How to Write On a Cake without Piping Bags: Mastering the Art

Last Updated on January 21, 2023

If you want to learn how to write on a cake without piping bags, then I highly suggest you carefully read this article. Essentially, writing on the cake is a skill that requires plenty of practice. With that, it is an excellent way of enhancing your homemade baked goods by achieving bakery-style designs. The piping bag and tip is the best option for the best results when writing on the cake. For instance, you can utilize the round tip to write letters.

Although big tips can result in messier designs, on the other hand, smaller tips are hard to use when squeezing the icing out. That is why it is best to experiment to find out what works for you. However, what if a piping bag is unavailable? What other alternatives can one use to write on the cake?

These are four alternatives you can use when you find yourself writing on a cake, and you forgot to buy a new piping bag.

• Plastic or Ziplock bags
• Parchment or Wax proof paper
• Kitchen towel lined with plastic wrap
• Reusable Piping bags

Alternatives to Write on a Cake without a Piping Bag

1. Plastic or Ziplock Bags

Plastic bags are disposable and convenient; ziplock, sandwich, and slider tip bags can be a good substitute for piping bags.

Equipment

• Plastic bag

Step-by-Step Instructions To Write On A Cake Without A Piping Bag

Step 1

Grab your plastic bag or ziplock bag, put the frosting inside, and shove it into one corner. Keep in mind to push all the air out before sealing to make it easier for you to dispense the frosting out.

Step 2

Close the bag by twisting the top; snip the bag’s tip with the size of your choice. Lift the bag pointing upward so that the frosting will not spill out. You can also place a piping tip at the end by trimming a bigger hole.

2. Parchment or Wax Paper

Parchment or Wax paper is a widespread substitution for piping bags because of its nongreasy texture.

Equipment

• Parchment or Wax paper
• Tape
• Piping tip

Step by Step Instructions on How to Write On a Cake without Piping Bags

Step 1

Cut a square from your parchment or wax paper, fold the cut out into a triangle by taking one edge to the opposite corner, and roll it into a cone so that the other point is where the frosting goes out. The size of the hole will determine how much frosting will be dispensed.

Step 2

Cover the cone with tape so that it is sealed. Hold the cone on its side, so it does not spill, and fill the cone halfway to be manageable and more comfortable when writing.

3. Kitchen Towel Lined with a Plastic Wrap

The makeshift kitchen towel-lined with plastic wrap is the last resort. This method is not for writing fine lines but for bigger fonts.

Equipment

• Kitchen towel
• Plastic wrap

Step by Step Instructions on How to Write on Cakes

Step 1

Start by laying a kitchen towel and line a plastic wrap on top, then roll the towel into a cone. Turn it sideways and fill it with frosting. Wrap the top to close.

4. Invest in a Reusable Piping bag

Also known as featherweight bags, they are washable and are made from several materials, such as canvas, cotton, and polyester. Featherweight bags can be durable as long as it is maintained and cleaned correctly.

Equipment

• Reusable piping bag

Silicone Pastry 3 Sizes Reusable Piping Bags

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Open the reusable bag fitted with the piping tip of choice, fill the bag with frosting, twist the top to seal then start writing.

Tips and Tricks on How to Write On a Cake without Piping Bags

Now we have come to, in our humble opinion, the most exciting section of this post. Here, we will show to you some fantastic tips and tricks on how to write on a cake without piping bags.

The truth is, while they are a ubiquitous tool used in cake decorating, they are not always necessary for the process to be completed properly. Let’s look at some popular alternative techniques and methods that could be of great help to you.

Writing on the cake is not a piece of cake for some bakers, so it is highly encouraged to practice lettering on parchment paper or a surface before writing on a cake. Cursive is recommended for beginners since it is easier to control stroke flow. To end a word, lightly press the tip and lift to get a clean edge.

Use a toothpick or skewer

Writing on a cake using a toothpick or skewer is a quick and easy technique to create beautiful designs and messages without the need for a piping bag.

This is honestly one of the most versatile options because it can be used in different mediums like food coloring, chocolate, icing, or buttercream. Not only that but it can also be used on different types of cakes like butter cakes, chocolate cakes, and cheesecakes, and also on different types of frostings like whipped cream, cream cheese, fondant, buttercream, and more.

They are genuinely a low-cost and easily accessible tool, as they can be found in most kitchen or craft stores and can be used more than once.

Use a food-safe marker

In a nutshell, a food-safe marker is a type of writing utensil that is specifically designed to be used on food items, such as cakes. It is made of edible ink and a variety of other elements that are suitable for use in food preparation areas and will not contaminate food. It is essential not to experiment with colors and choose those that will not harm the people who ingest them.

In any case, confectioners recommend it for writing messages or drawing drawings on the cake, allowing you to personalize even the most mundane treat.

Use a small paintbrush

Using a small paintbrush to write on a cake is an alternative method to using a food-safe marker.

It provides greater accuracy and control for making complex designs or letters on a cake. When compared to the previous approach, this technique dramatically simplifies effort when it comes to creating fine lines and more intricate designs and patterns. It also allows for greater creativity because different types of paintbrushes may be used to produce various effects on the cake.

Use a squeeze bottle

If you are wondering how to write on a cake without piping bags, feel free to give the squeeze bottle technique a try. This method is particularly useful when working with thicker mediums such as chocolate, royal icing, or piping gel.

It is very similar to the paintbrush method, but the main difference is that the tip of the bottle can be adjusted to create different line widths, and the pressure applied to the bottle can be used to control the flow of the medium. This is great for making complicated motifs like calligraphy or filigree, as well as for detailed designs, lettering, or 3-dimensional effect on cakes using thicker mediums.

Use a small plastic bag

Using a small plastic bag to write on a cake is a common technique used by bakers to create detailed drawings and messages on cakes. One of the primary advantages of using this technique is better accuracy and control. Furthermore, it acts as a conduit for the icing or frostings, letting you effortlessly regulate the flow and pressure during the whole process. As a result, designs and messages may be more accurate and detailed.

Another advantage of using a plastic bag is that it is relatively mess-free and easy to clean. In contrast to other writing utensils, such as pastry bags or squeeze bottles, a plastic bag may indeed be easily discarded after use, reducing the need for long and tedious cleaning.

Finally, it is very important to state that this technique allows for more versatility in terms of the types of icing or frosting that can be used, and allows greater control and more consistent results.

Use a stencil

Using a stencil to write on a cake is a method that enables even inexperienced cake decorators to create precise and professional-looking designs, patterns, and messages on cakes.

By placing the stencil on the cake and then using a food-grade marker or piping the icing through the stencil, the baker can create a design that is identical every time, making it a fantastic alternative for creating multiple cakes with the same pattern.

Stencils are available in a variety of forms and sizes and may be used to produce complicated designs such as monograms, logos, and other detailed patterns. This is a truly excellent way to reduce the time and effort required to get a perfect final product.

That’s it, now you know how to write on a cake without piping bags!

To Wrap Things Up

Each and every one of these methods, techniques, tips, and tricks should be of great help to bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, to create precise and professional-looking designs and messages.

The point is that they provide bakers with greater precision and control, mess-free and easy clean-up, versatility in terms of types of frosting, icing, and glazes, as well as the ability to create consistent and identical designs.

That’s all you need to know about how to write on a cake without piping bags. We hope you will put what you have learned to good use the next time!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comment section below!

Take a look at this article as well:

How to Decorate a Wedding Cake With Fresh Flowers: Easy Guide