When we were asked to review Step by Step Cake Decorating by Karen Sullivan we jumped at the chance. As professional bakers and cake decorators we have amassed an impressive collection of cooking and baking books.
In order to review Step-by-Step Cake Decorating we decided to be hands on and re-create a playful and seasonal cake from within the book… the fun jack o’ lantern! We put our own spin on this cake and added candy corn (a bit of an addiction in the Juniper Cakery office) which we made using strips of coloured sugarpaste / fondant. We also decorated our cake board with wood effect painted fondant. The pumpkin cake itself was created by following the book’s instructions step by step.
Step by Step Cake Decorating by Karen Sullivan is a great beginners guide where novices will find an array of cakes to re-create. The instructions for this fun, ‘fangtastic’ cake were clear and concise and prove to be a prime example of how accessible other tutorials are in the book. Whilst the tutorial is simple and straightforward you’ll still be eased into learning some handy terminology throughout. There are a good few pages dedicated to introducing the decorator to a selection of tools and equipment with explanations of use where needed. These tools range from basics such as scrapers and turntables to specialist items such as airbrushing machines and florist tape. The difference between a cake drum and cake board is also discussed as are other basics such as how to fill and cover a layer cake.
Step-by-Step Cake Decorating by Karen Sullivan, published by DK, £16.99 at dk.com
For advanced cake decorators this will still become a reference book where quick ideas, tips and tricks of the trade are at the ready as we all have our ‘designer’s block’ days. Though the jack o’ lantern cake is one of our personal favourites, and a fitting choice for this time of year, there are still plenty of projects to take you though winter, spring and summer too! There are also great ideas for children’s birthdays including, but certainly not limited to, a pirate ship, dinosaur and a train.
Step-by-Step Cake Decorating by Karen Sullivan is a book filled with fun and vibrant projects. This book a great introduction to those eager to begin learning the craft and the book even includes and a collection of basic cake, icing and buttercream recipes ready for you to get creating!
If you’d love to get your hands on a copy of Step-by-Step Cake Decorating by Karen Sullivan why not try your luck at entering our giveaway! We have two copies ready to send out to two lucky winners. All you need to do is comment on this post! Entrants must reside in the UK and have their comment submitted by November 1st. The two lucky winners will be chosen at random and will be announced via our blog and social channels (Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram) on November 4th. Good luck!
I’m loving this Jack o’ Lantern cake. Can’t wait to have a go at this myself…..fantastic idea
Would love this book, looks like there are some fantastic ideas
Pumpkin cake looks awesome, I’d love to see what else is in the book!!!
Fantastic looking cakes! Would just love this book
I want a copy!! Those cakes look fabulous!
looks like some great things to try would love to give them ago
Amazing pumpkin cake, would love a copy of the book
Looks like a real pumpkin but yet again all of the cakes are perfect just wonderful
I would love to win this, I’m just a beginner and it would really help! x
Looks like you had fun with the book and the cake is amazing, i’m intrigued. another thing to add to my shopping list.
I love this cake its so cute for Halloween, would love to win this book. I´m not in the UK but my best friend is living there and if I win she can send it to me. I hope this is ok for you.
Best regards, Laura xxx
Looks like an amazing book, would love to see what else is inside!
Love the castle cake and the pirate boat. This would really help with birthday parties!
The book looks fab ! Would love to try the jack o’ lantern for my Halloween party ! xx
I would love to win this, I am making a wedding cake for my friends wedding next year, my first ever one for an occasion and this book would be an amazing help. Would give me some great ideas aswell. x
I love this blog and look forward to seeing more.
This book looks fantastic!! I would really like to have a copy so I can carry on with my baking adventure!!xx
Love this…
Love it
Would love to own this book, it will take my cake decorating to the next level. (although I am only a novice) x
I would love a copy of this book x x x x x
Would love to have this book! Awesome ideas!
This book looks fantastic, as a novice decorator I’m always looking for advice, information and guidance on how to create cakes and decorations and better myself
Comment
Hi there, We’re sorry that simply commenting with the word ‘comment’ does not warrant an entry into this give away next to entrants who have provided a genuine interest in their replies. Do feel free to re-enter with some input. Good luck.
I want it, I want it, I want it and I need it!! Please :).
If my decorations came out half as good as the ones in the photos I would be a blessed woman. Beautiful work
I would love this book! xx
Hello!
I would really love a copy of this book. As a novice “caker,” with all it’s step by step instructions and marvelous pictures, I wouldn’t feel overwhelmed to give it a try! Inspiring!
Love the look of this book especially the jack a lantern. I would love this book as , as a very much beginner I’m sure it will be in valuable in helping me with techniques and improving. And the step by step instructions are an added bonus especially for me
need all the help i can get this book would be great early xmas present to me
Lovely prize, yes please
Would love this book, looks amazing
I would love one of those!!Lots of lovely looking cakes!
such lovley cakes so pretty
This book sounds just like something I could use and learn so much from. I’m pretty new to the whole art of cake decorating but am already in love with getting stuck into fondant and modellng chocolate although I must say that chocolate ganache has a special hold over me and my tastebuds…
I would really love to win a copy of this book it would be a great teacher for me and my daughter who’s favourite is buttercream of any flavour.
Love the look of this book, I really hope we win a copy. Xxx
how I can get your book please fantastic