How long does it take to design and decorate cakes?

Answer 1

The answer to this question will greatly depend on the cake you make, or basically what the 'client' wants. It will also vary according to the resources available, whether it is made by a one-decorator home kitchen or a well-staffed bakery. In my experience in my home kitchen, and I do not make but the occasional mega wedding cake, a well decorated cake can take as little as 8 to 10 hours, or they can take weeks from start to finish. A well staffed bakery can cut this time by at least half.

Initially you will spend about one to two hours discussing the client's needs, clarifying the terms of any contract you might have, and developing a potential design. Occasionally you'll spend part of this time doing research for at least some part of the design. At least a few minutes may be required to purchase special supplies or other shopping needs.

Although there will be some argument with this, I tend to make cakes ahead of time and freeze them. Many celebrity cake decorators boast that they're cakes are "never frozen" but in my experience (and if stored properly) this actually improves the moisture level and texture of the cake. Usually, again depending on the size of the cake, I'll spend at least a portion of a day doing nothing but baking.

The remaining time spent will depend on what the client wants on the cake. Sugar flowers, whether made from fondant and gumpaste or icing, generally take a long time to make and then require time to 'set'. Depending on the number required, several hours to several days will be required for just this portion of the cake. Fondant icing takes more time than frosting to make, roll, cut and cover the cake. You can save some time by buying pre-made fondant, but the poor flavor and the additional cost is not worth it in my experience. If the cake is decorated in all frosting, or frosted with pre-made flowers, then it can usually be completed in one to three hours in addition to the time spent on communication, shopping, baking, or any other specialty work that might be required.

Answer 2

You can make the cake a day or two in advance and store it properly. As for decorating it, you will want to do that the day of the party or the night before.