Cakes, Informational Articles

Easy Cake Decorating: How to Make Cake Frosting Shiny

I'll show you easy ways to decorate a cake including this Bold Baking Basic using a hair dryer to make cake frosting shiny and lustrous!
Easy Ways to Decorate a cake using a hair dryer!!!!

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Hi Bold Bakers!

You often ask me to show you easy ways to decorate baked goods. I have previously shared some really fun and alternative ways to decorate, like using just a simple spoon and fork in my 4 Easy Ways to Decorate a Cake post. I also shared How to Use Piping Nozzles, where I show you how to utilize the most common piping nozzles found in most kits. I’m so excited to share this odd little trick with you, using a hairdryer for amazing results. It is a winner, whether you’re a beginner or a pro!

As Bold Bakers, we all know that it is the little things, those simple little steps we take along the way that make all of the difference in the finished product. That said, sometimes when baking at home, we can take all the necessary steps the pros take but not end up with that professional sleek look. It’s not because you’re not a great baker, it’s simply because you might not know all the tricks of the trade!

There is always something to be said for a little smoke and mirrors. For example, most layer cakes don’t just magically stand tall on their own; they are held up by wooden or plastic rods or dowels, hidden in the center. An impressive pastry like Croquembouche is often held together with Styrofoam cylinders and toothpicks. And when you see a cake in the store that is glimmering all over, it’s not just because it’s been ever-so-perfectly frosted. This brings me to one of my favorite secret baking basics; how to make your cakes look shiny!

To make your frosted cakes look extra sleek and shiny, all you need is a hair dryer. It sounds crazy, but this is exactly what I mean by “tricks of the trade.” Use any old hair dryer on the lowest setting to lightly blow hot air over the cake until the frosting starts to ever so slightly soften, and then simply wait.

When the cake cools, the melted frosting will solidify, and keep its shiny appearance. Give this a try, and I promise that you will have everyone thinking you’re a full fledged pro!

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Have you tried my master cake recipes yet? If you are a vanilla fan, then I strongly recommend my Vanilla Birthday Cake recipe. If chocolate is more of your flavor, then you have got to go with my Best-Ever Chocolate Cake recipe. And you can even make a 3-Layer Cake in the Microwave. You will use these recipes for years to come!

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JoanAshley
JoanAshley
6 years ago

Hi Gemma

Wonderful and tasty baking. Can you please design a chocolate microwave cake. That is as great as your red velvet.
From Wales xxxx

A Foodie's Paradise
1 year ago

First time decorating a cake and it was my birthday cake lol😋😌🤷🏻‍♀️

Tincy
Tincy
6 years ago

Hi Gemma greetings from India, I also thought this trick sounds crazy but when i tried it omg it was fantastic. Thank you so much and good luck for your future videos!!

Floweraura
Floweraura
3 years ago

I always have that obsession with the chocolate cakes loved this to be very honest keep sharing such work

Priya
Priya
5 years ago

Hi Gemma,
Is this trick will work on buttercream frosting on cakes?

Farah
Farah
5 years ago

Hi
Like ur recipes n love the ways of talking ur more delicious than ur recipes
Thanx dear

jack rain
5 years ago

amazing recipe well made keep going on

tinay
tinay
6 years ago

I really all your cake recipes…hope you will share more and more delicious recipes????????????????????????????

viptam
viptam
6 years ago

Well done Geema keep going…. ????

Vastavika
Vastavika
6 years ago

Hello Gemma,

Now that you’ve mentioned Croquembouche, please share a recipe for it. I am sure you would make it look easier.

P.S. Your best ever banana recipe and the recipe for salted caramel sauce is a hit in my house. Thank you so much for such wonderful recipes.

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About Us

Meet Gemma

About Us

Meet Gemma

Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, a cookbook author, and the creator of Bigger Bolder Baking. I want to help you bake with confidence anytime, anywhere with my trusted and tested recipes and baking tips. You may have seen one of my 500+ videos on YouTube & TikTok or as a guest judge on Nailed It! on Netflix or the Best Baker in America on Food Network. No matter your skills, my Bold Baking Team & I want to be your #1 go-to baking authority.

 

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