Buttercream is perfect for making beautiful decorations on cakes. In this course you will learn several decorating techniques to decorate 3 sponges and cupcakes. Learn to pipe flowers, swirling techniques, ombre and more. You will be required to bring some ingredients and equipment to this course. Please contact the WEA for a full list of requirements and equipment before enrolling.
Cake Decorating with Buttercream
Course Description
In this hands-on cake decorating course, you'll explore the art of using buttercream to transform simple cakes into stunning creations. Buttercream is not only delicious – its smooth, but versatile texture also makes it ideal for a wide range of decorative styles.
From elegant floral designs to modern ombre effects, buttercream allows decorators of all skill levels to express their creativity with ease. Whether you're looking to elevate your baking for special occasions or simply want to try your hand at cake artistry, this introductory course offers the perfect foundation.
Throughout the class, you’ll learn a variety of decorating techniques using buttercream, including piping flowers, mastering swirling techniques, and creating beautiful ombre finishes.
You’ll apply these skills while decorating three sponge cakes and a batch of cupcakes, giving you plenty of opportunity to practice and perfect each method.
With step-by-step guidance, you'll gain the confidence to craft cakes that are as eye-catching as they are delicious. By the end of the course, you'll be ready to impress your friends and family with your beautifully decorated, buttercream-covered creations.
Course Structure
This introductory session will cover the following topics:
- Introduction to buttercream: types, textures, and colouring
- Preparing and leveling sponge cakes for decorating
- Crumb coating and creating a smooth buttercream finish
- Piping techniques for flowers and decorative accents
- Swirling and rosette patterns for cakes and cupcakes
- Creating a modern ombre effect with buttercream
- Decorating three sponge cakes with layered designs
- Cupcake decorating with a variety of buttercream styles
- Tips for colour blending, consistency, and presentation.
Course Learning Outcomes
By attending this course students will:
- Understand how to prepare and handle buttercream for decorating
- Learn basic and intermediate piping techniques
- Create smooth and decorative finishes on cakes and cupcakes
- Gain confidence in decorating multiple types of cake designs
Course Requirements
Students will be required to bring the following materials and equipment:
- 1½ kg butter icing (store-bought or homemade)
- Pre-colour 500g of icing with your chosen colour (do not refrigerate – keep it soft and spreadable)
- 1 twin sponge cake (available from Woolworths)
- 6 cupcakes
- 1 large spatula (no longer than 30cm)
- 1 small spatula
- 1 scraper or straight-edged knife/smoother
- 1 large knife (for trimming cake tops)
- 4 small bowls
- 6 disposable piping bags
- No 127 petal nozzle
- Drop flower 2D nozzle
- Large star nozzle
- Small star nozzle
- 500g extra icing sugar
- A pair of scissors
- Wooden or plastic turntable (available at Reject Shop, Kmart, etc)
- Icing nail (if you have one)
- Tea towel, apron and Chux cloth
- Cake boards or plates
- Box to take cakes home
- Filling of your choice (eg; jam, ganache, lemon butter, etc)
The tutor will provide extra colours.
Your Tutor is Pamela Lane
Pamela Lane has been teaching at WEA since 2004.
Pamela Lane has been decorating cakes since 1981, and a member of the Cake Decorating Association of South Australia since 1982.
During her many years in the industry she has been a competitor, judge, demonstrator and tutor for countless events and competitions at state and national level, and has attended many classes and seminars to learn her craft and hone her skills.
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