10 Products That Make Cake Decorating Easy!

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On the hunt for products that make cake decorating easy, which will then help you excel in your craft? I’m sharing a list of items that I use on a regular basis that help me with my cake-decorating struggles! When it comes to fondant, you may find it difficult to work with (especially when you’re just starting out). From covering cakes to making 3D figures, these items will help you improve. They definitely helped me!

1. fondant ROLLING PIN

First things first! A fondant rolling pin is absolutely necessary when rolling out fondant to cover your cakes. They’re easy to clean and come with guide rings to help you roll your fondant to your desired thickness! You can get this Wilton rolling pin, or a non-stick rolling pin (ideal for cookie dough!).

2. THE MAT (fondant application system)

For years I struggled with rolling out fondant properly and covering my cakes with it. I was so frustrated and I just never seemed to get it right! From fondant ripping to drying out or getting “elephant skin”. I would put fondant on the cake, take it off, put it on, take it off – cue the TEARS! 🙁 This perfectionist just had enough! Until I got THE MAT! And what a lifesaver it is! And I still use it to this day. I think I’m just nervous if I don’t use it (ha!).

It tells you how much fondant you need depending on the size of the cake, it prevents fondant from drying out, and it has measurements printed on the mat so you roll out the correct size. I love it and it’s helped me so much!

I couldn’t find this specific fondant application system on Amazon, and have no affiliation with Sweet City USA, I couldn’t exclude it from this list!

3. FONDANT SMOOTHERS

Once you roll out your fondant and apply it to your cake, use fondant smoothers to get a nice even finish all around! Combined with your hands, gently smooth the tops and sides of your cakes – getting closer and closer to perfection! You can try using your hands alone, but there’s something about fondant smoothers that magically even rough spots on your cake 🙂

I like to use 2 fondant smoother (one around the cake, and one over the top) to get that perfect fondant finish with straight edges.

4. placemats for fondant work

Next, placemats. Yes, placemats! Even just the simple, kids’ placemats you see in grocery stores. My first placement had a snowman on it lol! It’s the most unlikely thing that you’d think of. I sure as hell never thought of it! I use placemats when I’m making figures and shapes with fondant or gum paste. You can buy specialized cake decorating mats (which are also very useful), but when you’re using cutters they’re more likely to rip and become damaged. A simple placemat is more durable! I’ve been using them for years and they’re definitely more cost-effective!

5. x-acto knife for precise fondant cutting

These little x-acto knives are so useful when making strips, bows, and anything that needs a sharp edge. I even use them when making details for little fondant figures. They help you create sharp and precise details in your work. And they come with replacement blades! You know, if you accidentally stab yourself…like I may or may not have done before 😐

post-note: please be careful!

6. dusting cup/pouch to prevent fondant from sticking

Icing sugar and corn starch are essential when dealing with fondant to prevent sticking. I use equal parts of both to dust my placemats before rolling out any fondant. Dusting some on your hands helps too! I combine each in this dusting pouch. It’s small, compact, and easy to fill and use.

7. mini Wilton rolling pins

While you have your larger rolling pin for rolling out dough and fondant, you also need small ones when working on a smaller scale. Like when you’re making hearts, stars, or even petals for gum paste flowers. These Wilton rolling pins were probably one of the first tools I bought when I first started out, and I still use them to this day! They also come with guide rings to help you with rolling out to a certain thickness.

8. cake decorating hand tools

Basically, everything you make with fondant or gum paste requires some kind of cake-decorating hand tool. It’s best to get a set that has a variety. Trust me, you’ll end up using every single one eventually! Even if you have no clue what you’d use it for, something will come up one day! The ball tool is my most used tool – it’s great for thinning out the edges of flower petals. Stay tuned for a tutorial for making fondant/gum paste peonies – one of my favourite flowers to make. It’s just so pretty!

9. veining & grooving board for gum paste flowers

Speaking of gum-paste flowers, a grooving board speeds up the flower-making process by helping you create “grooves” in your petals to insert your floral wire. Petals should be rolled out thinly to make them look more realistic, so that groove gives you enough room for the wire without ripping the petal. Paired with the grooving board, use a foam pad and ball tool to thin and curve the edges.

10. Cake decorating brushes

Fine brushes, coarse brushes, small brushes, large brushes, ALL THE BRUSHES! Think of your makeup kit and how many brushes you have and the varieties! Having a collection for your cake decorating is needed too! Whether you’re brushing your cake with edible paint or painting eyelashes on a little face. You need all kinds of brushes for the many techniques and details you’ll learn in your cake-decorating journey. I personally have a few sets, including this PME set and this Wilton set. This cake decorating brush set includes some fine brushes – which really helps with the intricate details!

BONUS CAKE DECORATING TOOL!

11. SILICONE MOLDS

This fondant tool is probably the easiest to use and will really make your cakes stand out! It adds intricate details that you likely won’t be able to achieve by hand. It really makes life easier and can make a simple cake look difficult with these handy tools! I usually add a 50/50 mixture of cornstarch and icing sugar into a dusting pouch (tool # 6 above), dust a bit into the silicone mold, add just enough fondant or gum paste into the mold then pop it out! Voila! I swear it’s like magic how easy these silicone molds are to use.

All of these items are tools I use regularly and they definitely make my life easier! And I’m sure they’ll do the same for you! While there are many other tools you can use, these are definitely 10 products that make cake decorating easy when you’re working with fondant and making cake decorations. Check out my “Cake Decorating for Beginners” post for a list of items you’ll need if you’re just starting out!

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Good luck & Happy Cake Decorating!

Mich