I'm a baking novice, but I'm wanting to try to do a cake. What is easier- the icing syringe or the bags?

Question

What would be easier for a beginner trying to decorate a cake for the first time?
This:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cake-Decorating-Icing-Deluxe-Syringe-7-Tips-NIP-Gift_W0QQitemZ260127555177QQihZ016QQcategoryZ20642QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

or This:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Plastic-Cake-Decorating-Icing-Bag-5-Tips-NEW_W0QQitemZ260105255165QQihZ016QQcategoryZ46281QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Also. When decorating, is it better that the icing be cool or room temp?

Thanks!

Answer 1

For me the bag was easier to use cause you can control better the amount of icing that comes out with a squeeze of your hand. My in law tried to use the syringe and it was a disaster. You want the icing to be room temp but on the cold side. If it gets too warm it will come out fast and not hold its shape, simply refridgerate for a bit. Practice with white frosting on plastic wrap or wax paper before putting on the cake. You can reuse the practice frosting, just scrape off and refill bag. Good Luck, decorating is addicting.

Answer 2

I do some cake baking and decorating. I think the bags work fine. Just put the frosting in, twist down the top till the bag is tight and then start decorating. Before you start on the cake, you can practice on wax paper or a plate or something and then scoop the frosting back up and use again. I always just use it at room temp, never thought about other temps.

There are kits you can get that have more tips than you will ever need. Simple decorating is easy and adds a nice touch to the cake. One thing, if you like walnuts, is to crush into bits a small bowl of walnuts and then stick them to the sides of your cake using your hand (just scoop a handful and press to the side and repeat until the side of the cake is nicely covered) and then add a shell border around the top and bottom. Very easy but the cake looks great. Basket weave is easy also and that seems to impress people. I usually just do that on the sides, use a top and bottom border of some kind and then put writing on the top.

I mostly use a pretty easy frosting: stick of butter, 1/2 cup shortening, box powdered sugar, 1 and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and a few tablespoons of milk to get the right consistency. If you want pure white replace the butter with another 1/2 cup shortening. French buttercreams and such are not bad but, being an american, I prefer the heavier ones with more body plus they are no trouble to make. And use whatever food color you prefer or add cocoa (1/4, 1/3, etc of a cup depending on how you like it) or a few ounces of chocolate.

Answer 3

Personally, I like the bags and prefer wilton brand with the metal tips as there are more tips available(they do have a beginners kit). For colored icing try using the wilton style colorings because they don't affect the consistancy of the frosting/icing, but I would use either disposable decorating bags(I have also heard of ziplock bags being used) because the coloring is impossible to get out of the regular decorating bags. Another thing you can do is put set up an area on your counter or table using waxpaper or plastic wrap and practice. There is a section on wilton.com that shows how to use the bags and tips.

Answer 4

for me the bag is easier,the cake be completely cooled and dusted off of crumbs,also you need a crumb coat first before the final or second coat.for thin lattice trim or small lettering go with the syringe,but for me i like the bag.i like my icing to be cool but not too cold.just do a little test on a store bought muffin or cake to be sure you get the results you want.if i were you ,i'd get the syringe and bag.

Answer 5

It will spread alot easier if its room temp, the cake needs to be room temp too or the icing will just slide off. I think the bag and a wooden spoon work the best, personally i think it is easier to maneuver.

Answer 6

The icing syringe is much easier to use and also wash afterwoods, icing is much better to use for decorating when cooled slightly not too much though. Practise makes perfect so experiment with different tempertures and you will find out what you find easier to work with.

Answer 7

Actually you cannot "do a cake." But you know what, to bake a great cake try the foodnetwork.com I am sure they have tons of recipes.

They are also easy to follow.

Hope your cake comes out delicious!

Answer 8

Sure, miss Betty Crocker! I am having a party, you bring the cake, I get the drinks. :) Jolly good!

Answer 9

take it from someone who gets paid to do this....
the saringe
u need strong hands for the bag
especially if u haven't taken a class

Answer 10

bag it fits into your hand you have more control. and you canadjust pressure. just be sure all air bubbles are out befor you start.