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 book '100 Buttercream Flowers' by Valeri Valeriano and Christina Ong is a comprehensive guide for cake decorators of all skill levels. It offers a wide variety of techniques and design options, covering everything from azaleas to zinnias. The step-by-step instructions are clearly laid out, making it easy for beginners to follow along and create beautiful floral decorations with buttercream icing. The visual appeal of the book is high, with detailed illustrations that enhance understanding and learning.

Valeri and Christina are renowned buttercream artists, lending significant expertise and credibility to the content. The book’s softcover format and manageable size make it convenient to use in the kitchen. However, its weight of over 2 pounds might make it a little cumbersome for some users to handle for extended periods.

Additionally, while the book is rich with information, it has only 128 pages, which might feel a bit limited for those seeking an extensive variety of designs beyond the 100 flowers covered. This book is ideal for cake decorators looking to enhance their skills in creating buttercream flowers, whether they are just starting or looking to expand their existing repertoire.