The Parchment Paper Trick For Bakery-Like Cake Presentation

There's nothing quite like a beautifully decorated cake. Whether it's for a special occasion or just a regular old Wednesday, a cake always seems to make things better. But if you're not a professional baker, the task of decorating a cake can seem daunting. Have no fear. With a little practice and a few tools of the trade, you'll be whipping up impressive cakes in no time.

One of the most important tools for decorating cakes is an offset spatula. An offset spatula has a long, thin blade that is slightly angled. This allows you to spread the frosting evenly and smoothly without scratching the surface of your cake. Another helpful tool is a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. This will help you pipe consistent dollops of frosting or icing onto your cake.

However, one common kitchen item that you may not think of using is parchment paper (via Buzzfeed). Parchment paper can be a baker's best friend when it comes to cake decorating.

Cake stands come in all shapes and sizes, and they can make a real difference in how your cake looks when it's finished, especially if you're using a cake stand (via Buzzfeed). Pre-lining the stand with strips of parchment will ensure that it stays clean while you're frosting the cake. When you're done decorating, just slip out the strips, and voila! Your cake will look like you've grabbed it off the shelf of your favorite local bakery.

Keep in mind, parchment paper is also great for protecting your counters from spills and drips while you're decorating your cake (via MommaSaid.net). Simply place a sheet of parchment paper under your cake stand or plate while you work, and toss it in the trash when you're done. There's no need to be scrubbing frosting off your countertops anymore.

This little trick works like a charm every time, and it's so easy that even the novice baker can do it. So next time you're whipping up a cake for a special occasion, don't forget the parchment paper. A few quick minutes of prep work will make all the difference in the finished product.