How to Write on a Cake

Writing on a cake isn’t as hard as it looks. Follow these tips and tricks for piping “happy birthday.”

What You Need

  • pastry bag with tip
    melted chocolate or icing
    frosted cake
Follow These Five Easy Steps
  1. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a fine tip

    Fit a pastry bag with a fine tip and fill with room-temperature melted chocolate, colored frosting, or piping gel.<br /><br /><strong>Tip:</strong> If you don’t have a pastry bag, use a resealable plastic bag instead. Fill the bag, then snip the tip with scissors to create a tiny opening.

  2. Mark each word with a toothpick

    Using a toothpick, mark the beginning and ending of each word in a straight line. This will help keep you centered when you start to pipe.

  3. Trace the letters

    Using the same toothpick, trace the letters in the frosting.<br /><br /><strong>Tip:</strong> If you make a mistake, smooth over the letter with fresh frosting and start again.

  4. Practice piping on a plate first

    Before you pipe directly on the cake, practice a few letters on a plate or other clean surface. This way, you’ll get comfortable with the piping bag and can also gauge how much pressure to use when writing.

  5. Pipe over the lines

    Use your non-writing hand to steady the bag as you pipe over the letters you traced.<br/><br/>Want to make a cake that looks as good as it tastes? It’s easy with <i>Real Simple</i>’s <a target="_blank" href=" decorating</a> techniques.

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