#custard pie

Action Comics #95, April 1946. Wayne Boring pencils, Stan Kaye inks, Jack Adler colors.

National Cake Decorating Day

Try your hand at cake decorating. From sheet cake to cupcakes, complex frosting flowers to simple sprinkles, there’s something out there for everyone.

Every year, on October 10th, we celebrate a unique and delightful holiday that brings joy to both the eyes and the palate – National Cake Decorating Day. This day is dedicated to the artistry and creativity that goes into making cakes not just delicious, but also visually stunning. Whether you’re a professional pastry chef or a home baker, this day is a chance to showcase your skills, learn new techniques, and appreciate the beauty of decorated cakes.

History of National Cake Decorating Day

The art of cake decorating has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. The earliest cakes, which were enjoyed thousands of years ago, were simple creations. One of the earliest known cakes was a flat cake known as plakous, made using flour mixed with milk, eggs, nuts, and honey. This was a far cry from the elaborately decorated cakes we are accustomed to today. The word we use today, “cake”, comes from the Old Norse word “kaka”, which was what Vikings called a dessert that was quite similar to modern cakes.

The trend of decorating cakes didn’t start until the 17th century in Europe. At that time, decorating a cake was a simple matter of adding flavor. However, as the centuries passed, the art of cake decoration evolved and was refined. Today, how a cake looks is just as important as how it tastes, pushing both amateur and professional cake decorators to take their skills to the next level. The evolution of cake decorating has been influenced by various factors, including cultural trends, technological advancements, and the creativity of individual decorators.

How to Celebrate National Cake Decorating Day

Celebrating National Cake Decorating Day is all about creativity, fun, and of course, cake! Here are some ways you can join in the festivities:

Decorate a Cake: This is the most obvious and fun way to celebrate the day. Bake your favorite cake and let your imagination run wild with the decorations. You could use frosting, sprinkles, edible glitter, fondant shapes, and more. The possibilities are endless, and the best part is that you get to eat your delicious creation when you’re done!

Learn New Techniques: Use this day as an opportunity to learn new cake decorating techniques. There are plenty of tutorials online that can teach you everything from basic frosting techniques to advanced fondant work. Learning a new skill can be incredibly rewarding, and who knows, you might discover a new passion!

Share Your Creations: Show off your cake-decorating skills by sharing pictures of your creations on social media. Use the hashtag #NationalCakeDecoratingDay to join the wider conversation and see what other cake enthusiasts are creating. This is a great way to get inspiration for your next cake-decorating project.

Appreciate the Art: Take some time to appreciate the work of professional cake decorators. You could visit a local bakery, attend a cake decorating demonstration, or simply browse decorated cakes online. The intricate designs and attention to detail that go into professionally decorated cakes are truly a sight to behold.

Host a Cake Decorating Party: Gather your friends and family for a cake decorating party. Provide plain cakes or cupcakes, a variety of frostings and decorations, and let everyone’s creativity shine. This can be a fun and delicious way to spend time together.

Remember, the goal of this day is to have fun and enjoy the process of decorating, no matter your skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, this day is a chance to have fun, learn something new, and indulge in some delicious cake. So grab your frosting, sprinkles, and edible glitter, and get ready to celebrate National Cake Decorating Day in style!