Two of the high edible arts are cake decoration and cake design. What most people do not realise is the fun you can gain from it as a hobby.

But before you can get into cake decorating, you should also have an idea about baking. Here are some guidelines are creating the perfect cake for the perfect cake decorating experience.

Tip #1 - Use a Cake Mix if you are New to Baking

Try to produce a good foundation to work with, the best way to achieve this is to make sure that the cake you take out of the oven is evenly baked and golden brown.

To make it easier to apply your icing and decorative flourishes, make sure there are very few crumbs in your cake foundation. Also make sure your cake is level on both top and bottom.

If you have never baked a cake before and this is your very first foray into cake decoration, you should start with a box cake mix and follow the directions. This is an easy way to make sure that you get a good solid cake to work with.

Tip #2 - The Cake Decorating Process Should Never Be Rushed

If there is one cake decorating tip that you should take note of it should be never rush the cake decorating process. Ninety per cent of all cake decorating mistakes or problems are always caused by the cake decorator trying to rush through the process.

Never take your cake straight from the oven and try to decorate it. What happens is becuase the cake is not cool enough the icing will run off your base.

Always let your cake cool off at least an hour, an even better method would be to leave the cake sitting so it will set overnight before you begin icing. Some bakers even freeze their cakes before they begin icing.

Tip #3 - Keeping Your Cake Level will Make it Easier for You

You have to make sure that you have a cake that you can work with. One of the easiest ways to do this is to level and trim your baked cake. Before you get cutting and pruning wait until the cake has cooled completely, then take a serrated knife and trim off the crust and dry edges.

You can also torte the cake if you want to decorate it.Torting simply involves the process of slicing varying layers into your cake. This will hopefully establish a nice, smooth surface that makes it easy to ice the cake. You can also level off the crown of the cake center if it is lumpy or otherwise not smooth.

Tip #4 - How to Apply the Perfect First Layer of Icing

In order to get the most consistency, make sure to apply a layer of icing to the cake before you begin the real work of cake decorating. Make this first layer your crumb catcher.

The crumbs will stick to the cake using the icing method on your first layer of cake. Then be sure to let your cake set for a few hours.