Want to roll your sleeves up and get elbow-deep in icing? Okay, maybe you're not that intense, but if you are looking for some simple cake decorating ideas, I think you'll enjoy these photos.
On a side note, I know first hand what it's like to be elbow-deep in icing. Many moons ago I spent 4 years as a cake decorator and we used to mix up our butter cream in a giant industry grade mixer and then fill up trash can-sized containers of this sweet stuff. Man, that was some messy (yet sweet) work. I think I sort of miss it.
Oh well, here are some cake designs and decorating ideas that will require A LOT less icing!
Spruce up the inside of your cake by making colorful layers that will be revealed once the cake is cut. The beauty of this cake design is you don't even need to ice the outside! The layers are so pretty that just adding a thin layer of icing in between each layer is enough.
Learn how to decorate a stunning ruffled cake with this great video tutorial. This cake would be perfect for a baby shower or bridal shower (like this romantic bridal shower I hosted recently).
If you really want to keep things simple, take a store bought cake and dress it up! Here I bought this pink iced cake and just added sprinkles to the top. Then, I made an easy DIY cake topper. It was so cute!
Another store bought simple cake design! Here I picked up a fudge cake and simple added fresh flowers. This was perfect for an engagement party because it looked a lot fancier than it was.
Better yet? Top the cake with cake balls or mini donut holes rolled in sprinkles (I love this look)! This really couldn't be an easier cake design and it's unexpected which I love.
You can use candy as a simple cake design, too! Above I covered a cheesecake with Halloween candy but you can customize this idea to match any birthday party theme or event you're hosting.
If your cake flavor pairs well with citrus, you can add thin slices to the top of your cake. Above I topped a tequila cake with slices of fresh lemons and limes. You can use this same easy decorating idea with berries as well!
More Easy Cake Decorating Ideas
There's no real wrong way to decorate a cake but if you're looking for some inspiration when coming up with possible cake designs, here are a few of my favorite.
- Naked or Semi-Naked layers: Like the rainbow cake above, simply add icing in between layers and/or only slightly ice the outside of the cake so the layers peek through.
- With sprinkles: Add a pile of sprinkles to cover the top of the cake. This hides any imperfections in your icing and looks cute!
- Topped with treats: Add donut holes, crushed cookies, or colorful candy to the top layer of your cake.
- Add non-edible items: Think flowers, cute toppers, or toys that match your theme (cars, trains, etc).
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J says
I know this is an old post, but the link is still floating around Pinterest - several of these images have been lifted from a blog called I Am Baker, and used without links or credit. I'm sure it was done without malicious intent, but it should be respectfully corrected. :)
Tori says
Hi J -- you're right this is a really old post (pre-Pinterest!). However all the sources are indeed credited and linked. You will see them listed at the end of the post and if you click the images you will be taken directly to the other sites. Thanks for stopping by!
Moving says
The cake with the little flags reminds me of a celebration.
Half Price Deals says
I like the multicolor layers. My kids would love this one. I also like how high it is. The only downside that I can see is that I would have to bake each layer separately.
Bird says
So many yummy and cool ideas!! I'm not a great cake decorator, but these examples look very doable indeed! Thanks Tori!!