Put Sprinkles On The Side Of A Cake – it’s a simple yet incredibly effective way to elevate your homemade desserts from ordinary to extraordinary. While many home bakers focus on the top surface for decoration, embracing the sides opens up a world of creative possibilities, often with surprisingly little effort. This technique is a game-changer for anyone looking to impress guests, add a festive flair to a birthday celebration, or simply make their baking a little more fun. Forget complicated piping bags or intricate fondant work; this method is accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
The beauty of decorating cake sides with sprinkles lies in its versatility. You can achieve a multitude of looks, from a subtle shimmer to a vibrant, eye-catching design. The key is understanding a few basic principles and choosing the right approach for your desired outcome. Let’s dive into how you can master this easy decorating technique.
Preparing Your Cake for Sprinkles
Before you can put sprinkles on the side of a cake, proper preparation is crucial. A smooth, chilled surface is your best friend. After your cake has cooled completely and been frosted, it’s essential to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the frosting is firm to the touch. This prevents the frosting from smearing or melting when you apply the sprinkles.
The type of frosting you use also plays a role. Buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a sturdy ganache are ideal for holding sprinkles. Avoid very soft or oily frostings, as they might not provide enough grip. Ensure your frosting is applied evenly, creating a smooth canvas. Any lumps or bumps will be highlighted, so take your time with this step. A bench scraper or offset spatula can be invaluable for achieving a flawless finish.
The Essential Technique: How to Put Sprinkles On The Side Of A Cake
There are a couple of primary methods for getting those colorful specks to adhere beautifully to your cake’s perimeter. The most common and straightforward involves gently pressing the sprinkles onto the frosting.
Method 1: The Gentle Press
1. Pouring: Pour a generous amount of sprinkles into a shallow bowl or directly onto a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This creates a surface to work with.
2. Applying: Take your chilled, frosted cake and carefully hold it over the bowl or plate of sprinkles.
3. Rolling/Pressing: Gently roll the side of the cake through the sprinkles, applying light pressure to encourage them to stick. Alternatively, you can hold the cake steady and carefully press handfuls of sprinkles onto the frosted sides using your hands or a small offset spatula. Work in sections, ensuring even coverage.
4. Tapping: Once you’ve covered a section, gently tap the sides of the cake to dislodge any loose sprinkles.
Method 2: The Sprinkle Shower (for less dense coverage)
If you’re aiming for a more scattered or artistic look, you can “shower” the cake with sprinkles.
1. Prepare the Surface: As before, ensure your cake is well-chilled and frosted.
2. Shower Gently: Hold a handful of sprinkles a few inches above the cake and release them, allowing them to fall onto the sides. You can gently rotate the cake as you do this for more even distribution. This method works best with smaller, lighter sprinkles.
For both methods, it’s helpful to have a tray or parchment paper underneath your cake to catch any fallen sprinkles for easy cleanup and potential reuse.
Choosing Your Sprinkles: The Fun Part!
The type of sprinkles you use will dramatically impact the final aesthetic. Here are some popular choices and how they can be used:
Jimmies (Rod Sprinkles): These are the classic, elongated sprinkles. They offer a bold, retro look and adhere well to frosting. They’re fantastic for a solid band of color around the cake or even layered for a textured effect.
Nonpareils (Tiny Balls): These minuscule spheres provide a delicate, shimmering finish. They can cover a cake side in a dense, almost glittery layer or be used sparingly for a subtle touch. They are excellent for a sophisticated look.
Confetti Sprinkles (Shaped): From hearts and stars to letters and numbers, shaped sprinkles add personality. They work best when pressed on individually or in small clusters for maximum impact.
Sugar Pearls: These larger, edible pearls offer an elegant and refined decoration. They can be arranged in patterns or simply scattered for a touch of luxury.
Consider the overall theme of your cake. For a child’s birthday, bright, colorful jimmies or fun shaped sprinkles are perfect. For a more elegant occasion, nonpareils or sugar pearls might be a better fit. Don’t be afraid to mix and match sprinkle types for a unique and dynamic effect!
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, you can experiment with more advanced applications:
Ombré Effect: Start with one color of sprinkles at the bottom of the cake and gradually transition to another color as you move upwards. This requires careful layering and a bit of patience.
Stripes or Patterns: Use tape or parchment paper strips to mask off sections of the cake, apply one color of sprinkles, remove the tape, and then apply a different color. This allows for crisp lines and patterns.
Two-Tone Sides: Frost the cake in one color and then apply sprinkles in a contrasting or complementary color to the sides. This creates a striking visual.
Metallic Sheen: Edible metallic sprinkles or dust can add a touch of glamour. Apply them strategically for a focal point.
The key to success is practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Each cake you decorate will build your confidence and refine your technique. So go ahead, embrace the sprinkles, and transform your cakes into edible works of art! The simple act of knowing how to put sprinkles on the side of a cake can unlock a whole new level of creativity in your baking.