Online Class: Cake Decorating

This course is a transformative journey into the world of cake decorating, where you'll master essential techniques, gain creative confidence, and learn to design cakes that tell stories and evoke emotions. From foundational recipes to advanced techniques, you'll explore the art of creating personalized, stunning cakes that turn every occasion into a memorable celebration.

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$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 18
    Lessons
  • 30
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 6,971
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 14
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.4
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Have you ever felt a rush of excitement at the sight of a beautifully decorated cake—its intricate details and layers of artistry capturing everyone’s attention? Imagine being the person behind that magic, transforming flour and sugar into edible masterpieces that become the centerpiece of celebrations. Welcome to Cake Decorating where cake decorating is more than just a skill; it’s a journey of creativity, joy, and self-expression.

This course is not just about learning; it’s about embracing your passion. Perhaps you’ve always been drawn to the artistry of delicate sugar flowers or the elegance of marbled fondant. Maybe you dream of surprising loved ones with custom creations that reflect their personalities, or you’ve wondered how to turn your love for baking into a profitable business. Whatever your aspiration, this course is designed to turn your inspiration into reality.

In Cake Decorating, we start by building a strong foundation. From understanding the essential baking techniques for light, fluffy layers to exploring a range of frostings and fillings, you’ll gain the confidence to experiment and create. And with each new technique, you won’t just follow instructions—you’ll understand why they work, giving you the freedom to innovate and improvise.

But it’s not just about technique. This course takes you on a journey where each cake tells a story. Whether it’s a whimsical children’s birthday cake, an elegant wedding confection, or a modern holiday design, you’ll learn to imbue every creation with purpose and personality. We’ll explore how to bring your vision to life with themed cakes, sculpted decorations, and color palettes that evoke emotion and mood.

Throughout the course, you’ll master essential tools like marzipan, buttercream, royal icing, and fondant to achieve the finish you envision. You’ll dive deep into the techniques of crafting detailed elements—creating lifelike flowers, sophisticated borders, and stunning embellishments that elevate each cake from ordinary to extraordinary.

However, we know that even the most experienced decorators face challenges. That’s why you’ll also learn how to troubleshoot and recover from mishaps, ensuring that every challenge becomes an opportunity for creativity. You’ll gain the confidence to experiment, knowing that you have the knowledge to handle any situation.

Our course goes beyond individual lessons—it’s about exploring new horizons. Stay ahead of trends with advanced techniques, from the luxurious sheen of ganache to the dramatic flair of hand-painted cakes. You’ll even uncover the secrets of creating flawless, professional finishes using gum paste, rolled fondant, and cutting-edge decorative methods.

Why choose Cake Decorating? Because it’s more than a course—it’s a transformation. It’s about finding the joy in creating something beautiful, embracing your unique style, and sharing your creations with the world. By the end of this course, you won’t just be following recipes; you’ll be confidently crafting your own visions and bringing them to life in stunning, unforgettable cakes.

So, are you ready to begin your journey? Let’s take that first step together, and turn your passion into a fulfilling, creative adventure. Whether you’re baking for joy, celebrations, or your future business, this course is your key to unlocking a world of endless possibilities. Your masterpiece awaits—let’s start creating.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.42 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(2,112 votes)

Lesson 1: Getting Started

105 Points
When you envision a masterpiece, it's essential to first lay a strong foundation. This lesson is the cornerstone, showing you what tools to use, why planning matters, and how to set yourself up for success.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Your interest in Cake Decorating; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment: Gathering Basic Supplies to begin Baking a Cake

Lesson 2: Cake Decorating Tools and Work Space

14 Points
Cake decorating isn't just an art form; it's a craft that can relieve stress, ignite creativity, and bring immense satisfaction. It's about expressing yourself and sharing your joy with others.
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment: Cake Decorating tools and Creating your Cake Decorating Workspace
  • Assessment: Lesson 2: Cake Decorating Tools and Work Space

Lesson 3: Baking Your First Cake

13 Points
Every great cake starts with a clear vision and a solid plan. The allure of cake design lies in its blend of creativity and precision, and understanding how to approach it is key to a successful final product. Imagine setting out to bake an elaborate tiered cake, inspired by a delicate floral theme or perhaps an elegant minimalist style. Additional lesson topics: Articles on Cake Designing
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment: Make Yourself Some Quick Reference Cards
  • Assessment: Lesson 3: Planning and Designing Your Cake

Lesson 4: The 411 on Cake Baking Basics

25 Points
When embarking on a new endeavor like cake decorating, it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. The first steps can seem intimidating, especially when faced with techniques like fondant application, piping, and tier construction. Additional lesson topics: Cake Tier/Layering Techniques Web Resource
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Lesson discussions: The design or the taste?
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment: Try Baking and Decorating a Cake

Lesson 5: Basic Cake Decorating Recipes

34 Points
Embarking on the journey of baking a cake from scratch can be both thrilling and rewarding. The key to success is understanding that every element, from choosing ingredients to applying the final decorations, requires thoughtful preparation and attention to detail.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment: Prepare a 2 Layer Box Cake
  • Assessment: Lesson 5: Planning and Designing

Lesson 6: Icing, Glaze, and Filling Choices

35 Points
Crafting a cake involves more than just its structural elements—it's about creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the glossy elegance of fondant icing to the soft decadence of buttercream and the intricate art of filling layers, each element plays a vital role in the cake's final impact.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment: Practice Working with Fondant
  • Assessment: Lesson 6: Icing, Glaze and Filling Choices

Lesson 7: Decorating With Buttercream Icing

25 Points
Buttercream icing is a classic choice for cake decorating, prized for its smooth, creamy texture and versatility. Whether you're aiming to create intricate flowers, elegant borders, or a simple yet delicious layer of frosting, buttercream is the go-to icing for decorators of all skill levels.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment: Working with ButterCream Icing

Lesson 8: Decorating With Royal Icing

25 Points
Royal icing, also known as glace royale, is a cornerstone of cake decoration. It is celebrated for its versatility, durability, and its ability to create intricate designs. From delicate lace patterns on wedding cakes to the robust construction of gingerbread houses, royal icing is the glue and decorative flourish behind many a confectionary marvel.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment: Working with Royal Icing

Lesson 9: The Piping Bag

17 Points
A great deal of cake decorating does require the use of a piping bag. Making and using a piping bag does scare off many cooks, but it really is not difficult to master, as this lesson will demonstrate.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment: Practicing Making a Pastry Bag
  • Assessment: Lesson 9: The Scary Piping Bag

Lesson 10: Mastering Sugar Flowers and Gum Paste Creations

10 Points
Decorating with sugar flowers and gum paste creations adds an air of sophistication and elegance to your cakes. Sugar flowers, ribbons, bows, and other decorative pieces crafted from gum paste can elevate any cake from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment: Working with Flowers

Lesson 11: Fruits, Flowers, Fun, and Fancy

19 Points
In this lesson, we delve into the timeless art of decorating cakes with icing roses, sugar-frosted flowers, fruits, and techniques like stippling. Mastering these techniques adds elegance, charm, and a touch of nature to your cakes, making them feel sophisticated and special.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment: Practice Making Leafs
  • Assessment: Lesson 11: Fruits, Flowers, Fun and Fancy

Lesson 12 : Wedding Cakes

19 Points
Forget traditional! Today's wedding cakes are rising to a whole new level of creativity. In this lesson, you will learn current decorating trends.
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment: Cake Decorating Expertise
  • Assessment: Lesson 12: Wedding Cakes

Lesson 13: Decorative Children's Cakes

25 Points
Now that you've gained some confidence and skill with icings and decorations, it's time to channel that creativity into crafting cakes for children. These cakes allow you to unleash your imagination, creating fun, colorful designs that bring joy and delight to kids.
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Lesson discussions: For your First Cake...
  • Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment: Making Children's Cakes

Lesson 14: Holiday and Celebration Cakes

25 Points
Celebrating holidays and special occasions with beautifully decorated cakes has been a tradition for generations. As you enhance your cake-baking skills, these events offer an opportunity to showcase your creativity and express joy through your delicious art.
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Your Cake Decorating Future
  • Complete: Lesson 14 Assignment: Decorating a Holiday Cake

Lesson 15: Cool Theme Cakes

35 Points
Cake decorating has transformed over the years from simple buttercream designs to detailed, personalized masterpieces. Whether you're crafting a cake for a birthday, anniversary, or a just-because celebration, incorporating themes is a great way to add a personal touch that leaves a lasting impression.
  • Lesson 15 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment: Making Memories
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 : Cool Theme Cakes

Lesson 16: Making Artful, Delectable Cupcakes

34 Points
Creating cupcakes is a unique opportunity to blend art and taste in a smaller, more personalized package. While the principles behind baking cakes still apply, cupcakes offer a new canvas for creativity.
  • Lesson 16 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 16 Assignment: Make Some Cupcakes
  • Assessment: Lesson 16 : Beloved Cupcakes

Lesson 17: Express Your Creativity

133 Points
Marzipan is more than just an icing; it's a versatile confection used to elevate cake designs and inspire creativity. Known for its pliable consistency and mildly sweet, nutty flavor, marzipan offers endless possibilities for shaping, molding, and crimping.
  • Lesson 17 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 17 Assignment: Ganache Decorations
  • Complete Assignment: New Things
  • Assessment: Lesson 17 : Express Your Creativity

Lesson 18: Some More Cake and Frosting Recipes

100 Points
From classic white and chocolate cakes to versatile icings like buttercream, royal icing, and fondant, these detailed guides and step-by-step instructions empower bakers to explore their creativity and elevate their cake designs with professional touches and artistic flair.
  • Lesson 18 Video
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete: Final Assignment
693
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe the tools and workspace needed to decorate a cake.
  • Describe how to plan and design a cake.
  • Summarize the best cake decorating recipes.
  • Describe icing, glazing and filling techniques.
  • Demonstrate decorating cakes with butter cream icing.
  • Demonstrate decorating cakes with royal icing.
  • Demonstrate creating cake decorations using a piping bag.
  • Summarize methods used to decorate cakes with gum paste.
  • Describe procedures involved in decorating wedding cakes, children's cakes, holiday and celebration cakes.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Cake Decorating
Course Number: 8900279
Lessons Rating: 4.42 / 5 Stars (2,112 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: You can take this course online in every U.S. state including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. International availability includes English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and South Africa.
Last Updated: January 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.4 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Nancy Fillip
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "This was an excellent class. I learned quite a bit--especially in the last class. I can't really think of anything that would improve it." -- Susan D.
  • "This course was excellent, really helped build my confidence to be able to go forward with skills I learnt, Nancy was so knowledgeable and encouraging." -- Fiona B.
  • "I had a great time. I loved this course and will be taking others, I really enjoyed the instructor." -- Connie C.
  • "This course was very helpful and was lots of fun." -- Melanie S.
  • "She was super nice and helpful." -- Gina B.
  • "I think the instructor was great....she answered my questions and has been patient in waiting for the pictures. I found the reading material helpful as well as the videos." -- Sandra R.
  • "You're a great instructor! :)" -- Sheri S.
  • "I found all parts of the course very helpful, as it was easy to understand more about icing, fondants...storage of cakes...also the links were a great guideline in finding what I need to." -- Sheri S.
  • "This whole course was very helpful to me, I really did enjoy the whole course, I learned so much, taking this class and I do plan on enrolling in another one just as soon as I complete this course." -- Vanessa J.
  • "Having my instructor on hand at all times to help was great. Great fun great instructor, wish I'd done it earlier." -- Nikki W.
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