Four Easy Cake Tips for Summer

Simple ways to keep your cakes beautiful and effortless to decorate all season long

1. Bake your cakes in advance

One of my favorite cake tips is to bake your cake layers in advance. Not only does this give the flavors time to develop, but it also allows the cake to chill completely before you frost, slice, or stack it. A cold cake is much easier to work with because the crumb is more set, which makes the process of decorating much cleaner!

2. Make sure your cakes are hydrated before frosting

One of the easiest ways to keep cakes moist is by brushing them with simple syrup before frosting. Simple syrup is made with a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. Once the sugar dissolves into the water, you can brush it onto each cake layer to help lock in moisture. You can also infuse the syrup with extra flavor, such as vanilla extract, coffee, tea, citrus zest, or even a splash of alcohol, depending on the cake.

Easy Simple Syrup Recipe

Ingredients

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup water

Directions

The goal is to heat the water just enough to fully dissolve the sugar.

For the microwave method, combine the sugar and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the sugar has dissolved.

For the stovetop method, combine the sugar and water in a small pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat.

Allow the simple syrup to cool to room temperature, or chill completely, before brushing it onto your cake.

3. Choose the right frosting for your cake

I love making a light, fluffy frosting that holds its shape but is still soft enough to spread. One simple way to achieve this, using any frosting recipe, is to use heavy whipping cream instead of milk. The heavy cream adds richness and a creamy texture, while also helping the frosting whip up into a lighter, more stable consistency. This makes it easier to spread between layers, pipe on top, or use as a base for simple decorations.

4. Be strategic when adding flowers

Flowers can make a cake look beautiful, but it is important to use them thoughtfully and safely.

Before placing any flowers on your cake, make sure they are edible or food-safe. While grocery store flowers may look pretty, they are often treated with pesticides or chemicals and may not be safe to place directly on food. Always do your research beforehand, and take the proper precautions if you are using non-edible flowers.

It is also best to avoid placing flower stems directly into the cake. If you are decorating in advance and want to keep the flowers from wilting, use small plastic flower vials filled with a little water. This helps keep the stems hydrated while also creating a barrier between the flowers and the cake. If you are adding the flowers shortly before serving, you can wrap the stems with floral tape instead. Floral tape comes in a variety of colors, including green, brown, and clear, so you can choose one that blends best with your flowers and frosting.

And when it comes to styling, remember that less is more. Leave some blank space, let the flowers breathe, and allow the cake itself to shine!

I hope you enjoy these tips, and let me know if you use any of them for your next summer cake!