Easiest Ways to Get a Wood Effect Using Buttercream

As a baking fan and avid cake decorator, I am always searching for new interesting ways in which I can add a special flair to my next creation. I've done some research, and I found a few cool ways on how to make wood grain in buttercream icing and texture the outside like bark that I want to share with you.

1

The easiest, most common of these tools is a fork. It is somewhat rudimentary, but it can definitely help you distress the buttercream in a way that resembles wood.

A FORK

2

For a tree bark texture, use vertically all around your cake to give the illusion that is is actually a tree stump.

PAINTBRUSH

3

Make sure you use it while the buttercream is still soft, as its bristles are more flexible and you won’t be able to use it otherwise.

A SILICONE BASTING BRUSH

4

It will let you create very interesting shapes without the need of buying a specific mold. You can fold it whichever way you like and imprint it on the buttercream, like a stamp. 

ALUMINUM FOIL

5

You will definitely need to wait until the buttercream has crusted to use them, if not you will end up with buttercream all over the little ridges.

IMPRESSION MATS

There are several ways to create the bark. The easiest one is to pipe with a ridged tip. You can also use a texturing tool mentioned before.

Easiest Ways to Get a Wood Effect Using Buttercream