My Kitchen Table

CAKE DECORATING FOR BEGINNERS: 5 mistakes to avoid.

If your buttercream cakes bulge between the layers, lean to one side or never seem to get that smooth finish, it might not be your decorating ability, it could simply be your technique.

Here are 5 common cake decorating mistakes I see beginners make:

🎂 1. Putting too much filling between cake layers
It’s tempting to add loads, but too much filling can squeeze out as you stack and contribute to bulging between the layers. Keep your filling even and appropriate for the cake and filling you’re using.

📏 2. Not checking your cake as you stack
Don’t wait until all the layers are on to realise your cake is leaning! Check it from different angles as you build and gently adjust each layer as you go.

🤍 3. Skipping the crumb coat
That thin first layer of buttercream traps loose crumbs and gives you a much cleaner base for your final coat.

🧈 4. Working with the wrong buttercream consistency
If your buttercream is too stiff, getting a smooth finish can be difficult. Too soft and your cake may lack stability. Learning what the right buttercream consistency feels like is a game changer.

✨ 5. Expecting perfection on your first few cakes
This might be the biggest one.
Smooth buttercream, straight sides, sharp edges, piping… they’re skills. And skills get better with practice.

You don’t need to be naturally talented at cake decorating.
You need to learn the techniques, practise them and understand WHY they work.

Save these cake decorating tips for the next time you’re filling and stacking a buttercream cake.

Which part do you struggle with most : filling, stacking, crumb coating or getting smooth buttercream?

A good muffin should be soft and tender inside with a beautiful rise on top — and getting there isn’t just about having a good recipe.

A few things I always keep in mind:
✨ Don’t overmix your batter
Once the flour goes in, mix only until combined. A few lumps are absolutely fine! Overmixing can give you tough, dense muffins.

🥣 Your batter should usually be fairly thick
Muffin batter is often much thicker than cupcake batter. Don’t be tempted to add extra liquid just because it doesn’t look like cake batter.

⏰ Letting the batter rest can help
For recipes suited to it, a short rest before baking gives the flour time to hydrate and can help produce a fuller muffin.

🔥 Make sure your oven is properly preheated
That initial heat is important for getting a good rise.

🧁 Fill those cases!
Unlike cupcakes, where I usually leave more room, I fill muffin cases generously when I’m looking for those big bakery-style tops.

And possibly the most important one…

Know when to STOP mixing. 🙌
Muffin batter doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth. The more you chase those little lumps, the more you risk developing too much gluten and losing that lovely tender texture.

Good baking isn’t about making everything look perfect before it goes into the oven — it’s about understanding what the batter needs.

Join me on 12th Sept, for a relaxed and fun Cupcake Decorating Workshop where I’ll show you exactly how to create beautiful cupcakes — even if you’ve never piped before 💛

Here’s what you’ll learn:
✨ How to colour buttercream
✨ Simple colour theory (so your colours actually work together)
✨ 7 different piping techniques
✨ Hands-on piping practice with guidance throughout

You’ll leave with a gorgeous box of cupcakes you decorated yourself (and a whole new level of confidence 😍)

Book now - link in bio or visit mykitchentable.ie

Cookies don’t need to be complicated!

Learn one really good cookie dough recipe and you can turn it into so many different cookies.
M&Ms
Oreos
Kinder
Biscoff
Triple Chocolate
Nuts, sweets, biscuits… whatever you fancy!

Make one batch of dough, divide it up, add your favourites and suddenly you have a whole selection of cookies.

One dough. So many possibilities.

Baking should be simple, creative and most importantly… FUN. 💛