Whatever the celebration from a special birthday to a lavish wedding, your affair will never be complete without a cake with fantastic decorations.

A cake is the essential centre of attraction in any event or occasion. So when you need a cake - it needs to be extra special. Not only should it be designed and decorated specifically for the occasion, but it  has to taste delicious too.

Cake Decorating Tips and Techniques

To be successful when baking cakes and pastries, learn the basics about baking.  This will guarantee that baking is fun and your cakes will be all the rage for your family or guests.

FIRST: Preheat the oven 20 to 30 minutes prior to use.  Take a shortcut by softening butter in the microwave rather than having to remember to take it out of the refrigerator hours ahead.  Microwave at 5 second intervals till softened, but not melted.  Always make sure the butter is unsalted for baking.

SECOND: Use quality ingredients by making sure that they are not expired.  For vanilla, use pure extract rather than imitation.

THIRD: Prepare your cake pans before making the batter by coating the pan with butter and then flour.  If parchment is used, butter the pan, add parchment paper cut to size, butter the paper, and add flour, tapping out excess.

FOURTH: Warm up the eggs quickly to room temperature by placing them in warm water for 10 minutes.  While mixing ingredients, start at a low speed and mix just until smooth.  Scrape the sides and bottom of bowl often as you mix.

There are several ways to tell if your cake is done baking.  First, test with a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake.  If it comes out totally clean, the cake is done.  Or, if you see that the cake is starting to pull away from the sides of the pan and it is springy to  the touch, it is done.   Take the cake out of the oven, letting it rest in the pan for 10 or 15 minutes.  Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Always level the layers by cutting off the dome with a serrated knife.This will ensure a beautiful, symmetrical cake every time.

Tuck strips of wax paper under your cake once you have placed it on your cake plate.  These will be removed after  frosting  to reveal a clean cake plate.  Apply a thin coat of frosting and refrigerated for 15 minutes before applying the final, thicker layer of frosting.  They will seal in the crumbs for a cleaner look and easier application.

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