Cake Decorating Schools in the U.S.

Should I Go to Cake Decorating School?

Do you know why it's hard to find a good, moist piece of layer cake at most restaurants? Cakes not only take much longer to make than most other desserts, but cakes dry out very quickly. Professional pastry chefs often serve individual cakes, or bake cakes until they're only halfway cooked, then put them back in the oven when ordered.

Picking up these tricks like is only one reason why attending pastry school or cake decorating school is a great idea. Baking cakes involves an understanding of chemistry, and decorating requires an artistic mind, a thorough understanding of how to work effectively with various types of icing, and how to compose and present cakes.

So while many cake decorating jobs can be attained through on-the-job training, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that formal certification in baking and pastry arts implies a certain skill level and know-how that can lead to more opportunities for employment or advancement. The majority of cake decorators with post-secondary training earn an associate of applied science (AAS) degree or a certificate.

Is Financial Aid Available for Cake Decorating School?

If cost is a concern for you, you should consider the following:

1. Cake decorating programs can often be completed in six months or less
2. The American Culinary Federation (ACF) offers a number of scholarships
3. There are several forms of financial aid that you might be able to qualify for, such as government aid or student loans

Make sure you explore these options before ruling out training that could benefit your career.

What Can I Learn in Cake Decorating School?

Cake decorating classes are available at a variety of levels, some of them leading to diplomas, certificates, or degrees. You'll learn the basics of baking and associated equipment, like pastry bags and measurement tools. You'll gain instruction in elements like chocolate, meringues, fruit fillings, custards, and a variety of icings, from buttercream to fondant. More advanced courses cover lettering, marzipan, and gumpaste, which all contribute to the drama of cakes.

You'll also cover presentation, learning how to compose tiers and think three-dimensionally. Your courses may even cover such culinary standbys as hygiene and safety, as well as the business aspects of working in a commercial kitchen or catering service.

What Can I Do With My Training in Cake Decorating?

While many people receive training in cake decorating simply to indulge creative instincts, develop a hobby, or make a loved one's wedding cake, others realize that cake decorating can actually become a career. You could become a self-employed cake decorator or caterer, work in a supermarket bakery or hotel pastry division, or work for or own a bakery or restaurant.

The median annual salary for bakers in 2008 was $23,290, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, although salaries can vary widely based on experience, employer, and education level. The majority of jobs are found in supermarket bakeries.