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Emily Friend

*UPDATED with brand new videos and recipes in May 2022. * This course is designed for anyone who wants to perfect the taste and appearance of their cakes. It's packed with information that you'll find useful whether you’re a complete beginner or you’ve been baking and decorating cakes for a while but want to improve the basic foundation of your cake. In ten modules this course covers from start to finish how to mix, bake, assemble, fill, frost, decorate, store, transport and serve a cake. You'll learn which tools and materials you'll need and how to use them for various techniques. You'll also find several recipes in the course for cakes, fillings and frostings. The course focuses on the tiny details, including all of the basics as well as more advanced tips to help you as you continue on your baking and cake decorating journey. With close-up video and simple, step by step instructions, you'll find each technique broken down into easy-to-follow steps, You can watch the modules whenever you choose and download or print the included recipes and quick reference guides, which are handouts for each module with photos and descriptions of every step. Using clear explanations, extensive examples and step by step instructions, you'll finish the course confident about your ability to make the perfect cake.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Everything you need to know to make the perfect cake, every step of the way from mixing to serving!
  • The tools and materials needed to bake, assemble and frost a cake
  • How to mix your cake batter (including recipes for vanilla and chocolate cake)
  • How to bake a moist cake
  • How to prepare cake layers and assemble a layer cake
  • Prepare fillings and frostings (including recipes for flavoured and coloured fillings and frostings)
  • How to frost a round, square and rectangular cake
  • Finishing touches to decorate cakes
  • How to store, transport and serve cakes

Syllabus

Know what the course will cover and what tools will be needed for the techniques
Introduction
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Mix cake batter to create a fluffy cake
Read more
Mixing a Cake
Bake a moist, evenly baked cake
Preparing Cake Pans
Converting Recipes
Baking Cakes
Turning Cakes Out
Troubleshooting
Prepare and store cake layers
Levelling Cake Layers
Simple Syrup
Trimming and Dividing Cake Layers
Storing Cake Layers
Prepare buttercreams, chocolate ganache, fruit purees and fruit curds
Making Buttercream
Flavouring Buttercream
Colouring Buttercream
How Much Buttercream?
Storing Buttercream
Build/assemble a cake
Assembling a Cake
Buttercream Dams
Rectangular and Square Cakes
Key Points
Crumb coat a cake with frosting
The Crumb Coat
Square and Rectangular Cakes
Frost round, square and rectangular cakes with smooth frosting and sharp edges
The Final Coat
Sharp Edges: Method #1
Sharp Edges: Method #2
Add finishing touches to a cake
Finishing Touches
Borders
Toppers
Bases
Store, transport and serve cakes
Storing
Transporting Cakes
Serving Cakes
Final Words
BONUS Module: Cake Decorating
Cake Decorating

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Delves into the basics of cake making and decorating, building a strong foundation for beginners
Suitable for both amateur and experienced bakers seeking to refine their cake-making skills
Provides thorough explanations and step-by-step instructions, making it accessible to learners of varying skill levels
Emphasizes precision and attention to detail, essential traits for aspiring cake decorators
Covers essential techniques for baking, assembling, and decorating cakes, catering to a comprehensive understanding

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Basics Of Cake with these activities:
Create a Digital Binder of Cake Recipes and Techniques
Organize your cake recipes, techniques, and learning materials in a digital binder for easy access and future reference.
Browse courses on Cake Decorating
Show steps
  • Gather your existing cake recipes and techniques
  • Create a digital document or binder using software or apps
  • Categorize and organize the recipes and techniques
  • Include notes, tips, and additional resources as needed
  • Regularly update and expand your digital binder
Watch Video Tutorials on Cake Assembly
Watch video tutorials on cake assembly to learn proper techniques and troubleshoot common issues.
Browse courses on Cake Decorating
Show steps
  • Search for reputable video tutorials on cake assembly
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes on the techniques
  • Practice the techniques on smaller cakes or practice boards
  • Seek feedback from experienced bakers or online communities
  • Apply the techniques in your own cake projects
Practice Frosting Techniques
Practice your frosting techniques to improve the smoothness and precision of your frosting applications.
Browse courses on Cake Decorating
Show steps
  • Gather your tools and materials
  • Prepare your frosting
  • Practice piping straight lines, circles, and stars
  • Practice filling in areas with smooth, even strokes
  • Experiment with different frosting tips and techniques
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Attend a Cake Decorating Workshop
Attend a cake decorating workshop to learn advanced techniques and get hands-on experience from experienced professionals.
Show steps
  • Research and find a reputable cake decorating workshop
  • Register for the workshop and pay the registration fee
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities
  • Take notes and ask questions during the workshop
  • Practice the techniques learned in the workshop
Help Beginner Bakers in Online Forums
Offer guidance and assistance to beginner bakers in online forums to reinforce your understanding of cake making fundamentals.
Browse courses on Cake Decorating
Show steps
  • Join online forums or groups related to cake making
  • Monitor the forums for questions or requests from beginner bakers
  • Provide helpful and constructive advice based on your knowledge
  • Share your experiences and tips to support their learning
  • Build a sense of community and support among fellow bakers
Create a Cake Decorating Portfolio
Create a portfolio of your cake decorating creations to showcase your skills and progress.
Browse courses on Cake Decorating
Show steps
  • Gather images of your best cake decorating projects
  • Edit and enhance the images to highlight your skills
  • Create a website or social media page to display your portfolio
  • Share your portfolio with potential clients or employers
  • Update your portfolio regularly with new creations

Career center

Learners who complete The Basics Of Cake will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Baker
Bakers combine ingredients to create delicious baked goods, such as breads, pastries, and cakes. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in cake-making techniques, from mixing and baking to frosting and decorating. By learning the basics of cake-making, you will gain the skills necessary to succeed as a baker in a commercial or home-based setting.
Pastry Chef
Pastry chefs specialize in creating elaborate desserts, including cakes, pastries, and other sweet treats. This course covers the essential techniques used in cake-making, including mixing, baking, assembling, and decorating. With a strong foundation in these techniques, you can pursue a successful career as a pastry chef in restaurants, hotels, or bakeries.
Cake Decorator
Cake decorators are responsible for the artistic design and decoration of cakes. This course provides a comprehensive guide to cake decorating techniques, from basic frosting techniques to advanced piping and fondant work. By mastering these techniques, you can pursue a rewarding career as a cake decorator in bakeries, cake shops, or event planning companies.
Caterer
Caterers plan and prepare food for events, including weddings, parties, and corporate functions. This course provides a comprehensive overview of cake-making, from mixing and baking to frosting and decorating. By gaining proficiency in these techniques, you can expand your catering services and offer delicious and visually appealing cakes to your clients.
Food Stylist
Food stylists create visually appealing food presentations for photography and videography. This course provides a foundation in cake-making techniques, including frosting and decorating. By understanding the principles of cake design, you can enhance your skills as a food stylist and create stunning food presentations for various media platforms.
Culinary Instructor
Culinary instructors teach students the art and science of cooking. This course provides a comprehensive overview of cake-making techniques, from basic mixing to advanced decorating. By mastering these techniques, you can effectively teach your students the fundamentals of cake-making and inspire them to pursue a culinary career.
Recipe Developer
Recipe developers create and test recipes for cookbooks, magazines, and online platforms. This course provides a solid foundation in cake-making techniques, including ingredient selection, mixing, and baking. By understanding the science behind cake-making, you can develop delicious and innovative cake recipes that cater to various dietary needs and preferences.
Food Photographer
Food photographers capture visually appealing images of food for magazines, cookbooks, and advertising campaigns. This course provides a foundation in cake-making techniques, including frosting and decorating. By understanding the principles of cake design, you can enhance your photography skills and create mouthwatering images that showcase the beauty of cakes.
Private Chef
Private chefs prepare and cook meals for individuals and families in their homes. This course provides a comprehensive overview of cake-making techniques, from mixing and baking to frosting and decorating. By gaining proficiency in these techniques, you can expand your culinary repertoire and offer delicious and visually appealing cakes to your clients.
Food Blogger
Food bloggers share their culinary creations and expertise with their online audience. This course provides a foundation in cake-making techniques, including frosting and decorating. By showcasing your cake-making skills and recipes on your blog, you can attract a loyal following and establish yourself as an authority in the culinary world.
Event Planner
Event planners organize and coordinate events, such as weddings, parties, and corporate functions. This course provides an overview of cake-making techniques, including frosting and decorating. By understanding the principles of cake design, you can work with vendors and clients to create visually appealing cakes that meet the specific needs and themes of various events.
Home Baker
Home bakers create delicious baked goods for their families and friends. This course provides a comprehensive guide to cake-making techniques, from mixing and baking to frosting and decorating. By mastering these techniques, you can elevate your home baking skills and impress your loved ones with mouthwatering cakes.
Hospitality Manager
Hospitality managers oversee the operations of hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments. This course provides an overview of cake-making techniques, including frosting and decorating. By understanding the principles of cake design, you can ensure that your establishment offers visually appealing and delicious cakes that meet the needs of your guests.
Restaurant Manager
Restaurant managers oversee the day-to-day operations of restaurants. This course provides an overview of cake-making techniques, including frosting and decorating. By understanding the principles of cake design, you can ensure that your restaurant offers visually appealing and delicious cakes that enhance the dining experience for your customers.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists provide dietary advice and guidance to individuals and groups. This course provides a foundation in cake-making techniques, including ingredient selection and portion control. By understanding the nutritional content of cakes, you can provide informed recommendations to your clients and help them make healthier choices while enjoying their favorite treats.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Basics Of Cake.
This classic cookbook provides a comprehensive overview of cooking techniques and recipes, including a section on cakes. It's a great resource for both beginners and experienced bakers looking to expand their knowledge and skills.
This comprehensive baking guide covers everything from the basics of baking to more advanced techniques, including a section on cake baking. It's a great resource for bakers of all levels looking to improve their skills.
This comprehensive guide to cake baking covers everything from basic techniques to more advanced recipes. It's a great resource for experienced bakers looking to take their skills to the next level.
This cookbook provides a collection of foolproof cake recipes, along with tips and techniques for baking the perfect cake. It's a great resource for both beginners and experienced bakers looking for reliable recipes.
This beautifully illustrated book provides a comprehensive overview of French baking techniques, including a section on cake baking. It's a great resource for bakers of all levels looking to learn more about the art of French baking.
This comprehensive guide to cake baking covers everything from basic techniques to more advanced recipes, including a section on wedding cakes. It's a great resource for bakers of all levels looking for a comprehensive overview of cake baking.
Provides a scientific explanation of the baking process, including a section on cake baking. It's a great resource for bakers of all levels looking to understand the science behind their craft.
This cookbook provides a collection of classic and modern cake recipes. It's a great resource for bakers of all levels looking for a wide variety of recipes to choose from.

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