Top 5 Cake Decorating Tools for Beginners!

Are you new to cake decorating and looking for some guidance on what basic cake decorating tools to buy?  Do you feel like a fish out of water when you see all those fancy tools and techniques?

You've come to the right place. I'm a cake decorator who has been in your position before. So I know how overwhelming it can be to choose from the hundreds of cake decorating tools available on the market. That's why I created this blog post for you! I will show you the best cake decorating supplies for beginners that I used when I first started out.

And the best part? These tools are basic, cheap as chips, and handy. They will help you create stunning cakes with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction!

Useful Tips Before Getting Started

➜ Get ready for the cake decorating adventure. It is a fun activity, but also a challenge and a time-sucker. So you need patience, creativity, and a sunny outlook. You also need comfy clothes, hair tied up, and clean hands.

➜ Set up your kitchen space and environment for the cake decorating mission. Make sure you have enough room, light, and air. Get all the tools and ingredients you need in advance, and keep them neat and handy. Tidy up any spills or messes as you go, and steer clear of any distractions or interruptions.

➜ Make your cake decorating tools work well. Wash and dry your tools before using them, and check if they are in good shape. Clean your piping bags, tips, and couplers; and grease your pans, molds, and cutters. You can also line your pans, trays, and boards with parchment paper, wax paper, or plastic wrap for easy cake removal.

➜ Mix your cake batter and frosting well. Follow the recipe exactly, and measure your ingredients right. Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, and don’t overmix or undermix your batter. Bake your cakes properly, and check for doneness. Make sure your frosting is smooth and creamy, and change the consistency if needed.

➜ Design your cake and plan ahead. Sketch your cake design on paper, or use a software or app to see it. Choose the shape, size, color, flavor, filling, and decoration of your cake. List the steps you need to do, and estimate the time for each step. You can also make some decorations in advance.

5 Best Basic Cake Decorating Tools for Newbies

Every aspiring cake artist needs a fundamental set of tools to get started. Here's what you should have in your cake decorating toolkit:

1. Cake Pans

Cake pans are the key tool for beginner cake bakers. They determine the shape, size, texture, and look of your cake. You need to pick the right cake pan for your recipe, your oven, and your skill level. If not, you might get a cake that is overcooked, undercooked, cracked, or stuck to the pan.

What kind of cake pan do you prefer as a beginner?

Well, there are many kinds of cake pans, such as round, square, rectangular, bundt, loaf, or novelty. But the one that I suggest for beginners is the springform pan.

I recall when I first baked cakes, I used a regular round cake pan that was too big for my oven. The cake didn’t bake evenly and had a dry crust. Then I tried to take out the cake from the pan, but it was stuck to the bottom. I was so annoyed and sad. But then I found out about the springform pan, and it made my life easier.

A springform pan is a type of cake pan that has a detachable bottom and a latch on the side. It lets you easily take out your cake from the pan without ruining it. It is great for making cheesecakes, layer cakes, and even quiches. It is simple to use, simple to clean, and simple to store. And it always makes my cakes look neat and lovely.

2. Piping Bags

Piping bags are an important tool for beginner cake decorators. They allow you to create various shapes and patterns on your cake with frosting, ganache, or whipped cream. You can use piping bags to make swirls, rosettes, stars, shells, borders, and letters. Piping bags can also help you fill cupcakes, eclairs, or cream puffs with delicious fillings.

What kind of piping bag do you need as a beginner?

There are many kinds of piping bags, such as disposable, reusable, cloth, plastic, or silicone. But the one that I recommend for beginners are the silicone icing bags. Many beginners face this problem when they start decorating cakes. They use a disposable plastic piping bag that is too thin and flimsy. The bag bursts in their hand and makes a huge mess. Sometimes the bag leaks from the seams and stains their fingers. They feel frustrated and unhappy.

A silicone icing bag is a type of piping bag that is made of durable and flexible silicone material. It does not burst or leak under pressure, unlike some other types of piping bags. It is also large, easy to hold, and easy to clean. You can use it multiple times without wasting any material.

3. Icing Tips 

Nothing beats the satisfaction of decorating a cake with your own hands and seeing the final result. But if you are new to cake decorating, you might feel like you’re in over your head with all the tools and tricks of the trade. Don’t worry, I have a simple solution for you: icing tips.

Icing tips are the secret weapon of any cake decorator, whether beginner or expert. They are small attachments that fit on a piping bag and let you create different shapes and patterns with your frosting.

You might wonder what kind of icing tips you should get. Well, there are many types and sizes of icing tips, but the best ones for beginners are stainless steel ones. Why? Because they are strong, easy to clean, and resistant to corrosion. They also maintain their shape well and do not deform or crack.

A smart tip for beginners is to buy an icing tips toolbox that comes with a pattern chart. (You can get a handful of icing nozzles in any of RFAQK’s cake decorating sets). A pattern chart is a handy guide that shows you what kind of design each icing tip makes. You can use it to plan your cake decoration and pick the right tip for your desired outcome. It also helps you save frosting by trying out different tips systematically.

4. Cake Stands

If you love baking cakes and want to make them look more attractive as a beginner, you need to get yourself a cake turntable.

A cake turntable is a rotating platform that holds your cake in place and allows you to spin it easily while you apply frosting and decorations. It is one of the most essential and beneficial cake decorating tools for beginners because it:


• makes frosting a piece of cake. You can smoothly and evenly spread the frosting on your cake without any gaps or lumps.

• lets you unleash your creativity. You can access all sides and angles of your cake without moving around or lifting it.

• reduces the risk of ruining your cake. By keeping your cake stable and secure, the turntable prevents it from sliding, tipping, or falling off.

• saves you time and effort. You can work faster and more efficiently with a turntable, as you don’t have to waste time or energy moving or adjusting your cake.


A helpful suggestion for beginners is to use a non-slip pad or cake board under your cake when using a turntable. This will ensure that your cake stays firmly in place and does not slide or wobble on the turntable. It will also make it easier to transfer your cake from the turntable to a serving plate or cake stand.

5. Cake Leveler 

A cake leveler is a baker’s best friend. It’s a tool that lets you cut your cake layers like a pro. No more using a knife or a string that can make your cake look like a disaster. No more shaky hands when you try to slice your cake. A cake leveler gives you smooth and even cake layers that are ready to be iced and filled. Here are some tips for using a cake leveler:

• Don’t cut the cake while it’s hot. Let it cool down first.
• Set the wire blade to the height you want your cake layer to be.
• Hold the cake leveler steady and gently slide it across the cake, keeping the feet on the surface.
• Repeat for each layer you want to cut.
• Voila! You have perfectly leveled cake layers!

Other 5 Best Cake Decorating Supplies for Beginners

6. Rubber spatulas: These are useful for scraping the sides of the bowl and making sure all the ingredients are well mixed. They also help to transfer the batter to the cake pans without wasting any.

7. Cake comb: This is a tool that has serrated edges that create patterns or textures on the sides or top of the cake. You can use it to make stripes, waves, swirls, or other designs.

8. Cake tester: This is a thin metal or wooden skewer that you poke into the center of the cake to check if it is done. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it has crumbs or batter on it, the cake needs more baking time. You can use a toothpick as a substitute, but a cake tester is more accurate and reusable.

9. Pastry brush: This is a small brush that you use to apply simple syrup, glaze, egg wash, or melted butter on the cake. It adds moisture, flavor, and shine to your cake. It also helps to remove crumbs or dust from the cake surface before frosting.

10. Measuring cups and spoons: These are essential tools for measuring the ingredients accurately and consistently. They ensure that your cake has the right texture, flavor, and appearance. You can use either dry or liquid measuring cups and spoons depending on what you are measuring. A pinch of this and a dash of that won’t cut it!

Ways You Can Learn Cake Decorating Skills

As a beginner, you might find yourself in awe of elaborate cake designs and wonder if you'll ever reach that level of expertise. Rest assured, with practice and the right tools, you'll gradually build your skills and create stunning cakes. Here are some tips to help you on your cake decorating journey:

1. Start Simple: Begin with basic cake decorating techniques, such as piping borders and creating simple flowers. As you gain confidence, you can move on to more complex designs.

2. Watch RFAQK Video Course: There's a wealth of cake decorating tutorials available online. Platforms like Video Course are filled with step-by-step guides that can help you learn new techniques and gain inspiration.

3. Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. Sometimes, the most unexpected combinations and techniques lead to the most innovative designs. Don't forget to see our are you beginner course 

4. Practice Regularly: Like any art form, cake decorating improves with practice. Dedicate time to honing your skills, and you'll see your creations improve over time.

5. Seek Feedback: Share your cakes with friends and family, and ask for their honest feedback. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement.

Beginner Baking Made Easy With The Best Cake Decorating Tools In One Handy Kit!

Are you itching to dive into the sweet world of cake decorating or level up your old-school tools? Then you’ll love the RFAQK Cake Decorating Kit. This awesome set has everything a newbie needs to kickstart their cake adventure. From frosting bags and nozzles to a cake turntable and fondant tools, it’s a beginner’s paradise. And that’s not all, it also includes a video course for beginner bakers to learn the basics of cake making.

Conclusion

Cake decorating is a sweet mix of art and skill. With the right tools for beginners, you can make your cake dreams come true. Whether you need basic stuff like cake pans and icing bags or fancy stuff like fondant tools and kits, there’s a whole cake universe for you to discover. So, get ready to rock and roll, grab your tools, and start your cake adventure!

And don’t forget, the RFAQK Cake Decoration collection has everything you need to take your cake game to the next level. The Cake Decorating Kit is a great choice for beginners, with tons of awesome tools in one neat package.

Now, go ahead and create stunning cakes that taste like heaven and look like masterpieces. Happy decorating!