The techniques covered in Part 1 will be the foundation upon which all of your buttercream skills are built. (Literally.) Stephanie demonstrates how to prep a cake for icing by leveling and torting it, and then explains how to mix the ultimate buttercream icing with ideal color and consistency. Finally, you’ll learn how to use a decorating bag and spatula to ice a perfectly smooth cake with a decorative star border.
 

In Part 2, Stephanie introduces you to the world of decorating tips and bags. Using cupcakes as your canvas, you will learn how to bake, core and fill cupcakes, then top them off with buttercream swirls, rosettes, dots, loops, lines and more. It’s easy to take these techniques beyond the cupcake and add borders, patterns and texture to cakes as well.
 

In Part 3, learn how to transfer any design onto cake using the gel transfer technique. This magical effect is easier than you might think, and Stephanie walks you through all the steps, from transferring your design onto a smoothly iced cake to creating different icing textures using decorating bag tips and buttercream icing. You will also learn how to finish off your cake with writing—perfect for adding a special message or birthday wish.
 

In Part 4, round out your buttercream skills by learning how to create floral designs on cupcakes and cakes. Using buttercream icing and a variety of decorating bag tips, Stephanie shows you how to make leaves and a sunflower, plus you’ll learn bonus techniques, including a brush embroidery design and a Cornelli lace pattern.