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How to Level Up A Simple Traybake with Bold Frosting
• Lynsey Macdonald
Whatever the occasion, a simple traybake is always a good idea! Whether it's a brownie slab, a classic lemon drizzle, or a flavour combo of your own creation, it makes for a quick and easy but delicious bake. And with the right finishing touch, even a simple sheet cake can be the talk of the party... You guessed it - we're talking frosting.
They don't call the best things in life "the icing on the cake" for no reason! With the right ingredients and tools, the icing you add can make all the difference. And it isn't just about that moreish taste. With innovative, easy to use piping tools, you can create the most beautiful looking bakes! So, we've gathered five perfect examples of how to level up a simple traybake with bold frosting.
Colour Explosion
Let's start with the boldest of bold! Here, the amazing Jess from @4cake_sake used a rainbow colour palette to catch the eye. The vibrant orange, yellow and blue paired with the soft lilac and warm pink is stunning! But the colour is only half the story... Jess created an amazing textured look by using a combination of piping tips from Wilton. The different looks helped take this simple traybake to a whole other level! The gorgeous geo tin is also from Wilton, and just adds to the colourful presentation. Use this as inspiration and have fun with it. You could even make several traybakes and have a family decorating party. Winner gets the first bite!
Raise the (Chocolate) Bar...
Another glorious example of perfect piping, the talented Josh and Kirstie from @jkbakes_ knocked it out of the park! Using a cool combination of blues, greens and soft golds from Fractal Colors, this is a gorgeous way to lean into a specific colour theme. Again, using a variety of piping tips helps achieve that textured look. And if that wasn't enough, they finished this delicious sheet cake off with something extra sweet. Mini chocolate bars! These cute details are an easy way completely transform a simple traybake.
Sophisticated Neutrals
Beautiful is right! The slogan says it all... While we're always partial to a pop of colour, there's something super sophisticated about neutrals! Using the amazing Skin Tones range from Fractal Colors, Jess created this stunning design. It just goes to show, soft and subtle can be equally as effective as bright and bold! Again, Jess used a variety of Wilton piping tips to pipe these colours on, instantly levelling up a simple traybake base.
Charm your Guests...
We can't take our eyes off this dreamy blue, violet and cream frosting combo. In this showstopper, Josh and Kirstie highlighted just how versatile the Fractal Colors Summer Sunset range really is! And to take it up another level, they finished with this gorgeous zodiac cake charm (check out our personalisation hub to make a charm or topper!). Calling all Libra babies - this is some serious inspo for your next birthday bake! A cake charm is a really easy way to tie in a theme or add a cute personal touch. The piped frosting provides a perfect base to attach your charm and keep it in place.
Stylish Slogans
Did the "beautiful" on that neutral cake catch your eye? Good. That was a sneak peek at our final tip! Piping on a slogan is the ultimate way to personalise a simple traybake. Sticking to a classic cake theme here, Jess shows just how effective this style can be. Whether you choose to add a name, a date, a famous tv quote or a simple "happy birthday", this finishing touch is always a winner. This option still allows you to get creative with piping! Use your nozzles and frosting colours of choice to create a beautiful border for your text.
Thanks to Jess at @4cake_sake, and Josh and Kirstie at @jkbakes_ for sharing their talents with us! Could you have guessed how a handful of piping tips and some colourful buttercream could completely transform a simple traybake? The options with these tools at hand are endless! Don't forget to tag us on instagram using #CakeDecFamous - we check every day to see what you've come up with. Ready, set, bake!
Looking for more inspo?
10 Easy Traybakes that Never go out of Style
