By Makai Cake Decorating Supplies

 

 

Decorating cakes is an art—but even experienced bakers can fall into common traps.
Whether you’re just starting or refining your craft, here are the top 10 decorating mistakes to avoid, plus expert tips on how to fix them.

 

 

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 1. Storing Fondant Cakes in the Fridge 

 

MISTAKE

Refrigerating fondant-covered cakes.

WHY IT'S A PROBLEM

The fridge causes condensation, which leads to sticky surfaces, sagging shapes, and colour bleeding.

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD

Store in a cool, dry box at room temperature or in a specialist cake fridge.

 

 

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 2. Skipping a Cake Crumb Coat 

MISTAKE

Going straight to the final layer of buttercream or fondant.

WHY IT'S A PROBLEM

Crumbs mix into your outer layer, ruining the smooth finish.

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD

Apply a thin crumb coat, chill it, then finish with your top layer.

 

 

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 3. Not Levelling Your Cake Layers 

MISTAKE

Stacking uneven cake layers.

WHY IT'S A PROBLEM

An unlevelled base leads to wobbly, tilted, or cracked cakes.

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD

Use a serrated knife or cake leveller to ensure each layer is flat.

 

 

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 4. Using Weak or No Support in Tiered Cakes 

MISTAKE

Skipping dowel rods or proper supports between tiers.

WHY IT'S A PROBLEM

The structure can collapse during delivery or set-up.

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD

Always use sturdy dowels and cake boards.

 

🔗 Read: How to Use Dowel Rods in Stacked Cakes →

 

 

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 5. Decorating While Cake Is Warm 

MISTAKE

Rushing into decoration before the cake has cooled.

WHY IT'S A PROBLEM

Frosting melts and slides off, creating a mess.

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD

Chill your cake thoroughly before applying any decorations.

 

 

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 6. Overloading with Heavy Toppers or Decorations 

MISTAKE

Using tall, heavy or oversized toppers without support.

WHY IT'S A PROBLEM

These can shift, sink or collapse the cake.

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD

Choose lightweight materials and reinforce with hidden dowels if needed.

 

 

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 7. Working in a Hot or Humid Room 

MISTAKE

Decorating in warm, humid environments.

WHY IT'S A PROBLEM

Buttercream can melt and fondant may sweat or slide.

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD

Work in an air-conditioned space or during cooler parts of the day.

 

 

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 8. Placing Fresh Flowers or Fruits Directly on Cake 

MISTAKE

Adding fresh elements without food-safe protection.

WHY IT'S A PROBLEM

Some flowers are toxic or non-edible.

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD

Use floral tape, sealed stems, or food-safe picks.

 

 

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 9. Adding Decorations Too Early 

MISTAKE

Applying delicate elements well before delivery.

WHY IT'S A PROBLEM

Decorations may wilt, shift, or fall off during storage or transit.

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD

Add them last-minute or on-site if needed.

 

🔗 Related: When to Assemble a Tiered Cake →

 

 

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 10. Not Practicing New Techniques Before a Real Order 

MISTAKE

Trying something new without a test run.

WHY IT'S A PROBLEM

Mistakes under pressure can cost time, materials and confidence.

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD

Test on dummy cakes or personal bakes before offering it to clients.

 

 

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