The Basics of Buttercream Piping

This tutorial may look simple and easy but it is the foundation of becoming a buttercream diva!

When you write or draw something on a piece of paper it is easy for you because your been doing it all your life. Imagine holding a really thick pen (piping bag) and having to squeeze it before you can start writing or drawing.... not as easy huh?

This is why you have to practice. I have never seen anyone, not even the seasoned chefs pipe anything perfectly the first time. :)

First we'll do lines and curves. Believe me trying to pipe a straight line is harder than it looks. When you put pressure on the piping bag the tip will hve a tendency to swerve to the left or the right and there is your challenge in keeping your line straight.

Prepare your piping bag. Once it is filled with buttercream twist the bag where the buttercream ends until you get a chubby looking bag


                      WRONG                                   WRONG                                          RIGHT

                                                  

How to hold the bag

Place the twist of the bag in the crook between your thumb and forefinger while your four fingers rest on the bag's chubbiest part.

                                   WRONG                                      WRONG                                                             RIGHT

If you hold the piping bag incorrectly you will not be able to pipe correctly, it's that simple.

LET'S PIPE IT!!!!!!

While holding the bag on your right hand (or left if you are a leftie) use you other hand to guide and keep your piping hand stable. Put even pressure on the bag and move it slowly across the practice plate. Video link below, please click the link to watch.

https://www.facebook.com/red.apron.96/videos/1704564653090452/

When doing it on a cake, mark your guide with a toothpick. Video link below.

https://www.facebook.com/red.apron.96/videos/1704566813090236/

Piping straigth lines on a cake. Video link below

https://www.facebook.com/red.apron.96/videos/1704567629756821/

Piping Curved Lines. Video link below

https://www.facebook.com/red.apron.96/videos/1704565846423666/

Piping a rope border. Video link below

https://www.facebook.com/RedApronBatangas/videos/464651570386682/

The more you practice the more you'll get better!


One of my student's work :) She is able to create such luscious looking cakes in only 2 weeks after attending my workhop. 

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE RECIPE THAT WAS USED IN THIS TUTORIAL..

http://thetattoedchef.blogspot.com/2016/01/buttercream-thats-stable-as-stable-can.html