You want to make a cake for a special occasion, but don't have a lot of money to spend on decorations. So how do you make a cheap cake look expensive?

It can be really tough to make a cheap cake look expensive. All of those Pinterest cakes seem out of reach when you're on a tight budget.

If you want to make a cheap cake look more expensive, one option is to smooth out the frosting. Another way to make a cheap cake look expensive is by using flowers or fruit as decoration. You can also add ganache or caramel corn. Fondant can also make a cheap cake look more expensive.

Making a cake look expensive doesn't have to be difficult - in fact, it can be quite simple! With a few tips and tricks, you can take an ordinary cake and make it look like something that came from a professional bakery. In this article, we will discuss some of the best ways to do just that. So whether you're looking to impress your friends or want to make your next birthday cake look extra special, read on for some handy tips.

We tested out these tips and tricks on a simple white cake recipe, and the results were amazing! The cake looked so much more expensive and impressive, yet it was still very affordable to make.

Smooth Out The Frosting

One way to make a cheap cake look more expensive is by using an offset spatula to smooth out the frosting. An offset spatula is a small, thin-bladed kitchen tool that allows you to easily spread and manipulate the frosting on your cake. With this handy tool, you can achieve that smooth, professional look that always seems to create the impression of luxury and quality. By drawing out the spatula's blade at just the right angle, you can gently pull and push along the contours of your cake in order to achieve incredible symmetry and perfect smoothness. With practice, anyone can create impressive-looking cakes simply by using an offset spatula

Another way to achieve this same effect is by using a piping bag and nozzle to pipe on the frosting in a simple design. This is a great technique for those who are not confident in their ability to achieve a smooth finish with an offset spatula. By using a piping bag, you can create beautiful swirls and patterns that will add an extra level of sophistication to your cake.

If you want to take things one step further, you can try using two different frosting colors - this is a great way to add contrast and visual interest to your cake. Simply pipe on one color of frosting in whatever design you like, then use the other color to fill in any empty spaces. This creates a stunning effect that is sure to impress anyone who sees it!

Use Edible Flowers Or Fruits

While an expertly decorated cake can come with a hefty price tag, there are some easy ways to make even a cheap cake look like it came from a high-end bakery. One simple trick is to decorate the cake with edible flowers or fruits. This is a simple but effective way to add a touch of luxury to your cake, and it's also quite easy to do. Simply pick out some pretty flowers or slice up some fresh fruit, and arrange them on top of your cake in whatever design you like. Edible flowers are especially beautiful when used as a decoration, and they can be found at most supermarkets or online.

Fresh blooms are always lovely, but if you're looking for something more budget-friendly, try using dried flowers or fruit slices. Arranging these decorations in a symmetrical pattern will give the cake a polished look while still maintaining that homemade feel.

If you're feeling extra creative, you could even try making your own sugar flowers using fondant or marzipan. This is definitely a more advanced technique, but if you have the time and patience, then it's definitely worth trying! There are many tutorials available online that can guide you through the process step-by-step.

Perform the "Ombre"

Another way to make a cheap cake look more expensive is to use an icing technique called "ombre." This involves gradually lightening or darkening the icing as you move from the top to the bottom of the cake. This creates a beautiful gradient effect that is surprisingly easy to achieve. With a little ingenuity and effort, even the simplest and cheapest cake can be transformed into an elegant showstopper.

Ombre is a French word meaning "shadow" or "shade." In the culinary world, it refers to a gradation of color, usually from light to dark. When applied to cake decorating, it creates a beautiful and elegant effect. The simplest way to achieve an ombre effect is to use three shades of icing, starting with the lightest color at the top of the cake and graduating to the darkest color at the bottom.

To get a more dramatic look, you can try using four or even five shades of icing. If you're feeling really adventurous, you can even experiment with other techniques, such as sponging on color or using edible gel food coloring. Whatever method you choose, ombre cakes are sure to impress your guests and add a touch of luxury to any occasion.

For best results, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Ombre cakes are elegant and understated, making them perfect for weddings, showers, and other special occasions. With a little practice, anyone can create this sophisticated design.

Add Some Gummy Bears

If you're looking for a cheap cake that still looks impressive, try using some gummy bears as decorations. This is a great way to add color and interest to your cake without spending a lot of money. Simply arrange the gummy bears on top of the cake in whatever design you like. You could also add holes to the underside of the bears so that they look like they're sitting on top of the cake or even stick them right into the frosting to give the illusion that they're floating. You could even try using different colors of gummy bears to create a rainbow effect. Not only will these cute decorations make your cake look impressive without breaking the bank, but they'll also give it a deliciously sweet and fruity flavor too.

If you're feeling really adventurous, you could even try making your own gummy bear decorations using gelatin molds. This is a great way to get creative with your cake and add a personal touch. Simply make the gelatin according to the instructions on the package, pour it into molds in whatever shapes you like, and then let it set. Once it's set, you can carefully remove the gummy bears from the molds and arrange them on your cake. If you want to add even more flavor to your cake, try using fruit-flavored gelatin or adding some essential oils to the mixture before pouring it into the molds.

Melted Chocolate and Ganache

When it comes to baking cakes, there is often one ingredient that stands out above the rest: chocolate. Whether you are using a rich and decadent dark chocolate or smooth and creamy milk chocolate, whipping up a batch of molten chocolate is truly a treat for your taste buds. But you can add an extra touch of luxury to your cake by incorporating melted chocolate into its decorating. This can be done in many different ways, from drizzling rich ganache over the top or filling your layers with delicious fudge or caramel sauce.

Ganache is a type of chocolate icing made from chocolate and cream. It's smooth, rich, and absolutely delicious. To make the ganache, simply melt some chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Once it's melted, add in some heavy cream and stir until the mixture is smooth. Then, pour it over your cake and let it set. You can also use this technique with white chocolate for a beautiful contrast. Ganache can be made with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate.

Chocolate and ganache can easily be customized according to your tastes, and they come in a wide range of popular flavors like dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, and more. Simply melt some chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, and then pour it over the top of your cake. You could also try using dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

If you want to get really fancy, you can try using different colors of chocolate to create a marbled effect. Simply melt the chocolate in separate bowls, then pour it over the cake in alternating stripes. Once it's set, you can use a knife or fork to swirl the chocolate and create a marbled effect.

Whatever method you choose, adding melted chocolate or ganache to your cake will add an element of richness and indulgence that can't be beat.

Roll In The Fondant

Fondant is a type of icing that is commonly used to cover cakes and other desserts. As its name suggests, this substance has a smooth, silky texture and a rich, sugary taste. Fondant is often made from sugar, gelatin, and corn syrup, although it can also be flavored with ingredients like chocolate or fruit extracts. Because of its ability to hold intricate shapes without breaking or moving out of place, fondant is particularly well-suited for cake decorating.

Fondant can be made from scratch or bought pre-made from most craft stores. If you're feeling really adventurous, you could even try making your own fondant at home. To make your own fondant, simply combine these ingredients in a saucepan and heat over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Once the mixture has cooled, it can be rolled out and used to cover cakes or other desserts. Store-bought fondant is often flavored with vanilla or almond extract, but you can experiment with other flavors if you make your own at home. Fondant can be tinted with food coloring to create any desired color. It's important to keep in mind that fondant will absorb moisture from the air, so it should be covered tightly when not in use.

To cover a cake with fondant, simply roll it out on a clean surface dusted with powdered sugar or cornstarch. Then, gently lift the fondant and drape it over the cake. Use a knife or spatula to smooth the fondant into place and trim off any excess. Fondant can also be used to make decorations such as flowers or leaves. To do this, roll out the fondant and use a cutter to create the desired shape. Then, let the fondants set before attaching them to the cake.

If you want to add some extra decoration to your cake, you can use a fondant cutter to cut out shapes. You can also use food-safe markers to draw on the fondant. Fondant is a great way to add an extra layer of decoration to your cake without adding too much sweetness.

Desiccated Coconut

Coconut is a versatile ingredient that has long been a favorite among bakers and other dessert lovers. It has a subtly sweet flavor that works well with many different dessert types, from rich chocolate cakes to lighter fruit tarts. Additionally, coconut gives desserts a rich, creamy texture that makes them taste extra decadent and indulgent. Whether you're whipping up your grandma's classic baked cheesecake or testing out a new recipe for vegan mousse, coconut is sure to be an essential ingredient in your dessert-making adventures.

Desiccated coconut is a type of dried, shredded coconut that can be found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. It has a wide range of uses, including as a topping for desserts, as an ingredient in baking, and as a filling for savory dishes. Desiccated coconut can be either sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference. It is also available in different degrees of fineness, from coarse to fine. When using desiccated coconut, it is important to remember that it will absorb moisture from the batter, so you may need to add additional liquid to the recipe. For best results, toast the desiccated coconut before using it in order to bring out its flavor and aroma.

To use it, simply sprinkle a bit over the top of your cake as you are assembling it or just before you pop it into the oven. The delicate crunch of desiccated coconut pairs beautifully with rich, moist cakes, and its subtle sweetness will complement any fruit or chocolate filling. Whether you are baking an elaborate layered cake or keeping things simple with a single-layer square, desiccated coconut can take your dessert to the next level.

You could also try mixing it into the frosting or using it to decorate the edges of the cake. If you want to really go all out, you could even make a coconut cream filling for your cake using desiccated coconut, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk.

Don't Forget Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is a classic snack that can be easily transformed into a decadent topping for your cake. It's perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and crunch to any cake, from chocolate bundt cakes to simple vanilla cupcakes. Caramel corn can be found in the bulk section of most grocery stores, or you can make your own at home using this recipe.

First, make a batch of caramel corn according to your favorite recipe. Next, spread the caramel corn in an even layer on top of your cake. If you want an extra-rich flavor, you can drizzle some additional caramel sauce on top of the popcorn. The caramel corn will add a delicious sweet and salty flavor to the cake, as well as a nice crunch. If you want an extra-decadent treat, you could try dipping the bottom of each cake slice into the caramel corn before serving.

Sprinkle Some Marshmallows

Marshmallows are a classic topping for many sweet desserts, from birthday cake to cupcakes to s'mores. Made by whipping together egg whites, sugar, and flavoring agents such as vanilla and corn syrup, these tasty little morsels are soft and fluffy with a satisfyingly gooey texture. In addition to their great taste, marshmallows also have practical uses. They can act as a stabilizer in jellies, candies, and puddings; they can be melted down to make a unique kind of frosting or glaze, and they can even be used as a rather unconventional ingredient in savory dishes like risotto and pad thai.

They add a touch of sweetness and whimsy to any dish, and they're also very easy to find (and eat). To use marshmallows as a cake topping, simply sprinkle them over the top of the cake as you are assembling it. You can also skewer them on toothpicks and insert them into the cake or use them to decorate the edges.

If you want to get really creative, you could try making your own marshmallows at home. Homemade marshmallows are much tastier than store-bought ones, and they're also very easy to make. Simply combine sugar, water, gelatin, and flavorings in a saucepan and heat the mixture over low heat until it thickens. Then, pour the mixture into a greased pan and let it set. Once it's set, you can cut it into any shape you like.