Icing For Writing On Cake Recipe

Learning how to write on a cake is easy with these helpful tips—and a little practice.

Just like learning how to write the alphabet as a kid, writing on a cake is a skill that takes some practice. But once you master the moves and method, you'll be able to create bakery-style designs on your own homemade creations. Here's how to write on a cake so you can create stunning desserts for special occasions.

To get started on the right foot, brush up on how to frost a cake the easy and elegant way.

The Method We Recommend

For best results, we recommend using a piping bag and tip to write on your cake. You can use any round tip to write your letters, though smaller tips may make it difficult to smoothly squeeze the icing out while larger tips can lead to a messier script. Test a few to find out what works for you—you may land somewhre in the middle.

Fill your piping bag about halfway with icing. If it's too full, it could be difficult to hold, or it may squeeze out the top. The proper way to hold the bag is by grabbing the top of the bag with your dominant hand and guiding the bag with your non-dominant hand. Hold the bag at a 45-degree angle, but don't drag the tip in the icing. Check out a few more tips for using a piping bag.

If you don't have easy access to a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag instead. Cut a very small hole in the corner to start—you can always cut more if it's too small.

The Best Icing to Use

Gels, buttercream, melted chocolate and royal icing are all great options for writing on cake. They each feel differently when you write with them, so be sure to practice if you're trying a new one.

If your cake has buttercream frosting, refrigerating it will help it firm up—creating a better canvas and allowing you to easily scrape off letters if you make a mistake. Keep in mind, however, that you shouldn't use royal icing on buttercream frosting because the fat in the buttercream will break down the royal icing.

Melted chocolate makes a great option for beginners because it's readily available, and if you make a mistake while practicing, you can easily scrape it off and re-melt it to try again. Here's how to properly melt chocolate.

You can even try piping melted chocolate on parchment paper, refrigerating it until hard and gently lifting the letters off the paper and onto your cake. This works especially well for cursive words that are all one piece.

Before You Get Started

When it comes to writing on a cake, practice really does make perfect. If you're a beginner, try holding a thick marker in your fist like a kid would. Write your message while holding the marker like this, as these movements will give you a feel for how to write with a piping bag.

To prevent wasting the frosting, try practicing your lettering by filling a piping bag with mayonnaise or mustard. Cut out a piece of parchment paper that's the size of your cake to use as a practice canvas.

For beginners, we recommend cursive writing because it's easier to control the flow. When you come to the end of a word, gently press the tip into the piped icing and lift straight up for a clean edge.

How to Write on a Cake

Here's the best method for writing on your cake. We recommend writing your message before adding any decorative elements. It's much easier to add flourishes and flowers around the lettering rather than trying to squeeze your words onto an already crowded cake!

You'll need:

• Piping bag and tip
• Icing
• Parchment paper
• Marker
• Toothpick
• Frosted cake

Step 1: Prep the piping bag

Fit your piping bag with a tip, and fill it about halfway with icing.

Editor's tip:If you don't have a piping bag, use a zip-top bag and cut a small hole in the corner.

Step 2: Prepare your parchment paper

Cut a piece of parchment paper the same size as your cake. Using a marker, write your message on the parchment. To ensure your message is centered, find the middle letter of each line of text (remembering to accommodate any spaces) and mark that as the center. For example, the middle of "happy birthday" is the space between "b" and "i," which would be the center line. Fill in the remaining letters.

Editor's tip: Try printing out your message in a font you like, then placing the paper underneath the parchment so you can easily trace!

Step 3: Transfer the message

Gently place the parchment on your cake. Using a toothpick, prick the message onto the frosting. Once you remove the parchment, you can connect the dots with your toothpick.

Step 4: Practice your piping

Before piping on your cake, try a practice round on the parchment. This will help you get a feel for the flow of the icing.

Step 5: Write on the cake

Once you feel comfortable, trace the guide you've created in the frosting. When you come to the end of a line, gently touch the tip to the cake and lift straight up for a clean break.

Editor's tip: Don't worry if you make a mistake! You can easily scrape off the letters and smooth the frosting with a spatula, or add squiggles and flourishes to cover up any errors.

Step 6: Add decorations

When you've finished writing, it's time to fill in the decorations. Learn how to decorate a cake like a pro!

Alternatives to Writing on a Cake

If you're looking for an easier way to express your message, try candy letters. You can also spell out letters with small candies, like chocolate chips or M&M's.

Another easy option is making a stencil out of wax paper. Write your message in block letters and carefully cut out the letters with a knife. Place the wax paper stencil over your cake, and fill in the letters with powdered sugar or sprinkles. Remove the stencil to reveal your message.

Looking for more cake decorating ideas? Check out easy ways to dress up your cake.

Our Best Birthday Cake Recipes

Taste of Home

Sandy's Chocolate Cake

Looking for a classic chocolate cake recipe for your next birthday bash? Look no further than Sandy's Chocolate Cake. There's a reason why this recipe has over 188 ratings on our site! Get Recipe

Confetti Birthday Drip Cake

This is a moist and fluffy vanilla drip cake is one of my favorite birthday cake recipes. It's almost impossible not to feel happy when you see the fun pop of rainbow confetti! —Courtney Rich, Highland, Utah

Cream Cheese Sheet Cake

This tender, buttery cream cheese cake with a thin layer of fudge frosting is perfect for get-togethers and parties. It's not uncommon to see folks going back for second and even third pieces. —Gaye Mann, Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Confetti Birthday Cake with Chocolate Buttercream

This is a moist confetti cake with lots of sprinkles and a whipped chocolate buttercream. It will quickly become one of your favorite birthday cake recipes! —Courtney Rich, Highland, Utah

Chocolate-Dipped Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

I created this recipe based on our family's love of chocolate-dipped ice cream cones. Vary the color to match the occasion. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

Unicorn Cake

Searching for some birthday cake ideas? This magical unicorn cake tastes as good as it looks. Baking in smaller pans creates impressive height, and a few simple decorating tricks turn it into a showstopping dessert. —Lauren Knoelke, Des Moines, Iowa

Homemade Confetti Cake

This is a moist and fluffy vanilla cake with lots of sprinkles and a whipped vanilla buttercream. It's almost impossible not to feel happy when you see the fun pop of rainbow confetti! —Courtney Rich, Highland, UT

Yummy Chocolate Cake

My husband and I are trying to eat lighter but still crave sweets. This moist, healthy chocolate cake really helps with that. With the rich frosting, it makes a decadent treat! —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma

Sour Cream Sugar Cookie Cake

This sugar cookie cake is inspired by the classic cookie! The secret to a dense yet cakelike texture is to make sure you don't overbake the cake. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah

Peanut Butter 'N' Jelly Cake

If you're looking for some creative birthday cake ideas, look no further! I made this fun and flavorful peanut butter and jelly cake for my son's first birthday. He just turned 33, and he still has to have his favorite treat. —Linda Graybill, Sebring, Florida

BB-8 Cake

This BB-8 cake is easy to assemble and decorate. A cake mix gives you a jump-start so you can spend more time arranging the decorations. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Confetti Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream

This simple and tender cake has been celebrated in my family for years. Dressed up with tinted frosting and confetti, it becomes pure party fun. — Karen Berner, New Canaan, Connecticut

Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Indulge in this layer cake topped with rich buttercream—a vanilla lover's dream. I use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. —Michelle Dorsey, Wilmington, Delaware

Pink Lemonade Stand Cake

If you love a moist and creamy cake, this is it. Lemon juice and lemonade give the layers a tangy touch, and the cream cheese frosting with sprinkles makes it pretty. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

I am a healthy eater most of the time, but this apple spice cake is worth the splurge! You can add a cup of raisins to the batter before baking if you'd like. —Jennifer Owen, Louisville, Kentucky

Lemon Lover's Pound Cake

Everyone raves about this pretty dessert—and it sure doesn't last long with my family. It also freezes beautifully, so why not make two and pop one into the freezer for another day? —Annettia Mounger, Kansas City, Missouri

Moist Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania

Layered Yellow Cake with Chocolate Buttercream

This yellow cake will become your go-to recipe for birthdays, but the tender cake with flavorful chocolate buttercream is truly perfect for any occasion. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Coconut-Lemon Ice Cream Cake

This lemon ice cream cake is a cool treat my family loves anytime, but we find it especially refreshing on a hot summer day. The cream of coconut and lemon juice make a delicious combo, and the streusel adds a nice crunch. You can substitute any crunchy sugar, lemon or coconut cookie in place of the shortbread, as long as each cookie is about 2 inches. —Janet Gill, Canton, Ohio

Decadent Fudge Cake

Everyone loves the rich flavor in this decadent cake made with four types of chocolate. —Anna Hogge, Yorktown, Virginia

Chocolate-Strawberry Celebration Cake

This Chocolate-Strawberry Celebration Cake puts boxed mix to good use! Dress it up with a decadent chocolate ganache drizzle and strawberries arranged around the top of the cake.

Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A pleasingly moist cake, this treat is the one I requested that my mom make each year for my birthday. It's dotted with sweet carrots and a hint of cinnamon. The fluffy buttery frosting is scrumptious with chopped walnuts stirred in. One piece of this homemade carrot cake is never enough—better than all the other carrot cakes recipes I've tried!—Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania

Baby Shark Cake

It doesn't take much to add a fun theme to a birthday party. This delightfully decorated baby shark cake, plus a few colorful frills, will bring the theme to life. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Toffee Poke Cake

This toffee poke cake recipe is a favorite among my family and friends. I love making it because it is so simple.—Ms. Jeanette Hoffman, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Rainbow Cake with Clouds

Some cakes stand on their own without icing. For this bright Rainbow Cake, use a little whipped cream to make fluffy clouds. —Janet Tigchelaar, Jerseyville, Ontario

Lemon Chiffon Cake

This moist, airy lemon chiffon cake was my dad's favorite. Mom revamped the original recipe to include lemons. I'm not much of a baker, but whenever I make this dessert my family is thrilled! —Trisha Kammers, Clarkston, Washington

Sour Cream Chocolate Cake

Impressive to look at but easy to make, this cake is a good old-fashioned "Sunday supper" dessert that melts in your mouth. —Marsha Lawson, Pflugerville, Texas

Nutty Caramel Ice Cream Cake

This butter pecan ice cream cake is fantastic as is or you can try swapping out the ice cream for other flavors. Our recommendation? Pumpkin ice cream!

Chocolate Raspberry Cake

Whenever I make this chocolate raspberry cake, I get rave reviews. It's impressive, and the raspberry filling is wonderful. —Marlene Sanders, Paradise, Texas

Candy Land Cake

For something a little different, try out this Candy Land Cake inspired by the popular board game. Assorted candies turn a traditional birthday cake into a treat that's not only fun to look at, but delicious, too!

Mamaw Emily's Strawberry Cake

My husband loved his mamaw's strawberry cake recipe. He thought no one could duplicate it. I made it, and it's just as scrumptious as he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky

Cookie Cake

This oversized cookie cake recipe is so easy and quick that I just might make it instead of traditional cookies from now on. I don't miss portioning out dough or shuffling pans in and out of the oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Chocolate Bavarian Torte

Whenever I take this eye-catching torte to a party, I get so many requests for the recipe. —Edith Holmstrom, Madison, Wisconsin

Icing For Writing On Cake Recipe

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-write-on-a-cake/

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