become your go-to guide when seeking out new techniques.’ This is an all-inclusive look at how to make a stunning cake from start to finish. Organized in easy-to-browse sections, it takes readers through the process from preparation, tools, and recipes; to decorating techniques and templates; to extras to make your projects special; to a gallery of designs for inspiration. The numerous photographs are not only visually appealing but educational, and add to the quality of this exceptional work. Essential for anyone interested in baking and decorating cakes.” – Library Journal
Table of Contents
Introduction
Basic Cake Preparation
Tools for Baking and Decorating Cakes
Baking the Cake
Torting and Filling Cakes
Filling Recipes
Baking Cupcakes
Filling Cupcakes
Icing Recipes
Rolled Icing and Icing for Sculpting Recipes
Food Color
Icing the Cake in Buttercream
Buttercream Iced Cakes with Texture
Covering a Cake with Ganache
Covering a Cake with Rolled Fondant
Cake Mortar
Icing a Cupcake
Covering Cupcakes with Ganache
Covering Cupcakes with Fondant
Crispy Treat Sculptures
Cake Boards
Stacking Cakes
Shelf Life, Storage, and Transportation of Cakes
Cupake Chart
Understanding Circumference and Diameter
Cake Chart
Piping TechnIques
Using Pastry Bags, Tips, and Couplers
Tip Usage
Basic Piping
Piped Borders
Writing
Simple Flowers
Advanced Flowers
Royal Icing Decorations
Run Sugar Pictures
Brush Embroidery
Stringwork
Extension Work
Lacework
Projects
Fondant and Gum Paste Accents
Pasta Machine
Clay Extruders
Silicone Border Molds
Accents with Silicone Molds
Accents with Candy Molds
General Rolling and Cutting Instructions for Gum Paste and Fondant Pieces
Cookie Cutter Cutouts
Gum Paste Letter Cutters
Patchwork Cutters
Making Picks
3-D Gum Paste Pieces
Plunger Cutters
Basic Information on Flower Making
Gerbera Daisies
Roses
Stephanotis
Calla Lily (Arum Lilies)
Faux Fabric Roses and Leaves
Curly Streamer Bow
Gum Paste Bows
Ribbon Bands
Dividing and Marking the Cake for Drapes and Swags
Ruffles and Frills
Drapes
Smocking
Eyelet Decorating
Quilling Gum Paste
Basic Shapes for Hand Modeling
Hand-Modeling Animals
Hand-Modeling People
Projects
Miscellaneous TechnIques
Adding Shimmer and Sparkle to Cakes
Stencils
Edible Frosting Sheets
Painting and Coloring on Fondant
Airbrushing
Cricut Cake
Natural Landscapes
Chocolate Wrapped Cake
Chocolate Molding
Gelatin Accents
Isomalt
Projects
Design Gallery
Resources
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Index
Author Biography
Autumn Carpenter is a skilled sugar artist, demonstrator, teacher, and author. She is a third generation candymaker and confectionary artist. Autumn demonstrates annually at the International Cake Exploration Societe and travels the US teaching her craft. She has selfpublished several books on cake decorating, cookie decorating, cupcakes, and candy making. She is partowner of a retail cake and candy supply shop and has a successful website.
