10 Best Cake Decorating Books 2026 in the United States

The Wilton Decorating Cakes Book by The Wilton School is a comprehensive guide for those interested in cake decorating, suitable for various skill levels. It covers 103 different techniques, including borders, flowers, and fondant, which makes it a rich resource for learning. This book stands out with its step-by-step instructions and a variety of 30 exciting cake designs, catering to both beginners and more experienced decorators.

The inclusion of helpful recipes, a tip chart, serving and cutting charts, and a glossary of terms adds further value, making it a thorough reference guide. The product guide explaining the necessary equipment and ingredients is particularly useful for those new to cake decorating. Authored by the esteemed Wilton School, the book comes with a high level of expertise and credibility in the field.

Visually, the book is appealing, with over 400 photographs providing clear guidance and inspiration. Some might find the book's age (published in 1999) a slight drawback as more contemporary designs and techniques might be missing. Additionally, its softcover format might not be as durable for frequent use. Despite these minor cons, it remains a solid choice for anyone looking to improve their cake decorating skills.

'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.