10 Best Cake Decorating Books 2025 in the United States

The book 'Cake Decorating for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Decorating Like a Pro' is an excellent starting point for those new to cake decorating. It is tailored for beginners, offering easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions that help build skills gradually. The techniques covered are comprehensive enough to give new decorators a solid foundation, from basic piping and frosting to more advanced methods.

Design variety is another strong suit of this guide, featuring a range of styles and ideas to inspire creativity and cater to different tastes and occasions. The author’s expertise is evident throughout the book, presenting information clearly and confidently, which can help build the reader's confidence. Additionally, the book's visual appeal is notable, with well-illustrated pictures and diagrams that make the learning process engaging and easier to understand.

However, it is a relatively thin book with 168 pages, which might limit the depth of coverage on more advanced techniques. Also, those with some prior experience may find the content a bit too basic. The paperback format might not be as durable for frequent use in a busy kitchen environment. This book is best suited for absolute beginners who are eager to learn cake decorating from the ground up and enjoy visually stimulating instructional materials.

'The Perfect Cake: Your Ultimate Guide to Classic, Modern, and Whimsical Cakes' could be a wonderful addition to your kitchen if you're looking to elevate your cake-decorating skills. This book is suitable for a wide range of skill levels, offering something for both beginners and more experienced decorators. With its comprehensive coverage of techniques, from basic to advanced, you'll find step-by-step instructions that make even complex designs manageable.

The book's design variety is impressive, featuring classic, modern, and whimsical cakes that can fit various occasions and preferences. One of the highlights is the author expertise, coming from America's Test Kitchen, known for their reliable and thoroughly tested recipes. This ensures you're getting tried-and-true methods that work. Additionally, the book is visually appealing, with high-quality illustrations and photographs that inspire and guide you through the decorating process.

On the downside, at 448 pages and weighing 3.4 pounds, it's quite a hefty book, which might be cumbersome for some users. Also, given its in-depth content and hardcover format, it might be on the pricier side compared to lighter, more casual cake-decorating guides. However, if you are serious about improving your cake-decorating skills and want a reliable, well-rounded resource, 'The Perfect Cake' is a strong contender.

The Wilton Student Decorating Kit Book Course 2 offers an engaging way for aspiring cake decorators to develop their skills. Aimed at beginners, it covers essential techniques for creating vibrant flower designs, making it suitable for those wanting to enhance their cake-decorating abilities. With step-by-step instructions, users can follow along, which may help in building confidence as they learn new techniques.

The course emphasizes design variety largely through floral patterns, which could be limiting if you're seeking broader design options. Authored by Wilton, a reputable name in the cake-decorating industry, the book benefits from expert knowledge, providing a reliable foundation for learning. This course package is visually appealing, with colorful designs that can inspire creativity. Included tools such as flower nails, foil squares, and practice sheets add practical value, allowing hands-on practice, which is crucial for mastering decorating skills.

However, users looking for advanced techniques might find the content somewhat basic. The book could be less appealing to those interested in non-floral designs due to its specific focus. Although not discontinued, its ranking suggests it's not the most popular choice in the kitchen and dining category, yet it maintains a decent customer rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. The compact size of the kit makes it easy to store and transport, weighing only 1 pound. If you're a beginner eager to learn the art of cake decorating with a focus on floral designs, this kit offers a solid starting point.