50 Bakers Whose Creations Deserve Michelin Stars (New Pics)

The masterpieces on this list were clearly created with love and amazing attention to detail. But even if you’re someone who only makes muffins from box mixes or purchases birthday cakes from the grocery store, you might be able to take some inspiration from these photos.

The most important ingredient that truly makes something delicious and comforting is love. And if you take the time to spruce up those store-bought cupcakes or Betty Crocker muffins, your friends and family members will definitely be able to tell. Plus, practice makes perfect! The first time you pipe a cake, it might look like something that belongs on Netflix’s Nailed It! But with a bit more experience, you’ll be creating gorgeous cakes before you know it.

If you’re already an avid baker and can confidently make something that your friends will be salivating over, it might be time to venture into the world of decorative baking. You don’t have to start whipping up hyperrealistic cakes or loaves of focaccia that belong in an art museum. But if you want your cakes to catch the eye of everyone who encounters them, Sam at Sugar Spun Run has some tips.

First, let’s start with the basics. You might need to acquire some tools and gear, such as a nice cake platter, a cake leveler, a piping bag and piping tips. Sam also notes that three-layer cakes look nicer than those with only two tiers. But before you start stacking and frosting, make sure your cakes are level. This will make them even and balanced, so they don’t topple over. 

Sam also points out that it’s important to choose your frosting wisely when assembling a cake. For decorative cakes, it’s best to make a sturdy frosting that can easily be manipulated. It should spread without dragging crumbs around the cake, but you shouldn’t have to worry about it sliding off the sides. 

It’s also a good idea to make more frosting than you think you’ll need, just in case. And before you get to decorating, spread a thin crumb coat on your cake. Then place the whole thing in the fridge or freezer for 20 minutes to let it set.

If you want to add an easy but stunning detail to the top of your cake, you can make a ganache drip. And after that’s set, it’s time to do some piping. You may want to pipe around the outside of the top of your cake, as well as the bottom edge. And if that doesn’t turn out perfectly, sprinkles will become your best friend!

Now, if you want to start with cupcakes instead of a huge, three-tier cake, Whitney at Sugar & Sparrow has some simple decorating techniques that can quickly elevate your baking game. To create a gorgeous rosette, all you need to do is pipe a nice swirl. And if you want to pipe open stars, you can simply use a 4B piping tip to squeeze many tiny stars onto the top of your cupcakes.  

Another cute cupcake option is the “pom pom.” Whitney explains that this can be achieved by holding a 104 piping tip vertically and squiggling little lines all around the cupcake. And if you want ruffles, hold the same piping tip flat against the cupcake with the larger edge pointed towards the center of the cake. Move the tip slightly up and down in a circular motion around the cupcake. And keep repeating until you have gorgeous little ruffles!