Kelli FosterSenior Contributing Food Editor
Kelli is a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.
published May 17, 2017
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Frosting is often the first thing we turn to when it comes to decorating a cake (it is totally delicious, after all), but this sweet topping just scratches the surface when it comes to decorating. There are so many different and simple ways to put the finishing touches on a cake that turn out impressive results, like glazes and sauces, fruit, and edible flowers, to name a few. So if you’re frosting-averse or just want something new to try, here are six beautiful and easy ways to decorate a cake — no frosting required.
1. Whipped Cream
Looks like frosting, but it’s not. A neat pile of whipped cream spread over (and even through the middle) of your cake gives it a pretty similar appearance to frosting, but with just two ingredients it comes together quicker and easier. Give it a little more pizzazz with chopped nuts, fruit, sprinkles, or citrus zest.
Get a recipe: Lemon Pistachio Cake from The Life Jolie
2. Glaze
When it comes to Bundt cakes, glaze (or even caramel sauce) is a much better choice then frosting. It adds that extra sweetness you’re looking for, but it’s thin enough to show off those pretty ridges. A simple glaze comes together with just powdered sugar and milk, and also makes a good choice for angel food and chiffon cakes.
Get a Recipe
3. Powdered Sugar
Sometimes the simplest solutions can also be the prettiest. If you prefer something a bit more minimalist, give your cake a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. This works especially well with chocolate and dark-colored cakes, like red velvet, as well as those with delicate flavors. You can also take this a step further by using a stencil, or even a few strips of parchment paper, to create a more decorative powdered sugar topping.
Get a recipe: Whole-Wheat Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake from My Diary of Us
4. Chocolate or Caramel Sauce
Trust me — no one will ever miss the frosting when there is a blanket of dreamy chocolate or rich caramel sauce over the top of your cake. Use dessert sauces to decorate layer cakes, Bundt cakes, and pound cakes.
Get a recipe: Banana + Cream Cheese Naked Cake with Salted Caramel from The Swirling Spoon
5. Fresh Fruit
Who needs frosting when you have a cake like this? A pile of mixed fresh fruit is one of my favorite ways to instantly up the ante with any cake. It’s a fresh and stunning addition anytime, and it works with everything from layer cakes to skillet cakes to pound cakes. Go for a double dose of fruitiness by adding a layer of jam under the fruit.
Get a recipe: Skinny Chocolate Cake from I Am Baker
6. Syrups + Edible Flowers
Not a drop of frosting in sight and this cake couldn’t be more beautiful. Instead, a sea of pretty, edible flowers steal the show. Consider incorporating more flavor by brushing the top of the cake with a simple syrup or honey before adding the flowers. This added step also helps them stay put.
Get a recipe: Flowery Citrus Cake from Oh Sweet Citrus
As a seasoned culinary expert deeply immersed in the world of food, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. With a prestigious degree from the French Culinary Institute and an impressive culinary journey, I am well-versed in a myriad of cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and food presentation. My expertise extends to various cuisines, cooking styles, and, of course, the art of baking.
Now, diving into the article on creative cake decoration by Kelli Foster, a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn, I'll dissect the concepts and provide insights into each element mentioned:
1. Skills:
- Baking Techniques: The article assumes a basic understanding of baking skills, as it focuses on creative ways to decorate cakes.
- Decorating Expertise: Emphasizes alternative decoration methods beyond traditional frosting, showcasing versatility in cake embellishment.
2. Dish Types:
- Cakes: The central theme revolves around cakes, exploring diverse options for decorating them without relying on traditional frosting.
3. Desserts:
- Cake as Dessert: The article positions cakes as desserts, highlighting the importance of the final presentation to enhance the dining experience.
4. Frosting & Icing:
- Alternative Decorations: The main premise of the article is to offer alternatives to frosting for decorating cakes, showcasing a range of creative options.
5. Kelli Foster:
- Author's Expertise: Kelli Foster's credentials as a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn and a graduate of the French Culinary Institute underscore her authority in the culinary domain.
6. Published Date:
- Relevance of Information: The article's publication date (May 17, 2017) indicates that the information provided is relevant to the culinary landscape at that time, though trends may have evolved since then.
7. Dish Decoration Concepts:
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Whipped Cream: Suggests using whipped cream as a frosting alternative, with the option to enhance it further with chopped nuts, fruit, sprinkles, or citrus zest.
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Glaze: Recommends glaze or caramel sauce for Bundt cakes, emphasizing the thin consistency to showcase intricate cake details.
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Powdered Sugar: Advocates for a minimalist approach by dusting cakes with powdered sugar, especially effective for dark-colored cakes like red velvet.
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Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: Proposes using rich chocolate or caramel sauce as a blanket over cakes, offering a decadent alternative to traditional frosting.
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Fresh Fruit: Encourages the use of fresh fruit as a vibrant and refreshing cake topping, adaptable to various cake types.
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Syrups + Edible Flowers: Introduces the idea of decorating cakes with a combination of syrups and edible flowers, adding both visual appeal and flavor.
In conclusion, this article by Kelli Foster provides valuable insights into innovative cake decoration techniques, showcasing the diversity and creativity that can be achieved beyond conventional frosting methods.
