Learn the best tips to use cake stencils on buttercream and become a pro.

8 BEST TIPS TO USE CAKE STENCILS ON BUTTERCREAM: A SHORT GUIDE TO SUCCESS

Here's the thing: You don't have to be a wizard to make exceptional designs on cakes. All you need to make it happen are stencils. Although this type of art seems complex, it is actually very easy to master. Once you get the technique down, there's almost nothing you won't be able to do. Stay with us and find out the best tips to use cake stencils on buttercream.

TIPS TO USE CAKE STENCILS ON BUTTERCREAM

These are the tips that can ensure the perfect effect you want on your cake when using cake stencils.

TIP #1: START SLOWLY

To be honest, the best thing you can do is pick the stencil that best matches your skill level. Newbies are advised to choose those with a large opening and minimal details.

Considering that practice makes perfect, as time goes by you will be more and more confident in your abilities, and thus easily reach for more intricate stencils.

TIP #2: CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE

Don't go too big or too small, always try to find the right size stencil for your cake. In case you already have a stencil that isn't the same size as your cake, that doesn't mean you can't do anything. Simply find a stand that will lift your dessert off the work surface.

You can use this method even when the template is of a suitable size, as it helps it to align better than if it isn't elevated.

TIP #3: DON’T RUSH THE PROCESS

One of the best tips for using cake stencils on buttercream that we can give you is to take your time and make sure that the cake’s frosting has fully chilled.

Namely, freshly frosted buttercream will smear and make it difficult for you to get a smooth finish by using a stencil. Therefore, we advise you to leave the cake in the refrigerator for at least a few hours.

TIP #4: PAY ATTENTION TO THE COLOR TYPE

If you plan to use more than one color at a time, we heartily advise you to get the gel ones. The reason is straightforward, gel food coloring works great with buttercream as it doesn't leave any aftertaste.

TIP #5: AVOID ROOM TEMPERATURE

Buttercream frosting doesn’t hold up well in the heat as it can, unfortunately, cause the design to melt and fall apart. Always keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. Take a look at this article to learn more about buttercream with stencils.

TIP #6: BE CAREFUL WITH EXCESS SPRINKLES, CRUSHED BISCUITS, OR GLITTER

In situations where you use stencils to decorate a cake with sprinkles, crushed biscuits, or glitter, be careful when removing the stencil so that the excess doesn't spill onto the cake and ruin all your efforts.

TIP #7: ALWAYS ALLOW THE PATTERN TO DRY

We recommend that you always let the pattern dry completely on one side before starting the next, as this will best avoid smudging or smearing the previous pattern.

TIP #8: WASH THE STENCIL IN BETWEEN

It is always good to rinse it with warm water after each use and pat it with a kitchen towel. This will help a lot when you are making a repetitive pattern, just be careful not to go too rough as you risk tearing the delicate patterns of the stencil.

TO CONCLUDE

There are so many effects that can be created with stencils, honestly, the sky's the limit. These were our best tips to use cake stencils on buttercream.

Remember, the most important thing is to be diligent, patient, and have an eye for detail. Trust us, you should soon be posting pictures of perfectly stenciled cakes on social media.

Which tip would you rate as the most important? Tell us on social media.

Author’s bio

Karen Rutherford is founder and editor in chief at King Desserts. You will often find her in the kitchen trying out some new recipes. As a pâtissière and baking enthusiast, Karen has decided to share her knowledge with the internet audience and provide the best tips and recipes for baking and decorating your favorite sweets.