What are Hosts?
If you’re new to cake decoration, you might be wondering what hosts even are. Hosts, also known as sugar sheets or cake toppers, are edible thin sheets made of sugar or rice paper that decorate the surface of cakes. They come in various designs, colors, and textures, giving your cake an instant wow-factor with minimal effort.
Types of Hosts
There are two main types of hosts commonly used by cake decorators:
- Sugar Sheets: These are made of thin sheets of colored sugar. They can be pre-cut into various shapes and designs or can be cut using scissors or craft punches.
- Rice Paper: Also known as wafer paper or icing paper, rice paper hosts are made from rice flour. They are thin, slightly transparent, and have a delicate texture. Rice paper hosts are often used for intricate designs and delicate decorations.
Preparing Your Cake
Before applying hosts, it’s essential to prepare your cake properly. Follow these steps:
- Cool your cake completely to prevent the hosts from melting.
- Level your cake layers and crumb coat it with a thin layer of frosting to create a smooth surface.
- Apply a generous layer of frosting or buttercream on the cake, ensuring it is evenly spread.
Applying Sugar Sheet Hosts
Sugar sheets are relatively easy to apply. Here’s a simple step-by-step process:
- Cut the sugar sheet into the desired shape using scissors or a craft punch.
- Gently peel off the backing paper from the cut-out host.
- Place the host onto the cake, applying light pressure to ensure it adheres well.
- Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles using a clean, dry brush or your fingertips.
Applying Rice Paper Hosts
Applying rice paper hosts requires a slightly different technique:
- Cut out the desired shape from the rice paper using sharp scissors or a craft knife.
- Mist the back of the rice paper host lightly with water using a clean spray bottle.
- Place the rice paper onto the cake, gently pressing it down to stick.
- Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles using a clean, dry brush or your fingertips.
Adding Final Touches
Once your hosts are applied, you can add some final touches to enhance their appearance:
- Dust the hosts with edible shimmer or lustre dust to give them a subtle sparkle.
- Paint additional details or accents using food coloring and a fine-tip brush.
- Finish off with piped buttercream borders or decorative elements.
Now that you have mastered the art of applying hosts on cakes, unleash your creativity and take your cake decorating skills to new heights. Explore different designs, colors, and textures to personalize your cakes and impress everyone with your stunning creations. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting and enjoy the process of creating edible masterpieces!