{"id":1465256,"date":"2020-05-07T11:12:16","date_gmt":"2020-05-07T16:12:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1465256"},"modified":"2023-10-25T06:40:46","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T11:40:46","slug":"how-to-write-on-a-cake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-write-on-a-cake\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write on a Cake (Cleanly!)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just like learning how to write the alphabet as a kid, writing on a cake is a skill that takes some practice. But once you master the moves and method, you'll be able to create bakery-style designs on your own homemade creations. Here's how to write on a cake so you can create stunning desserts for special occasions.<\/p>\r\n

To get started on the right foot, brush up on how to frost a cake<\/a> the easy and elegant way.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Method We Recommend<\/h2>\r\n

For best results, we recommend using a piping bag and tip to write on your cake. You can use any round tip to write your letters, though smaller tips may make it difficult to smoothly squeeze the icing out while larger tips can lead to a messier script. Test a few to find out what works for you\u2014you may land somewhre in the middle.<\/p>\r\n

Fill your piping bag about halfway with icing. If it's too full, it could be difficult to hold, or it may squeeze out the top. The proper way to hold the bag is by grabbing the top of the bag with your dominant hand and guiding the bag with your non-dominant hand. Hold the bag at a 45-degree angle, but don't drag the tip in the icing. Check out a few more tips for using a piping bag<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

If you don't have easy access to a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag instead. Cut a very small hole in the corner to start\u2014you can always cut more if it's too small.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Best Icing to Use<\/h2>\r\n

Gels, buttercream, melted chocolate and royal icing<\/a> are all great options for writing on cake. They each feel differently when you write with them, so be sure to practice if you're trying a new one.<\/p>\r\n

If your cake has buttercream frosting<\/a>, refrigerating it will help it firm up\u2014creating a better canvas and allowing you to easily scrape off letters if you make a mistake. Keep in mind, however, that you shouldn't use royal icing on buttercream frosting because the fat in the buttercream will break down the royal icing. Before you think all frostings are the same, check out these different types of frosting<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Melted chocolate makes a great option for beginners because it's readily available, and if you make a mistake while practicing, you can easily scrape it off and re-melt it to try again. Here's how to properly melt chocolate<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

You can even try piping melted chocolate on parchment paper, refrigerating it until hard and gently lifting the letters off the paper and onto your cake. This works especially well for cursive words that are all one piece.<\/p>\r\nNeed to frost a cake? Discover different types of buttercream<\/a> frosting to find the best fit for your cake.\r\n

Before You Get Started<\/h2>\r\n

When it comes to writing on a cake, practice really does make perfect. If you're a beginner, try holding a thick marker in your fist like a kid would. Write your message while holding the marker like this, as these movements will give you a feel for how to write with a piping bag.<\/p>\r\n

To prevent wasting the frosting, try practicing your lettering by filling a piping bag with mayonnaise or mustard. Cut out a piece of parchment paper that's the size of your cake to use as a practice canvas.<\/p>\r\n

For beginners, we recommend cursive writing because it's easier to control the flow. When you come to the end of a word, gently press the tip into the piped icing and lift straight up for a clean edge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

How to Write on a Cake<\/h2>\r\n

Here's the best method for writing on your cake. We recommend writing your message before adding any decorative elements. It's much easier to add flourishes and flowers around the lettering rather than trying to squeeze your words onto an already crowded cake!<\/p>\r\n

You'll need:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n