10 Best Cake Decorating Books 2025 in the United States

The Wilton Cake Decorating Course 3 is a solid choice for those interested in learning how to create tiered cakes with fondant and detailed decorations. It is designed for users who have some basic cake-decorating experience and want to advance their skills, particularly in creating smooth fondant surfaces, elegant flowers, and intricate accents like embroidery and lace. The book offers step-by-step guidance that is easy to follow, making it suitable for self-study. With 48 pages, it provides a focused, manageable amount of content rather than overwhelming the reader.

The variety of techniques covered allows for a good mix of classic and decorative skills, especially useful if you want to impress with tiered cakes and refined borders. Wilton is a well-known brand in cake decorating, which adds credibility to the instructions and techniques presented. The book's visual appeal is somewhat limited due to its softcover format and relatively few pages, so it may not be as richly illustrated or inspiring as larger, more photo-heavy books.

If you’re aiming to build confidence in working with fondant and tiered cakes specifically, this book is a practical and approachable resource. However, if you're after a broader range of cake decorating styles or more detailed photography, you might want to explore additional titles.

'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 Wilton Student Decorating Kit Book Course 2 offers an engaging way for aspiring cake decorators to develop their skills. Aimed at beginners, it covers essential techniques for creating vibrant flower designs, making it suitable for those wanting to enhance their cake-decorating abilities. With step-by-step instructions, users can follow along, which may help in building confidence as they learn new techniques.

The course emphasizes design variety largely through floral patterns, which could be limiting if you're seeking broader design options. Authored by Wilton, a reputable name in the cake-decorating industry, the book benefits from expert knowledge, providing a reliable foundation for learning. This course package is visually appealing, with colorful designs that can inspire creativity. Included tools such as flower nails, foil squares, and practice sheets add practical value, allowing hands-on practice, which is crucial for mastering decorating skills.

However, users looking for advanced techniques might find the content somewhat basic. The book could be less appealing to those interested in non-floral designs due to its specific focus. Although not discontinued, its ranking suggests it's not the most popular choice in the kitchen and dining category, yet it maintains a decent customer rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. The compact size of the kit makes it easy to store and transport, weighing only 1 pound. If you're a beginner eager to learn the art of cake decorating with a focus on floral designs, this kit offers a solid starting point.