How to Decorate Baby Cakes

Use a rubber duck for one decorating option for your baby cake.

Decorate a delicious dessert for a baby shower. Rather than baking a baby cake in a specialty pan, use a regular cake pan or store bought cake and add your own touches to make a baby-themed cake. This transforms a plain cake into a colorful confection, which serves both as a centerpiece and dessert. Cake baking supply and craft stores stock all of the items needed to make this eye-catching cake.

Things You'll Need

• Baked cake (or store bought cake)
• 2 (14 oz.) cans buttercream frosting (any color)
• Spatula
• Piping bag
• Frosting decorating tips
• Baby cake topper (such as a plastic 3-inch baby doll, pacifier or rubber ducky)

Instructions

1. Spread one can of buttercream frosting over the top and sides of the cake, using the spatula to create an smooth layer.

2. Fill the piping bag with the remaining can of frosting, and attach a writing tip to the end of the piping bag.

3. Apply gentle, even pressure to the piping bag to push out the frosting over the cake surface. Holding the bag at a 90-degree angle to the cake, move the tip to write out "Congratulations!" or "Welcome Baby!" on the top of the cake.

4. Change the tip to a star decorating tip and pipe a border around the top and bottom edges of the cake.

5. Lay the baby cake topper on top of the baby cake. Use a real pacifier, 3-inch plastic baby or tiny rubber ducky for the cake topper.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for piping bags and decorating tips at craft and baking supply stores.

• Make a traditional baby cake by using pink icing for a girl and pastel blue for a boy. Opt for pastel yellow or green for a baby with an unknown gender.

References

• Cake Channel: Baby Shower Cake Idea
• Baking 911: Cake Decorating 101
• Cake Works Central: Baby Shower Cakes